Cutting red tape clears the path for businesses to grow

The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s commitment to cutting red tape is delivering tangible results, helping businesses and industry grow, innovate and invest.

Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said today's release of the 2023-24 Red Tape Reduction Report showed the Government had built and maintained a 10-year commitment to cut red tape, clearing the path for businesses and industry to grow and thrive.

“Every time we remove unnecessary regulation, time and resources are saved,” said Minister Abetz.

“To date, we have responded to 86 per cent of the 198 red tape issues identified which demonstrates how seriously we take cutting red tape for Tasmanians across the board."

Minister Abetz said the Report showcased landmark reform through the assignment and publication of processing timeframes across more than 300 government permits and approvals.

“This initiative provides greater certainty and clarity for businesses and investors, ensuring Government processes are transparent and efficient," Minister Abetz said.

Other examples of reducing unnecessary burdens on business owners include:

• enhancing the regulatory framework for farmers, including for on-farm housing, to help address seasonal workforce challenges while supporting our agricultural sector;
• streamlining fire reduction permit processes, further safeguarding our rural communities;
• altering the requirement for hire vehicles to have two separate inspections to re-register existing hire cars, which was a significant impediment to smaller operators;
• raising the threshold for open tenders from $250,000 to $500,000;
• reducing administrative burdens for small and medium-sized projects; and
• beginning the integration of subdivision requirements into the Tasmanian Planning Scheme for streamlined housing development approvals.

"All these efforts are part of our broader mission to strike the right balance between protecting Tasmania's unique characteristics while supporting innovation and investment," Minister Abetz said.

“There is no greater supporter of Tasmanian business and industry then the Tasmanian Liberal Government which is reflected in our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.”

The 2023-24 Red Tape Reduction Report is available at cg.tas.gov.au where red tape issues can also be submitted.