The Federal Government has announced sweeping reforms to the country's anti-dumping law, with Prime Minister Julia Gillard pledging to protect the nation's struggling manufacturing industry.

 

The announcement of reform comes after evidence suggests a significant increase in the rate of dumping - the process whereby imported goods are sold well below their market value.

 

" Manufacturing employs nearly one million Australians in skilled and decently-paid jobs and is a central part of a resilient, diverse and broad-based economy," Ms Gillard said.

 

"The sector faces challenges from the high Australian dollar, economic weakness in Europe, intense global competition and an oversupply of some traded goods in international markets."

 

The reforms announced by Ms Gillard include:

  • Establishing a new Anti-Dumping Commission to investigate complaints; 
  • Boosting funding to Customs by $24.4 million over four years so it can deal with cases speedily and fairly – this will almost double the number of investigators;
  •  Making the anti-dumping system easier for small and medium-sized businesses; and
  • Introducing stricter remedies against overseas producers who deliberately circumvent Australia’s anti-dumping rules.

 

The Government will introduce legislation in 2013 to establish the new Anti-Dumping Commission.