Two years of red tape reduction in Queensland

Queenslanders are marking two years of better business, with the Queensland Government’s red tape reduction program continuing to empower local industry and communities.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the latest report card on red tape reduction showed the Government was on track to deliver on its commitment to reduce red tape by 20 per cent by 2018.

“By removing unnecessary regulation, reducing compliance costs and simplifying processes, we are freeing up businesses, community groups and individuals to focus on what matters; building a great State, with great opportunities,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We have already started work on more than 500 reforms, 350 of which have already been implemented and have successfully removed over 9000 regulatory requirements imposed on business by the former Labor Government.

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

Assistant Minister for Finance, Administration and Regulatory Reform Deb Frecklington said red tape was piled on indiscriminately under the former Labor Government, stifling business development and investment.

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

“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 and saving billions of dollars over the long-term.

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

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

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) General Manager Nick Behrens said red tape was easily one of the most significant ongoing issues for Queensland businesses.

“We’ve previously estimated the annual cost of state based regulation to have increased on average by 6 per cent to 8 per cent every year between 2009 and 2012,” Mr Behrens said.

“The fact the State Government has put in place a process to drive down red tape in Queensland by 20 per cent over six years, and has arrested increases which were cartwheeling out of control is an accomplishment in itself.

“There is still more to do and CCIQ believes the State Government to be resolute in continuing to fight against burdensome red tape,” he said.

The Government’s report card on red tape reduction is available at -www.treasury.qld.gov.au/redtape.

[Ends] 7 April 2014

Media contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192