As you are aware, a scheme for the mutual recognition of regulatory, standards for goods and occupations commenced on 1 March 1993 with proclamation.of the Commonwealth's Mutual Recognition Act. It now seems appropriate to give you a progress report on implementation of mutual recognition, to remind your Departments and Authorities involved in the regulation of goods and occupations of their obligations under the scheme and to request your advice on progress with implementation of the scheme by your Departments and Authorities.

New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have been participating jurisdictions in mutual recognition since 1 March 1993. Victoria entered the scheme with proclamation of its mutual recognition legislation on 1 July 1993. Tasmania has enacted the legislation and will become a participating jurisdiction shortly once its Act has been proclaimed. Western Australia and South Australia have yet to enact their legislation so they are not yet participating jurisdictions in the scheme.

There is a general commitment under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Mutual Recognition which was signed by Heads of Government in May 1992 for all participating jurisdictions to ensure that the mutual recognition scheme is implemented successfully. In this regard, it is important to ensure that officers have familiarised themselves with mutual recognition and that policy development and implementation is progressing in accordance with the scheme.

In relation to the mutual recognition of occupations, there is also a statutory obligation under section 39 of the Commonwealth's Mutual Recognition Act on each local registration authority to facilitate the operation of mutual recognition, particularly through the use of the power to impose conditions on practitioners to achieve occupational equivalence across jurisdictions.

Section 39 also requires each State registration authority to prepare and make available guidelines and information regarding the operation of mutual recognition in relation to the occupations for which the authority is responsible. 1 would appreciate your assistance in reminding registration authorities that these guidelines are required to be made available within six months after the commencement of mutual recognition which for New South Wales is 1 September 1993.

1 propose to provide a progress report to the Premier on the first six months of the operation of mutual recognition. 1 would therefore appreciate your advice on the progress of your Departments or Authorities in implementing mutual recognition, any activities undertaken and any issues arising in relation to this matter. Your comments would be appreciated by 30 September 1993.

Mutual recognition is a significant initiative aimed at removing the barriers to interstate trade and labour mobility resulting from regulatory differences between the States and Territories. Mutual recognition is a major achievement in micro-economic reform and your continued co-operation in ensuring its successful implementation would be appreciated.

R.B. Wilkins
Director-General
The Cabinet Office

19 August 1993

This Memorandum is superseded by Memorandum 2008-09 Mutual Recognition Schemes.