RED TAPE REDUCTION

In reply to Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (26 June 2009).

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Federal/State Relations): In August 2008, the government released a report detailing over 180 red tape reduction initiatives that will contribute net savings to business of $170 million per year. A copy of this report has been provided to the member. Included in the report as an attachment is a copy of the final Deloitte audit.

Examples of just a few of the savings initiatives from the report that were signed off by Deloitte include:

Reduction in the time taken to process land services applications

Amendment of the trade measurement regulations for wine labelling

Review of OHS&W regulations to ensure national and international best practice

Reduction in the number of businesses required to undertake environmental monitoring under EPA licensing

Review of state taxation legislation to remove redundant provisions and unnecessary regulatory burdens

Development of an online system for Business Names Registration and Person Approval applications.

The report also includes savings from a number of planning related initiatives. However, the estimated $50 million in red tape savings to commercial developers as a direct result of the South Australian Government's Planning and Development Review were not included. This was because the Review outcomes were not implemented until after 30 June 2008. These savings, which are being delivered now, will contribute to the Government's second red tape reduction target of $150 million announced by the Premier in April this year.