Call for Submission on Discussion Paper for the Review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme
The Australian Government is inviting interested parties and individuals to provide written submissions to the second phase of the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).
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Previous MinistersJoint Release
The Hon David Bradbury MP
Assistant Treasurer
Minister Assisting for Deregulation
The Hon Catherine King MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing
31 May 2012The Gillard Government is inviting interested parties and individuals to provide written submissions to the second phase of the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).
The Government today released a Discussion Paper on the Review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, outlining potential options for reforming the role of NICNAS within the broader institutional and regulatory framework for chemicals regulation, inviting written submissions on the ideas proposed.
Input from stakeholders is sought on implications and impacts of the possible reforms proposed in the Discussion Paper.
“The proposed options for reform seek to rebalance the NICNAS system to extend a lighter regulatory touch to low risk chemicals whilst strengthening the regulatory controls for higher risk chemicals. The objective is to achieve appropriate levels of health and environmental protection faster,” Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King said.
Minister Assisting for Deregulation, David Bradbury MP, said the review will streamline regulatory settings to enhance both the competitiveness of the Australian chemical industry and public health and environmental outcomes.
“The reforms will seek to reduce costs to business and industry while improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the system,” Mr Bradbury said.
The Discussion Paper has been prepared drawing on the issues raised by the Productivity Commission Research Report: Chemicals and Plastics Regulation (July 2008), relevant commitments made under the Council of Australian Governments’ Seamless National Economy National Partnership Agreement (2009), and from public submissions received in the first phase of the review in late 2011.
Businesses, industry and community groups are invited to provide views on the implications of the proposals and the extent to which these reforms reduce unnecessary regulation. These views will assist the Australian Government’s thinking on the final reform package.
Stakeholders are urged to have their say by making a submission to the Department of Health and Ageing by 5pm, 27 July 2012.
For information on the background to the review and the current public submission process please see: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp_nicnas_review.htm
*A copy of the Discussion Paper is attached (PDF 466 KB).
For more information, contact the parliamentary secretary’s office on 02 6277 4230
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