Agreements

Detailed commitments of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) may be recorded through intergovernmental agreements or statements of co-operation.

In many instances, agreements have been the precursor to the passage of Commonwealth or state and territory legislation. COAG level agreements make clear that the outcomes have head of government support and have greater currency and force than ministerial reports and communiqué text which may not always contain detailed policy and/or operational matters.

Intergovernmental agreements that facilitate payments to the states and National Agreements under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations are available on the Council on Federal Financial Relations website.

For further information on other intergovernmental agreements see below.

Intergovernmental Agreements

Intergovernmental Agreement on Implementing Water Reform in the Murray Darling Basin - 9 August 2019

On 5 June 2013, the Intergovernmental Agreement on Implementing Water Reform in the Murray Darling Basin (the IGA) came into effect. The IGA, between Commonwealth and states, builds on the 2008 Intergovernmental Agreement and supports the objectives of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (the Basin Plan), which passed through the Commonwealth Parliament in November 2012.

Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and Queensland on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - 09 July 2019 - 9 July 2019

On 9 July 2019, the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments entered into the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and Queensland on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victoria on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - 17 June 2019

On 17 June 2019, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments entered into the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and Victoria on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Northern Territory on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - 29 March 2019

On 29 March 2019, the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments entered into the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Northern Territory on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - 22 March 2019

On 22 March 2019, the Commonwealth and Australian Capital Territory Governments entered into the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement - 22 March 2019

The Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement is a formal agreement between Commonwealth, state and territory governments, the National Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations, and the Australian Local Government Association.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity - 3 January 2019

This Intergovernmental Agreement seeks to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system through enhanced national collaboration among Australian governments. The Agreement came into effect on 3 January 2019, when the Commonwealth and South Australia became the first signatories.

National Drought Agreement - 12 December 2018

The National Drought Agreement sets out a joint approach to drought preparedness, response and recovery. It replaces the Intergovernmental Agreement on National Drought Program Reform.

Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Tasmania on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - 10 December 2018

On 10 December 2018, the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments entered into the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Tasmania on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Intergovernmental Agreement on National Digital Health - 21 November 2018

An agreement to establish and support the Australian Digital Health Agency and to contribute to the incremental transformation of the way health information is used to plan, manage and deliver healthcare services through the implementation of a world class digital health capability in Australia.

An agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and all States and Territories

Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of South Australia on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - 29 June 2018

On 29 June 2018, the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments entered into the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of South Australia on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of New South Wales on the National Disability Insurance Scheme - 25 May 2018

On 25 May 2018, the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments entered into the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of New South Wales on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse - 4 May 2018

The Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse provides the foundation for Commonwealth, State and Territory governments to work together to implement the National Redress Scheme. The Scheme aims to recognise and alleviate the impact of past institutional child sexual and related abuse, and provide justice for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Nationally Consistent Worker Screening - 3 May 2018

This Intergovernmental Agreement sets out the national policy for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) worker screening. It requires people who provide NDIS supports and services through a registered NDIS provider to undergo a worker screening check.

Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Framework for Responding to PFAS Contamination - 20 February 2018

This Intergovernmental Agreement supports collaboration and cooperation between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories to respond consistently and effectively to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. The Agreement came into effect on 20 February 2018, when the Commonwealth and South Australia became the first signatories.

Heads of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on public hospital funding and health reform - 12 February 2018

The Heads of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on public hospital funding and health reform was considered by COAG and signed by the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Western Australia on 9 February 2018. South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory subsequently signed the agreement.

Intergovernmental Agreement on the Provision of Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Services to the States and Territories - 22 January 2018

The updated Intergovernmental Agreement on the Provision of Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Services to the States and Territories came into effect on 22 January 2018. This updated IGA maintains the body of the 2017 IGA with significant progress updates to the associated Schedules 1 to 4; which were overseen by the IGA's implementing body, the Hazards Services Forum.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Australia's National Counter-Terrorism Arrangements - 5 October 2017

The updated Intergovernmental Agreement on Australia’s National Counter-Terrorism Arrangements came into effect on 5 October 2017. The updated IGA builds on the 2002 IGA and its 2012 variation.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Identity Matching Services - 5 October 2017

The Intergovernmental Agreement on Identity Matching Services came into effect on 5 October 2017. The IGA, between the Commonwealth and the states, makes it easier for security and law enforcement agencies to identify people who are suspects or victims of terrorist or other criminal activity, and prevent the use of fake or stolen identities.

Intergovernmental Agreement on the Provision of Bureau of Meteorology Hazard Services to the States and Territories - 23 March 2017

Intergovernmental Agreement on Competition and Productivity - enhancing Reforms - 9 December 2016

This Agreement implements a new framework for competition and productivity‑enhancing reforms.

