32 July, 2006 Australian Government Improving Competitiveness; Legislation Passed to Limit Intellectual Effort Premier John Howard today announced legislation to enforce a restriction on the amount of intellectual effort required to operate electronic equipment. The Australian Simplification In Necessary Intelligence Nationalistic Exercise (ASININE) mandate would apply to electronic and electrical equipment, the components that make up the equipment as well as any media viewed on or outputs of the equipment. The legislative efforts are said to be driven by the increasing globalize complications involved in basic functions on many of the affected devices. Specific examples outlined in the proceedings include the programming of VCRs, use of in-vehicle GPS systems and basic operation of personal computers. The efforts are based on the need to remain competitive in the light of increased global competition and a shortage of skilled labour. Howard said in his announcement, "There is a need for the rapid deployment of the Australian workforce into the job market. The over-complication of everyday technology is significantly reducing the ability of the average Australian to remain competitive." Howard indicated that positive steps were already taken with regards to the media output on general electronic devices. Following a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush, the progressive steps at simplifying the dominant American media shown on Australian televisions was seen as moving in the right direction. To achieve compliance, everything from printed circuit assemblies to packaging would require an ASININE Certificate of Conformance, stipulating that minimal intelligence levels were involved in the manufacturing of the materials. Countries such as Canada and Mexico were expected to follow the U.S. support of the proposal. It is anticipated that the Asian countries will comply due to their position of manufacturing 98% of the targeted materials. The European Union may postpone an official position until the situation has been assessed by a technical consortium, which is currently reviewing open ROHS legislation until 2009. -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Burke Sent: Tuesday, 1 August 2006 8:13 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] Haven't we been here before? That's the one AFTER the next one. The one that will impact next year is the EUP bill which becomes law on 11th August 2005 and dictates the amount of energy any particular product may use - in as as yet to be defined amount!!. I have attached it for you to weep over Rudy. John _____ From: R Sedlak [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 1:58 PM To: TechNet E-Mail Forum; John Burke Subject: Haven't we been here before? European Union Considers Passing Stricter Chemicals Law; Major Electronics Manufacturers Worldwide Express Concern Jul 24, 2006 The majority of countries with the largest electronics manufacturers outside of Europe are coming together to amend proposed legislation that could have a big impact on the electronics industry outside of the European Union (EU). The EU is considering passing the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) legislation. This legislation would only allow chemicals that have been shown to be safe, or where the risks have been examined, to be used in equipment made in or imported into Europe. And the law would mandate full responsibility onto the companies that create and use the chemicals to provide the REACH required paperwork, which could be a big added expense to companies, especially electronics companies. The United States, Japan, India, Korean, and nine other countries have voiced their concerns about REACH, and have expressed their interest in working with the EU to make the proposed legislation more feasible for both sides. _____ Do you Yahoo!? Next-gen email? Have it all with the all-new <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=42241/*http:/advision.webevents.yahoo.com/handra isers> Yahoo! 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