Our competition policies
Productivity growth is key to our economic growth and our living standards. Government policies that encourage competition are important for boosting our productivity. Competition policies make sure the economy stays open to trade and investment, and they work to keep challenges to entering or leaving markets low. They are an important part of economic policy and are managed by the Treasurer. NSW Treasury gives advice on issues that impact competition in NSW.
In 1995, the Commonwealth, States, and Territories made a Competition Principles Agreement (updated in 2007). This agreement aims to make sure all businesses, no matter who owns them, follow the same competition rules.
The main idea is that laws shouldn't limit competition unless it's clear that the benefits to the community are greater than the costs, and there's no other way to reach the goals without limiting competition.
In December 2016, the NSW Premier signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Competition and Productivity-Enhancing Reform (PDF 763.55KB)s with the Commonwealth, WA, TAS, the ACT, and the NT. This agreement aims to improve the economy and raise living standards.
NSW Government agencies should reach out to us for advice on how to use the principles in these agreements.
The NSW Government supports fair competition through its competitive neutrality and procurement policies.
The goal of competitive neutrality is to ensure fair competition between public and private businesses. It means that government businesses shouldn't have competitive advantages over private companies because they're owned by the government.
You can find out more in the NSW Government's Policy Statement on the Application of Competitive Neutrality (PDF 454.71KB).
In 2021, the NSW Productivity Commission White Paper (PDF 23.16MB) suggested reviewing the state's competitive neutrality policies. The NSW Government agreed and asked the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to carry out this review. You can also find more competitive neutrality policy information at IPART.
The government also gave IPART the responsibility for looking into and reporting on complaints about competitive neutrality.
Good regulation policy keeps the market safe while allowing fair competition. Rules can sometimes make it harder for new businesses to start and may limit competition. They can also protect everyone involved and make sure businesses compete fairly.
NSW Treasury is responsible for regulation in NSW. The NSW Government Guide to Better Regulation explains how to use seven key principles when creating new rules.
You can find more details about how regulation affects competition at the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission.
For advice on competition and regulatory policy email: regulatorypolicy@treasury.nsw.gov.au
NSW Procurement Policy
State governments buy goods and services for the public. Policies that create unfair advantages in the market can harm productivity. Promoting competition is a key goal for us when procuring goods and services.
The NSW Government Procurement Policy framework is the main guide for how the NSW public sector buys goods and services. It sets the rules for procurement.
A key goal for us is to improve how we buy goods and services through fair and open competition. This also includes making it easier for private businesses, especially small, medium, and regional ones, to work with us.
Contact NSW Treasury
For general or media enquiries, complete our online form or visit our Contact us page.
- Address: 52 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000 (Enter via 127 Phillip Street)
- Post: GPO Box 5469, Sydney, NSW 2001