1Simplifying Business Regulations in Australia Darrell Porter Commonwealth Office of Regulation Review

2Key Initiatives in Australia Business licence reduction programs Improving access to information Regulation review process National reforms

3Business licence reduction programs Taskforce/agency identified licences for rationalisation Reported impressive reductions in licence numbers Success difficult to measure

4Improving access to information Business Licence Information Service –a ‘one-stop’ shop for all government business licensing arrangements –service evolved over time –reduces search costs for business

5Improving access to information (cont.) Business Entry Point –Single internet entry point for businesses seeking information from any level of Government National Business Information Service –Provides information relating to all tiers of government –Reduces search costs for business

6Regulation review process Tests the need for regulation Aim for consistent, systematic and transparent process Improve the decision-making process

7Regulation review process RIS sets out the problem, objectives, options, impacts, consultation, conclusion, implementation and review Explicitly addresses impact on small business Role of the Office of Regulation Review

8National reforms Broad reforms have also reduced red tape Cooperation obtained through Council of Australian Governments (COAG) COAG Regulatory Impact Analysis requirements

9Conclusions Reducing red tape important to Australian governments Both narrow and broad strategies used Continuing effort and responsiveness of government is required to serve business