Our Ministers have determined nine strategic priorities. These priorities will be the areas of primary focus for the Department over this term of Government and are outlined below. Added to these is the Government’s commitment to develop an Industry Statement for release in 2007. That statement will reflect many of the priorities below and articulate an updated industry policy framework.
Implementing new measures
Major new implementation tasks for the Department include several new Venture Capital programs; increasing Invest Australia’s overseas presence; enhancing electronic validation, authentication and notary services; guiding broad uptake of the Business Cost Calculator; expansion of Australian Industry Participation Framework; and rehabilitating the National Measurement Institute’s capital base. The Department is involved in administering assistance to the affected communities following Cyclones Larry and Monica. Assistance is also being provided to the communities of Beaconsfield and Port Kembla.
Securing Australia’s energy future
The energy policy framework focuses on maintaining competitive electricity and gas prices through energy market reform and improving energy efficiency; ensuring the security of energy supply; and reducing emissions through development of new technologies. The Department is substantially involved in the Prime Minister’s review of uranium mining, processing, and nuclear energy.
Capitalising on Australia’s resources
To enhance the resources sector’s contribution to the Australian economy, the Department will work towards increasing the sector’s international competitiveness, expanding the resources base and improving the regulatory regime.
Measurable reduction in compliance burden
The Department will pursue regulatory reform on a whole-of-government basis to provide a measurably simpler and less costly business environment. It will work with other agencies to develop and implement responses to the report of the Taskforce on Reducing the Regulatory Burdens on Business. Through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) National Reform Agenda, the Department will continue to promote and participate in cross-jurisdictional reforms, taking a lead role in regulatory reform for chemicals and plastics, trade measurement, and building regulation.
Commercialisation, collaboration, and investment in innovation
As part of the Government’s innovation policy agenda the Department will continue to focus on the linkage between innovation and growth, stimulate collaboration, improve data collection and analysis, and seek to maximise the return on public sector investment in research and innovation, through the implementation of a range of targeted programs.
Australia as a leader in platform technologies and industries of the future
The Department will promote development of frontier technologies and sectors including biotechnology and nanotechnology, and promote development of the pharmaceuticals and medical devices industries.
Skills development to meet business needs
The Department is working with the Departments of Education, Science and Training and Employment and Workplace Relations, to implement the government’s skills shortages agenda. The Department will participate in mechanisms to increase industry influence over the skills formation process, facilitate industry skills initiatives through Action Agendas and carry out research into specific skills related matters as they impact upon industry.
Global integration
The Department will assist in trade negotiations for free trade agreements including with China, ASEAN and Malaysia. Invest Australia will expand its international presence with four new offices in Dubai, New Delhi, Mumbai and Seoul. As part of APEC 2007, the Department will host a number of ministerial and associated meetings across Australia. The Department will continue its involvement in the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (AP6), working with China, India, Japan, Korea and USA to develop and implement AP6 projects.
Microeconomic reform and the business environment
Some issues of critical importance to industry fall outside our direct policy responsibility. The Department will work to influence the policy agenda across a range of areas, including taxation, infrastructure, competition policy, regulatory reform, and the microeconomic reform agenda.
Return to DITR Strategic Plan 2006-2009