The operation of the TTMRA is supported by a range of institutional arrangements, most importantly the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Ministerial Councils and the Senior Officials’ process that supports these. New Zealand participates in the Ministerial Councils with full membership and voting rights when TTMRA issues arise. As such, the Ministerial Councils have an important role in driving the development of regulatory outcomes that support mutual recognition and harmonisation of regulatory regimes.

The TTMRA provides for a general review of its operation to be carried out every five years after it came into effect. The first review was undertaken by the Australian Productivity Commission. Overall, the Commission found that the TTMRA is working well, contributing significantly to increased trans-Tasman mobility of goods and labour.

The Cross-Jurisdictional Review (CJR) Forum, which consists of Australian Federal, State and New Zealand senior officials was tasked to consider the Productivity Commission’s findings and prepare a final report to the Governments. All heads of government endorsed the CJR Forum’s report in September 2005. The CJR Forum is now implementing recommendations arising from the review, which aim to improve the operation of the TTMRA and ensure that it remains an effective cornerstone of a Single Economic Market. These recommendations include:

The development of an information/education campaign to remind regulators and the respective policy machineries of the strategic objectives and obligations of the TTMA. This is scheduled for later in 2006.
The development of explicit mechanisms to ensure that the TTMRA integration objectives are factored in at an early stage of policy and regulatory design on both sides of the Tasman.
In June 2004, the COAG agreed to amend its Principles and Guidelines for National Standards Setting and Regulatory Action by Ministerial Councils and National Standards Setting Bodies to include consideration of the TTMRA and the MRA principles and objectives. New Zealand is also currently reviewing its Guide to Preparing Regulatory Impact Standards with the intention of making similar changes.
A protocol was agreed between the Australian Government’s Office of Regulatory Review and its New Zealand counterpart that requires consultation on regulatory impact statements for proposals that may have trans-Tasman implications with a view to resolving any issues at an early stage of the policy development process and facilitating regulatory coordination where appropriate.
The establishment of the CJR Forum under new terms of reference to implement the review recommendations as well as to act as a “ginger group” to consider and promote discussion on the next phase of regulatory integration issues.
A stream-lined approach to the annual roll-over of the Special Exemptions, whereby the reporting requirements associated with Cooperation reports would be simplified.