In 1997 the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, in conjunction with other Commonwealth, state and territory regulatory agencies and policy advisers, established a Utility Regulators Forum.
The forum's purpose is to foster understanding of the activities of various regulators operating in different jurisdictions and industries as they implement micro-economic reform. The forum is an acknowledgment of the fact that, in some circumstances, regulators, regulated firms and consumers receive clear benefits from an integrated approach to regulation.
The forum was formed at a time when the Hilmer reform process adopted by the Council of Australian Governments was well advanced and, as a result, public utilities in many industries were either experiencing competition for the first time or were being encouraged to approximate competitive outcomes.
While the specific functions of regulators may vary, they all generally aim to encourage efficient price-setting principles, ensure access to essential facilities, and minimise inefficiencies of inter-state trade.
One of the forum's functions is to promote information exchange. It regularly publishes a newsletter, Network, with updates on regulatory activities as well as articles on common problems.
Through the newsletter, regulators benefit from information on how similar issues are dealt with in different industries. The newsletter also aims to increase awareness of the activities of the various state and territory regulatory bodies and may be able to help effective regulation coordination by different jurisdictions. Another aim is to provide useful information to the public about the role and functions of the regulatory bodies and the issues confronting them.
