What Are the Reasons for, and Costs and Benefits of Microeconomics Reform for Australia?

In Australia, MER has worked towards improving the productivity and competitiveness of the economy. It appears that the social costs of MER have outweighed the economic benefits. However the positive aspects of reform can be seen more readily in the long-term, if we can control the rate at which reform occurs, and share the benefits more evenly.
Microeconomic reform is defined as 'the changes in government policy directed at improving the efficiency of use and allocation of Australia's resources'. This suggests that MER is about making the Australian economy work better for Australia's own benefit. It requires us to improve the use and allocation of our human and capital resources and ensure we get the best use out of them. Currently, MER is taking place in three major areas of the Australian economy: internationalizing the domestic economy, domestic reform measures and reform of international markets.
There are several reasons why the Australian government promotes microeconomic reform in the economy. …