Report on Operations
Contribution to Better Planning: Better Services
In November 2003, the Western Australian Government released its strategic planning framework, "Better Planning: Better Services", which outlines the Government's five key strategic goals relating to: People and Communities; the Economy; the Environment; the Regions; and Governance.
The Authority contributes most directly to the Government's Strategic Goal 2: The Economy, which aims at developing a strong economy that delivers more jobs, more opportunities and greater wealth to Western Australians by creating the conditions required for investment and growth.
The Authority contributes to this goal through the regulation of vital gas, electricity, rail and water infrastructure in a fair, independent and transparent manner. It also seeks to encourage economic development of Western Australia through its role in inquiring and reporting on matters referred to it by Government. These matters can relate to "regulated" or "non-regulated" industries in the areas of pricing, quality of services, business practices and compliance costs.
In carrying out these functions, and as required by the Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003, the Authority has regard to the following:
- promoting regulatory outcomes that are in the public interest;
- promoting the long-term interests of consumers;
- encouraging investment in relevant markets;
- providing for the legitimate business interests of investors and service providers in relevant markets;
- promoting competitive and fair market conduct;
- preventing abuse of monopoly or market power; and
- promoting transparent decision-making processes.
In pursuing its stated objectives the Authority also contributes in various ways to the other Government strategic goals.