Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting on Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hutchins. There is great mirth from the opposition, who did nothing in respect of national reform of regulation while they were in government. The Gillard government has a comprehensive agenda and reform to reduce the level of unnecessary and poorly designed red tape in Australia. This is in order to increase productivity, build a stronger economy and create more jobs and higher wages. The Council of Australian Governments national partnership agreement is to deliver a seamless national economy and we are driving states and territories to deliver this seamless national economy in 27 key areas. The Gillard government is providing some $550 million in incentive payments to the states to tackle the 27 deregulation priorities that have been identified.

The states and territories need to deliver the reforms, in line with the key milestones that have been established, by 1 July 2013 in order to be eligible for the incentive payments. Very good progress is being made, and let me provide a few examples. Standard business reporting allows business to quickly and efficiently prepare and lodge business information electronically through a range of Commonwealth and state-territory agencies. When it is fully operational in 2014 it will save business an estimated $800 million per annum in operational costs. Australian Consumer Law, which is operative from 1 January 2011, will replace 17 different state and territory acts of parliament in this area with a single national framework, which will be simpler and more comprehensive. National trade licensing will cover electricians, plumbers and property agents and will avoid the need for separate licensing in every state and territory. (Time expired)