Industry Groups Demand Longer Regulatory Consultation Periods
More than 25 organisations are urging the government to extend timeframes for reviewing proposed legislative reforms.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Economic Policy
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An alliance of over 25 Australian industry groups has issued a formal request to senior Ministers for longer consultation periods regarding significant regulatory changes. The group argues that current shortened timelines hinder the ability of businesses to adequately assess new legislation.
Why it matters
Business leaders warn that rushed policy processes lead to implementation challenges and unintended economic consequences. Extending consultation windows is viewed as essential for ensuring that reforms are practical and well-understood by the private sector.
The alliance advocates for a return to standard government consultation windows of 30-60 days for significant reforms. Recent instances, such as the 12-day discretionary trust tax review and the 11-day Digital Duty of Care consultation, fell well below this duration.
The players
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
This body acts as a peak representative organisation advocating for the interests of small business owners across the nation.
The details
The industry alliance, which includes the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, is proposing stronger Cabinet scrutiny of new regulations. They have specifically requested the appointment of an independent Office of Impact Analysis Commissioner to oversee the integrity of the process.
Timeline
The request for reform was issued by the alliance on 23 October 2026.
Macro View
The demand for extended consultation periods reflects a growing tension between the government's speed in introducing new reforms and the industry's need for stable regulatory environments. This push marks a departure from recent policy-making cycles that have favoured shorter review windows.
If these reforms are successful, businesses may gain more predictability in how new laws impact their operational costs and compliance requirements. A more rigorous consultation process could prevent abrupt changes to tax or digital regulations that currently affect small business owners.
The takeaway
Businesses are calling for greater transparency and time to prepare for changes that affect their bottom lines. Industry representatives maintain that a more deliberative process is the most effective way to avoid costly mistakes in national economic policy.
Further reading
For more information on national regulatory standards, visit the Economic Policy section.
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Should the government be required to provide longer consultation periods for new regulatory reforms?
