Newman Government keeps promise to cut red tape

A new report released today shows the Newman Government has been successful in removing more than 9,000 regulatory requirements, delivering on election promises and ensuring financial and economic benefits for business and the community.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the information from the Office of Best Practice Regulation Report provided the Government with the first formal and independent measure of its progress to date in reducing red tape.

“The inaugural Annual Report of Reducing the Burden of Regulation in Queensland is an important benchmark for this CanDo Government,” Mr Nicholls said.

“A key aspect of our election commitment to grow a four-pillar economy was our promise to reduce red tape and regulation by 20 per cent over six years.

“For the first time, we have catalogued all of the regulatory requirements imposed on business and the community under the previous Labor Government, and we can now measure this Government’s progress in reducing that burden.”

Assistant Minister for Finance, Administration and Regulatory Reform Deb Frecklington said the report showed that in just 15 months the Newman Government had slashed more than 9,400 regulatory requirements or 3.55 per cent of the total regulatory burden.

“The Newman Government has set about changing the culture of Government from one that promotes red tape to one that actively reduces it,” Ms Frecklington said.

“This report shows that we’ve made significant progress in achieving that aim.

“Ministers and Directors-General now have specific red tape reduction targets for their portfolios.

“These reforms are not just happening in one area but right across all government departments, delivering tangible benefits and savings to business and the community.”

Mr Nicholls said the OBPR had also analysed the economic and financial benefits derived from six key regulatory reforms introduced by the Newman Government.

“The benefit of these reforms to the Queensland economy extends into the billions of dollars over the long-term,” he said.

“Our reforms to streamline the development application and assessment process for construction projects will save industry $135 million over 10 years.

“Cutting red tape for plumbers doing ordinary household kitchen and bathroom work is set to save business up to $18 million a year that can be passed on in reduced prices for householders.”

Ms Frecklington said the Newman Government was working every day to ensure Queensland remained the best place in Australia for businesses to invest, employ and grow.

“Through our determination to reduce red tape, this CanDo Government is making it easier for business to focus on doing what they do best – creating jobs and growing the Queensland economy,” she said.

Further information about specific red tape reduction reforms implemented, or currently being progressed, by the Newman Government can be accessed on the Queensland Treasury and Trade website at www.treasury.qld.gov.au/redtape.

OBPR’s Annual Report can be accessed on the OBPR’s website at http://www.qca.org.au/OBPR/Annual-Report

[ENDS] 27 December 2013

Media Contact – Anna Hilton 0408 191 192