National Competition Policy and Cooperative Federalism

Abstract

This chapter evaluates the NCP as an example of cooperative federalism. After providing an account of the way the NCP came into being, was implemented and evolved, we consider the competing interpretations. In assessing those propositions, we draw upon discussions with six senior policy officers from various agencies in four states who were responsible for its implementation, and from the National Competition Council (NCC). A close reading of NCP documents further enlightens our evaluation. Our conclusion is that while in many respects a good example of Australian governments working together, the NCP was ultimately too coercive in its application to constitute an entirely successful example of cooperative federalism.