Taxpayers to save at least $150 million over five years
First report card reveals broad business, community and family benefits
Repeal Week reform Bills to further streamline, modernise and reduce regulation
Red tape reforms set to save West Australians at least $150 million during the next five years have been revealed in the State's inaugural Red Tape Reduction Report Card.
Releasing the report card to launch Repeal Week 2015, Premier Colin Barnett and Finance Minister Bill Marmion said it highlighted major State Government progress in cutting costs, saving time and making life easier for industries, communities and families.
"We have worked hard over the past 12 months to reduce barriers for business, drive economic growth and improve living standards by reducing red tape and targeting practical reform," Mr Barnett said.
"The results speak for themselves, with quantified savings in building, transport, environment, commerce, mining, health, education, law and order, water, agriculture and fisheries."
The 2015 Red Tape Reduction Report Card highlights 36 out of more than 100 significant red tape reduction successes including:
- multimillion dollar savings from online property conveyancing
- homeowners and builders saving up to two months on housing and renovation approvals
- plumbers saving about $1 million annually on drainage inspections
- extensive licensing reforms including online business vehicle registration renewal
- Sunday and extended trading permit reforms for the liquor industry.
"We are concentrating on ensuring it takes far less time for approvals, there are fewer agencies involved, and more transactions can be completed online," Mr Marmion said.
"While we have achieved significant success, I am confident we will continue to broaden and increase the benefits."
Repeal Week is also the springboard for six new Bills to drive even more savings, convenience and efficiency by further streamlining, modernising and reducing regulation.
"We will also introduce retail trading amendments to allow general shops to open from 7am Monday to Saturday and close an hour later on Saturdays, providing more flexibility and choice," the Premier said.
"Another particularly important and wide-ranging licencing reform Bill will potentially cut millions of dollars of red tape from our mining, property, motor vehicle and aviation sectors."
A total of 10 pieces of obsolete legislation will also be repealed, including a 1979 Act that prevented paid entertainment on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day and an 1830 Act that removed the property rights of married women.
Mr Marmion said the report card and Repeal Week reform Bills augured well for the success of the Government's Plan to Reinvigorate Regulatory Reform and #ShredTheRed public awareness campaign.
"What we're seeing are the initial benefits of the State's first whole-of-government and constantly rolling red tape reform program," the Minister said.
"This open-ended strategy is about efficiency, productivity and prosperity gains, as well as simply improving people's daily lives.
"It aims to help empower WA businesses and communities for the challenges of a disruptive, innovative and even more diverse future.
"And remember, if red tape and unnecessary regulation is still tying you up, we want to hear from you now."
Fact File
Licencing Provisions Amendment Bill 2015
Obsolete Legislation Repeal Bill 2015
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2015
Disposal of Uncollected Good Bill 2015
Retail Trading Hours Amendment Bill 2016
Submit your ideas to reduce unnecessary regulation and #ShredTheRed here
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Finance Minister's office - 6552 6800
