The premiers of NSW and Victoria have announced an "interstate reform partnership" to boost economic growth and make business easier between the two states.
Speaking in Sydney on Wednesday, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu proposed a series of reforms to interstate dealings.
They include aligning the energy efficiency schemes and apprenticeship standardisation, as well as cooperation on tax changes and improving communications between state agencies.
"Both Victoria and NSW have more than half of the nation's population. We contribute more than half to the national economy," Mr O'Farrell said.
"What NSW and Victoria are keen to do is to continue to grow economic activity and the jobs and wealth that it creates for both our states."
Mr O'Farrell said the partnership would seek to eliminate inefficiencies in the way people do business in both states.
"Where reforms can be delivered quicker to benefit of state and communities, they should be pursued," he said.
Both premiers stressed the agreement was not an attempt to usurp the role of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
Mr Baillieu said the partnership would initiate reforms of benefit to business and the community.
"This is not in anyway seeking to supplant COAG," he said.
"We believe there is a very powerful role to play for COAG but there is also a role for NSW and Victoria to drive reform to lead reform, and to move as quickly as we possibly can."
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