Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the Treasury Legislation Amendment (Repeal Day) Bill 2014. But before I do that, it would be absolutely remiss of me if I did not acknowledge the significant and substantial—nay, outstanding—contribution made by the member for Braddon. He is an exceptional representative for his electorate, and it was appropriate that he was accompanied into the chamber and supported by his two fellow amigos from Tasmania. One thing I have learnt from these three gentlemen in my short time in this place is that, when you fight collectively on behalf of your state, you achieve so much more. So I was not surprised to look around the chamber and see that, supporting the member for Braddon, we had the member for Lyons and the member for Bass—and what a credit they are to their state. Well done.

I have had a tough week. I played some cricket against the parliamentary press gallery. I also did battle with a bee. Notwithstanding that, I would walk over hot coals to be in this place today to talk about this issue. Those listening to the broadcast do not have the benefit of seeing my eye, which is about the size of Jupiter. Notwithstanding that, I am here. I am here because this issue is close to my heart—as it is for the member for Braddon and everyone on this side. It is also an issue that is close to the hearts of small businesses throughout my electorate Barker.

I thought I would begin by turning the clock back. What is old is new again. It was in April 1946 that the founder of the Liberal Party, Sir Robert Menzies, took out an advertisement in The Bulletin magazine declaring the following: 'We want fewer forms and more reforms.' Alongside that slogan was a picture of a husband and wife overwhelmed by paperwork. The advertorial went on to say: 'I'm fenced in with permits, licences, returns and regulations from every board, division and department under the sun. What I want is to control my own industry.' It was a message that resonated strongly then—and, unfortunately, it still does today. In every facet of life—from aged care to agriculture, from schools to small businesses, from visas to veterans—we are, disappointingly, facing an avalanche of legislation that is stifling investment, stifling innovation and impeding the creation of jobs. It is impeding the creation of hundreds upon thousands—nay, tens of thousands—of jobs.

I take this opportunity to commend the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, the member for Kooyong, for their commitment to the cause of deregulation. We of course had the first inaugural repeal day on 26 March 2014—

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