Joint Release with The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP: Australian Government releases deregulation roadmap

The Government has released a roadmap of key deregulation priorities in the communications sector and the expected timing for consideration of these issues throughout 2014.

The Communications portfolio has adopted a strong deregulatory policy agenda and is progressing changes to the way in which regulation is created, implemented and reviewed. The key principles of this reform agenda include regulating only where absolutely necessary, that regulation should not be the default position in dealing with public policy issues but that important consumer protections need to be maintained.

Deregulation priorities identified for the remainder of 2014 build on the significant progress already made in reducing red tape across the communications sector. Reform measures announced on the first Parliamentary Repeal Day are expected to contribute at least $35 million each year towards the Government's annual target of $1 billion in savings through reducing regulatory costs to industry, not-for-profits and individuals.

Priorities for 2014 include improving telecommunications consumer regulation, updating Australia's spectrum management framework, including the Radiocommunications Act 1992, to ensure it is fit for the digital age and reform of digital television rules following switchover. The roadmap also outlines the range of other policy issues likely to be considered in 2014, given the linkages between the Government's deregulation and broader policy agendas.

The roadmap aims to give an indication to communications sector stakeholders of the forward plans of the Government. This is part of the ongoing consultation with stakeholders which will continue to inform the Government's deregulatory agenda.

The roadmap is available on the Department of Communications' website at http://www.communications.gov.au/deregulation/communications_portfolio_deregulation_roadmap_2014