How we consult on product safety regulation

We consult whenever we propose or review a product safety regulation to consider the impact on business and consumers and improve our policy formulation and decision-making.

Meeting our KPIs

The ACCC has established the following measures to meet the Key Performance Indicators set out in the Government’s Regulator Performance Framework:

Regulators are open and transparent in their dealings with regulated entities:

Measure: Public submissions from affected stakeholders and summary consultation surveys results about new or amended safety standards are published.

Regulators actively contribute to the continuous improvement of regulatory frameworks.

Measure: Consultation protocols are published.Consultation papers include questions about costs to business of regulatory changes. methods of consultation are continuously reviewed against best practice.

Consultation process

Consultation paper	We publish a consultation paper when we propose or review a regulation. The paper asks businesses questions including costs of regulatory change.
Consultation strategy	We consult in line with The Australian Government Guide to Regulation. We identify relevant stakeholders to maximise response rates. We consult State and Territory Australian Consumer Law regulators. Where mandatory requirements may change, we notify the World Trade Organisation (WTO) via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to inform international suppliers. We are open and transparent with stakeholders throughout the consultation.
Consultation method	We promote the consultation via: ACCC websites & social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) direct email to key stakeholders email to industry associations and other groups and organisations Government websites e.g. australia.gov.au and business.gov.au Stakeholders submit responses via the ACCC consultation hub.
Consider submissions	We acknowledge submissions in a timely way. We consider late submissions if time permits. We clarify points in stakeholder submissions where necessary. We publish submissions on our website, unless the stakeholder asks us not to. Stakeholders submit responses via the ACCC consultation hub.
Brief the Minister	We brief the Minister about stakeholder submissions, agreements and differences, State & Territory views, and the ACCC recommendation.
Publish outcomes	We notify key stakeholders of the Minister’s decision via direct email. We notify State and Territory Australian Consumer Law regulators directly. We publicise the decision on the ACCC website. We update the WTO notification as necessary.
Evaluate	We review our consultation methods for effectiveness and best practice.

More information

ACCC self-assessment methodology, measures and evidence

Product Safety Australia