The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today welcomed the tabling of the Productivity Commission’s final report on Australia’s anti-dumping and countervailing system.

“The Productivity Commission has concluded that we need to retain an anti-dumping and countervailing system and has made recommendations about changes to the operation of the current system,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Australia’s practices are well regarded internationally and our system is considered to be fair, consistent, transparent and robust.”

“The Rudd Government is committed to maintaining an effective anti-dumping and countervailing system and the report contains recommendations that need to be carefully considered,” he said.

“We have to ensure any changes we make will effectively deliver the intended benefits to our country and comply with Australia’s World Trade Organization obligations.”

The Assistant Treasurer Nick Sherry said there had been considerable interest in the Productivity Commission’s inquiry.

“Some of the recommendations have changed from the Commission’s draft report.

“The Rudd Government is giving interested parties until 31 August 2010 to review the report and make submissions on the final recommendations.

“This will allow the Government’s response to be developed and considered in the 2011-12 Budget process,” he said.

The Government will also consider any further matters raised by stakeholders that may be required to improve the system but were outside the focus of the recommendations.