Page 328 - Week 01 - Thursday, 27 February 2014
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authorisations to be administered through a single portal for events to be managed in a similar manner.
Another example might be the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which is currently being streamlined. I think there is scope for streamlining that kind of legislation, but we must not step away from having necessary approval processes and stepping away from the responsibility of ensuring that we protect the environment for future generations. It does worry me to see the ways that governments—particularly, say, the Queensland or Western Australian governments—see streamlining as a complete vacating of responsibility.
In conclusion, let me say that I think we need to find that balance between acknowledging that we need rules and acknowledging that we need to step away from cliches about the nanny state. We need to have a real debate on each occasion about whether this is a necessary rule or not. The Greens will continue to advocate for clear and effective rules to deliver outcomes that work for the community, both for now and also for the generations that follow us.
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Health and Minister for Higher Education) (4.32): The government shares the view that regulation should only exist when it is needed for protecting public safety and a well-functioning economy. There is a constant need for government to evaluate the statute book and make sure unnecessary legislation is repealed, and this is the work that we are already doing.
Just this afternoon I have tabled a document which shows some of the priorities of our legislative program for these sittings. They include amendments to the Planning and Development Act to bring new efficiency and responsiveness into the planning system, amendments to the long-term lease provisions to free up business unfairly captured by current duties arrangement, and red tape reduction and legislation which will remove a number of unnecessary burdens on business across the ACT. We come to this work with an attitude and a willingness to consult, to listen and to balance priorities, as that is a critical part of striking the right balance in any regulatory environment.
As an example, last week’s fire in the Sydney Building affected many businesses. Eight are still unable to open while the building is made structurally safe. Before the emergency was even over, government mechanisms were being put in place to support business owners and keep them informed. Arms of government sometimes criticised for their regulatory roles were on the ground with our business community, and still are. Additional advisory services are being provided for affected businesses through Canberra Business Point, including support for cash flow management and recovery planning.
Where there are opportunities to simplify the regulatory environment, the government is actively pursuing them. Through the red tape reduction panel, a number of ideas have been progressed to improve the ACT’s regulatory environment. There are runs on the board, including giving businesses easy access to governments through the fix my red tape website; extending business licence periods from one to three years for industries such as vehicle repairers and real estate, travel and employment agents; and removing registration stickers for light vehicles.
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