26 September 2023

Red tape taskforce gets green light

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The taskforce working on cutting bureaucratic red tape and withdrawing unnecessary regulations has been given its first three priority targets by Assistant Minister for Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ben Morton MP.

Mr Morton has referred the Deregulation Taskforce to looking at reducing regulations relating to food manufacturing, particularly for export; making it easier for sole traders and micro-businesses to employ their first staff member; and helping major infrastructure projects get up and running sooner.

Mr Morton said the Taskforce would work with State and Territory Governments, as well as businesses, to identify and address the most significant regulatory barriers to investment for selected industries.

“A better regulatory environment will help businesses lower their costs, save time and improve their competitiveness, while major infrastructure projects will help get us home sooner and safer,” Mr Morton said.

“The Taskforce will pay particular attention to the degree of regulatory complexity, the length of time for approvals and duplication across levels of Government.”

He said it would also investigate opportunities to adopt technological or ‘regtech’ solutions which made it easier for business to cost-effectively navigate and comply with regulatory requirements.

“The work of the Deregulation Taskforce is an important part of the Government’s regulatory reform and productivity agenda which is tackling a range of barriers to investment, boosting efficiency, productivity and job creation,” Mr Morton said.

In an accompanying statement, the Treasury said the Taskforce would drive improvements to the design, administration and effectiveness of the stock of Government regulation to ensure it was fit for purpose.

“The Taskforce will develop and recommend solutions to lower the costs of regulation while retaining the benefits, making it easier for businesses to invest, create jobs and grow the economy,” Treasury said.

“The Taskforce’s primary focus is to work from the perspective of business,” it said.

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