This interim report supports the National Competition Policy process by analysing the economic effects of two policy reforms: occupational licensing reform to promote labour mobility and adopting international and overseas standards. These two reforms would promote competition and increase Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Key points

• Regulated standards and occupational licensing are two different ways that governments promote important public policy goals. But these regulations can also restrict trade, impose costs and impact competition.
• The reforms the Productivity Commission (PC) has been asked to model have the potential to raise GDP by up to 0.24%.
• Of the 7,519 current Australian Standards, 893 are referenced in legislation and of these only 21 (2%) are not aligned with an existing international standard.
• Around 40% of all Australian Standards referenced in legislation are superseded, obsolete or withdrawn.
• Occupational licensing reform could promote labour mobility and improve productivity, as workers move to places where their skills are most needed and valued. 

The invitation for written submissions closes 5 September 2025.