Australian Industry Group welcomes the passage of the Customs Amendment (Safeguard Inquiries) Bill through Parliament as an important step in modernising Australia’s trade remedies framework and strengthening support for Australian industry.
The legislation transfers responsibility for safeguard inquiries from the Productivity Commission to the Australian Trade Remedies Commission, creating a single specialist body responsible for administering Australia’s trade remedies system.
“Australian manufacturers operate in an increasingly challenging global environment and need access to a trade remedies system that is efficient, coherent and responsive,” said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, Australian Industry Group.
“Consolidating safeguard inquiries alongside anti-dumping and countervailing measures within a single expert agency will improve regulatory efficiency and provide industry with a clearer and more streamlined pathway when seeking trade remedies.
“This reform, which we took to last year’s Economic Reform Roundtable, recognises that safeguard measures are an integral part of Australia’s trade remedies framework and should sit alongside the expertise and capability already built within the Australian Trade Remedies Commission.”
Australian Industry Group has long advocated for a strong and effective trade remedies system that ensures Australian businesses can compete on a level playing field while maintaining Australia’s commitment to an open and rules-based trading system.
“The passage of this legislation reflects the broad support across industry, unions and other stakeholders for a more effective trade remedies framework,” Mr Willox said.
“We commend the Government, the Australian Trade Remedies Commission and all stakeholders involved in progressing this important reform.”