An agreement between the Commonwealth and the States & Territories (NSW, WA, Tas, ACT and NT)

Heads of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on Public Hospital Funding - 1 April 2016

Intergovernmental Agreement on National Exchange of Criminal History Information for People Working with Children - 5 August 2013

In 2013, COAG agreed to a permanent inter-jurisdictional exchange of criminal history information for screening people working with children (‘the Exchange’). The Exchange increases the range of criminal history information shared between jurisdictions and is an important measure in protecting children from harm.

Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement - 2 May 2013

On 2 May 2013 the Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, and Premier of Tasmania, the Hon Lara Giddings MP, signed the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement. The Agreement builds on the 2011 Intergovernmental Agreement and supports of the Tasmanian Forests Agreement Legislation 2013.

Intergovernmental Agreement on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Launch - 7 December 2012

On 7 December 2012, COAG reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by signing an Intergovernmental Agreement for the NDIS Launch. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory signed bilateral agreements with the Commonwealth which confirm the operational and funding details for the roll-out of the NDIS in each launch site.

Variation to the Intergovernmental Agreement on Australia's National Counter-Terrorism Arrangements - 8 September 2012

Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity - 13 January 2012

The Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB), which came into effect in January 2012, is an agreement between the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, with the exception of Tasmania. This Agreement was developed to improve the national biosecurity system by identifying the roles and responsibilities of governments and outlines the priority areas for collaboration to minimise the impact of pests and disease on Australia’s economy, environment and the community.

National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) - 13 January 2012

The National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) is the first deliverable of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity, and sets out emergency response arrangements, including cost-sharing arrangements, for responding to biosecurity incidents that primarily impact the environment and/or social amenity and where the response is for the public good.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Commercial Vessel Safety Reform - 19 August 2011

An agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on the establishment of a national maritime safety jurisdiction and regulator for all commercial vessels in Australian waters.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Heavy Vehicle Regulatory Reform - 19 August 2011

An agreement to establish a national system of regulation for all heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, consisting of uniform laws administered by a single national regulator.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Rail Safety Regulation and Investigation Reform - 19 August 2011

An agreement to establish a national system of rail safety regulation and investigation to include uniform regulation and a single national rail safety regulator, complemented by a national rail safety investigator.

Intergovernmental Agreement for National Credit Law - 7 December 2009

Memorandum of Understanding for Chemicals and Plastics Regulatory Reform - 7 December 2009

National Credit Law Agreement 2009 - 7 December 2009

Business Online Services Heads of Agreement - 2 July 2009

Intergovernmental Agreement for Business Names - 2 July 2009

Intergovernmental Agreement for Business Names Agreement - 2 July 2009

Intergovernmental Agreement for the Australian Consumer Law - 2 July 2009

Notice of Amendement to the Australian Energy Market Agreement - 2 July 2009

Intergovernmental Agreement for a National Licensing System for Specified Occupations - 30 April 2009

Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations - 29 November 2008

On 29 November 2008, COAG agreed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations (IGAFFR). The IGAFFR established a new framework for the Commonwealth’s financial relations with the States and Territories.

Management of Security Risks Associated with Chemicals IGA - 2 October 2008

Personal Property Securities IGA - 2 October 2008

Food Regulation Agreement - 3 July 2008

Food Regulation Agreement - Annex A - 3 July 2008

Food Regulation Agreement - Annex B - 3 July 2008

Gene Technology Agreement - 3 July 2008

Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety - 3 July 2008

Murray-Darling Basin Intergovernmental Agreement - 3 July 2008

Attachment A - Murray-Darling Basin Reform - Memorandum of Understanding - 26 March 2008

Intergovernmental Agreement on the Health Workforce - 26 March 2008

Intergovernmental Agreement on Surface Transport Security - 3 June 2005

Tourism Collaboration Intergovernmental Arrangement - 1 January 2005

Intergovernmental Agreement on Counter-Terrorism Laws - 25 June 2004

On 25 June 2004, the Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard MP, and State and Territory First Ministers signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Counter-Terrorism Laws. This is the final step in implementing the April 2002 Leaders’ Summit agreement on constitutional references to support terrorism offences of national application.

Research Involving Human Embryos and Prohibition of Human Cloning - 31 March 2004

An agreement to facilitate the implementation, and maintenance over time, of a nationally-consistent scheme for the regulation of the use of excess Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) embryos and the prohibition of human cloning.

Corporations Agreement 2002 - 6 December 2002

Memorandum of Understanding - National Response to a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Outbreak - 12 June 2002

This MOU is a peak level document to guide cooperative national measures for handling a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.

Intergovernmental Agreement on the Reform of Commonwealth-State Financial Relations - 25 July 1999

Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (Arrangement between the Australian Parties and New Zealand Relating to Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition) - 5 January 1998

Competition Principles Agreement - 4 November 1997

An agreement to achieve and maintain consistent and complementary competition laws and policies which will apply to all businesses in Australia regardless of ownership.