The Federal Government’s overhaul of Australia’s measurement legislation has been sparked by a comprehensive review of the current laws, aiming to better align with the evolving needs of businesses, particularly in sectors like food and beverage manufacturing, while ensuring accuracy and fairness in transactions.
Measurement is crucial to Australia’s economy, enabling trade, fostering consumer confidence, and enhancing market access globally. It underpins industries ranging from food and beverage manufacturing to energy and health, with accurate measurements essential for regulatory compliance and commercial success.
The reforms are designed to support Australia’s competitiveness on the world stage by modernising outdated rules and providing flexibility for new technologies.
The need for reform
Australia’s existing measurement legislation, established in 1960 under the National Measurement Act, has long supported industries by maintaining confidence in the accuracy of commercial transactions.
However, it has become clear that the legislation no longer adequately supports the introduction of new technologies or the fast-changing landscape of business practices.
The National Measurement Institute (NMI), the peak body responsible for the country’s measurement system, has emphasised that while the current system is crucial for maintaining consumer trust, it is rigid and overly prescriptive. The proposed reforms aim to make the framework more principles-based, flexible, and responsive to industry needs.
Key Benefits for Industry and Consumers
The new legislation is expected to bring several key benefits, particularly in areas crucial for food and beverage manufacturing, where precise measurement is paramount. For manufacturers, the reforms are designed to:
- Encourage investment in emerging technologies, making it easier for businesses to commercialise new innovations.
- Support the transition to new sustainability standards, helping industries meet Australia’s ambitious 2030 emissions reduction and 2050 net-zero targets.
- Ensure that consumers continue to get what they pay for, reinforcing fairness in trade and boosting confidence in product accuracy.
The NMI has long overseen trade measurement laws, including the regulation of critical instruments like petrol bowsers and supermarket scales. These regulations play a vital role in ensuring that transactions are accurate and fair, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
In 2023, trade measurement transactions in Australia were estimated to be worth over $750 billion annually, underlining the importance of maintaining a reliable and transparent system.
For food and beverage manufacturers, the changes in legislation will help address new measurement challenges posed by innovative production methods and evolving consumer demands.
As new technologies, like automated production systems and precision manufacturing, become more prevalent, having a flexible regulatory framework will allow businesses to adopt these advancements without the constraints of outdated laws.
The reforms will also provide a platform for Australian manufacturers to compete on a level playing field globally, fostering trust among international trading partners and supporting local industries in global markets.
Furthermore, the NMI’s role in maintaining measurement standards ensures that Australian-made products continue to be accurately measured, with traceability to the international system of units (SI).
Consultation and industry involvement
The reform process has been inclusive, with extensive public consultations held between 2017 and 2020. Feedback from stakeholders across industries helped inform the proposed changes, ensuring that the new laws will cater to the needs of a wide range of sectors.
This collaborative approach ensures that businesses, especially those in the food and beverage sector, will benefit from a modernised framework that supports growth, innovation, and efficiency.
To further engage stakeholders, the government will release an exposure draft of the new laws for public consultation. This step ensures transparency and invites additional feedback before the reforms are finalised and implemented.
A modernised framework
The updated measurement laws are expected to support the growing needs of Australian businesses, particularly those involved in food and beverage manufacturing, by creating a more adaptable, future-ready system. The reforms will also ensure that Australia’s economy remains competitive on the global stage, while continuing to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of trade measurements.
With these changes, the Australian Government aims to provide a stable, flexible, and future-proof regulatory environment that fosters innovation, boosts industry investment confidence, and ensures the continued reliability of the nation’s measurement system.
For food and beverage manufacturers and other industries, these reforms are a crucial step towards maintaining Australia’s strong position in global trade, while promoting growth, sustainability, and fairness in the marketplace.