OBPR releases framework for reducing red tape

The Newman Government is a step closer to implementing a framework for reducing burdensome red tape following the release of the Office of Best Practice Regulation’s (OBPR) Final Report.

Assistant Minister for Finance, Administration and Regulatory Reform Deb Frecklington said the OBPR’s Final Report provided a structure for the Newman Government to go about achieving its goal of reducing red tape and regulation by 20 per cent.

“In keeping with our election commitment, the Office of Best Practice Regulation was set up within the Queensland Competition Authority to drive regulatory reform and help restore transparency and accountability,” Ms Frecklington said.

The OBPR Final Report identifies a range of priority areas, including 10 fast-track reforms and eight medium-term priorities.

“The Newman Government will consider the OBPR’s Final Report before responding to it, but we have already committed to adopting the majority of the report’s 50 recommendations,” Ms Frecklington said.

“Importantly, the Newman Government has already started on its regulatory reform agenda, with more than 300 red-tape reduction initiatives implemented or underway.

“As part of these reforms, departments are now required to submit Regulatory Impact Statements for an assessment of their adequacy before releasing them for consultation.

“Ministers are also now required to propose up to three options to reduce or ‘off-set’ regulatory burdens when bringing forward any proposals that impose a new regulation or procedure on small business.”

The Final Report recommends a Whole-of-Government Regulatory Management System, with each Minister to be responsible for reform in their departments.

“Ministers will be allocated a red tape reduction target for their portfolio,” Ms Frecklington said.

“The reduction target for each portfolio will also be included in the key performance indicators of Directors-General.”

Ms Frecklington said the actions taken since the Newman Government’s election underlined its commitment to achieving its red tape reduction target.

“We have streamlined the approvals process for all Environmentally Relevant Activities saving on average $20,000 in application costs, 150 pages of paperwork and 68 days of processing time,” she said.

“From 31 March, more than 9,400 small business operators will no longer need to apply for a licence or pay an application fee, and no longer need to submit an annual return.

“These changes will save small businesses more than $6 million in annual fees, and will let them get on with what they do best—contributing to the economy and generating jobs.

“One of our biggest reforms has been increasing the payroll tax exemption threshold to $1.1 million this financial year, the first step in our six-year commitment to increase the threshold to $1.6 million.

“These reforms are all about making Queensland the most attractive place in Australia to invest and conduct business.”

The Office of Best Practice Regulation's Final Report is available at http://www.qca.org.au/

[ENDS] 8 March, 2013

Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office 07 3224 6900