Australians could save more than $1 billion a year through lower costs, reduced delays and more choice under a sweeping plan to cut red tape.
The Business Council of Australia has outlined a vision to relieve business owners from regulatory burdens as the federal government hunts for a solution to the nation’s withered productivity.
Cafe owners in Victoria are forced to apply for 36 separate licences and approvals before they can pour their first coffees and tradies on the Gold Coast must pay hundreds in permits just to fix a tap on the other side of the NSW border because of “unnecessary and inefficient regulation”, the council’s report found.
Even a one per cent reduction in compliance burden would save consumers $1 billion per year.
“We have become too complex a country in which to do business, and that’s a massive handbrake on our ability to lift productivity and living standards,” chief executive Bran Black said.
“We need to be working smarter, not harder.”
The council’s report made a plethora of recommendations aimed at improving regulations and making it easier to invest, employ people and do business.
It urged Australia to harmonise anti-discrimination legislation, workers’ compensation, and long-service leave entitlements across the states and territories.
Streamlining occupational licences for workers who need specific accreditations to do their jobs will offer more mobility and allow workforces to more easily migrate to areas of need.
Australia has already introduced a mutual recognition scheme for occupational licences, which has allowed more than 44,000 people to work interstate.
But some occupations, like electricians and plumbers, are still exempt in several jurisdictions and Queensland does not participate in the scheme.
The Business Council has also backed calls to reform Australia’s main environment laws to streamline assessment and approvals while also strengthening environmental protections.
Its recommendations could be considered when Treasurer Jim Chalmers convenes his economic roundtable on Tuesday.
During the event, a range of experts are expected to discuss ways to lift living standards by boosting productivity, building resilience and strengthening the budget.
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