Chalmers opens economic reform consultation

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has opened the new economic reform consultation paper while issuing more invitations to the government's Economic Reform Roundtable.

"The roundtable is an important opportunity to build consensus for long term economic reform," Chalmers said.

"This initial group includes leading voices from business, unions, the community sector and our key economic institutions.

"This is a representative group that we're asking to provide ideas and build and advance consensus around them."

Those invited include Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, representatives from the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar, Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox, among others.

"Each participant will play an important role in helping to shape our national reform priorities to boost productivity, strengthen our resilience and improve budget sustainability," Chalmers said.

"More invitations will be issued in tranches and in due course, as the agenda takes shape."

Chalmers said additional stakeholders, experts and representative groups will be included for specific days, sessions and topics during the roundtable event.

"There will also be opportunities outside of the roundtable to contribute ideas to this reform process," Chalmers added.

"We know there's broad interest and engagement in the roundtable, including from the states and crossbench, and we will have more to say about their involvement."

The public consultation process is now open, and people and organisations can submit proposals and ideas through the Treasury website. Submissions close on July 25.

The government is convening the roundtable to "unlock new ideas and build consensus around reforms".

The government said it is seeking views on priority reforms to consider as part of the roundtable process.

This would include improving productivity, for example, by cutting red tape without lowering standards, or leveraging technology and artificial intelligence; building economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty, through attracting investment, promoting trade and security supply chains, diversifying our industrial base and building a skilled and adaptable workforce; and strengthening budget sustainability, including options to improve the structural position of the budget and fund high-quality services and priorities.