NCC policies
Fraud Control Plan
The NCC’s Fraud Control Plan has been developed based on the Commonwealth Fraud Control Framework 2017. The Government has developed the Framework to assist Commonwealth entities to manage the risk of fraud (from external parties and internal officials) and properly manage public resources. The NCC’s Fraud Control Plan is reviewed every year.
Risk Management Plan
The NCC’s Risk Management Plan has been developed based on the Commonwealth Risk Management Policy 2014. This policy provides that the Accountable Authority of a Commonwealth entity must establish and maintain appropriate systems and internal controls for the oversight and management of risk. The NCC’s Risk Management Plan is reviewed every year.
Procedures for determining breaches of the Code of Conduct and for determining sanctions
Under the Public Service Act 1999 (the Act), our section 15(3) procedures help to determine breaches of the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct, and possible sanctions that may apply to an APS employee of the NCC, or a former employee during the time of the suspected misconduct. We make these procedures publicly available on our website, which is required by section 15(7) of the Act.
NCC Procedures for determining breaches of the Code of Conduct and for determining sanctions
Public Interest Disclosure
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 promotes integrity and accountability in the Australian public sector by:
- encouraging and facilitating the disclosure of information by public officials about suspected wrongdoings in the public sector
- ensuring that public officials who make public interest disclosures are supported and protected from adverse consequences
- ensuring that disclosures by public officials are properly investigated and dealt with.
The NCC has established agency procedures to manage public interest disclosures. If you would like to make a public interest disclosure relating to the NCC, you should contact the NCC Authorised Officer at info@ncc.gov.au.
NCC Public Interest Disclosure Procedures
Other policies
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) provides corporate and professional services to the NCC, including advice and support in relation to NCC recommendations, decisions and reports, and administrative services.
Memorandum of Undertanding - National Competition Council and ACCC (PDF, 449KB)
ACCC-NCC Confidential Information Protocol
ACCC-NCC Protocol for managing conflicts of interest in providing services to the NCC - March 2023
The NCC has adopted the ACCC's policies and procedures in relation to:
Business Continuity
Email Protocol and Internet Connection Policy
Freedom of Information
Preventing Bullying in the Workplace Policy
Privacy
Whistleblowers Protection
Workplace Diversity
Workplace Health and Safety
In addition the NCC has adopted the following policy:
Information Publication Scheme
Latest updates
The National Competition Council has delivered its final report to support the review of Australia’s mutual recognition schemes for workers.
The Council was asked to consider how the schemes affect productivity, workforce flexibility and consumer choice, and identify practical pathways to remove unnecessary licensing barriers.
Overall, the Council found mutual recognition schemes are providing benefits to workers and businesses, but their effectiveness has been hindered by incomplete participation, limited information sharing between regulators, and a lack of broader regulatory alignment across jurisdictions.
The Council also found that, while careful assessment of costs is required, national licensing can deliver large benefits for labour mobility in some occupations by solving many of the practical implementation challenges of mutual recognition.
National licensing is not the most appropriate solution for every occupation. The strongest case exists where:
• the occupation has a large workforce or is economically significant
• workers commonly move for work or work across borders remotely
• the occupation involves significant risks that would benefit from nationally consistent standards
• the occupation is underpinned by nationally consistent training and/or internationally recognised standards
• tripartite support for a national scheme exists.
Engineering is an example of such an occupation. Electricians are another example we observed very strong support for national licensing from both employer groups and unions in the Electrical sector.
In many occupations, a staged approach may be preferable. This could begin with improvements to the mutual recognition schemes, including greater regulatory harmonisation, before progressing towards national licensing.
The Council identified practical opportunities to strengthen the schemes, including by improving regulatory consistency, creating new infrastructure to enable better data collection and information sharing, and strengthening governance and oversight to support coordination and ensure reforms are enduring.
The Council thanks all those who contributed to the Review through roundtable discussions, bilateral meetings and written submissions.
The Review is intended to inform future policy development to reduce unnecessary occupational licensing barriers and support a more seamless national labour market.
The Workplan sets out a forward-looking agenda to advance competition reform which seeks to spark national collaboration, deliver practical outcomes and unlock new opportunities for a more dynamic Australian economy.
The Albanese Government has appointed Mr Marcus Bezzi as part time President and Ms Catherine Dermody, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson and Ms Sally McMahon as part time Councillors of the National Competition Council from 18 February 2026. Bringing exceptional expertise across competition, law, economics and regulation, these appointments strengthen the NCC’s leadership in driving Australia’s competition reform agenda and reflect the Government’s continued commitment to appointing outstanding women to key roles.
