Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is just as well that I had a 22-minute speech prepared. I was going to cut some out. I am absolutely delighted to be speaking on this bill. As I was saying, reducing bureaucracy and regulation of course enhances the operation of government while reducing the cost of government, but it also enhances the private sector by getting meaningful outcomes—positive environmental outcomes, as well as business outcomes. By consolidating the various bodies that have previously dealt with these questions into what is colloquially known as the 'one-stop shop' policy we are going to be on a winner.

The bill amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to ensure that existing bilateral agreements with each of the states operates efficiently and effectively. Madam Acting Deputy President, I would hate you to be under any illusion that I do not believe that in our federation states should be free to pursue the issues that are of importance to their constituents. I do firmly believe that government that is closer to the people often better reflects their determinations—whether that comes down to, say, local government where communities can have their issues resolved or state governments. I do believe firmly that they have an important role to play. But the federal government also has a very important role to play and in this case it is about streamlining environmental assessments and approvals. It removes unnecessary duplication; it means effectively that you do not have to fill in the same forms again and again and speak to multiple bureaucrats to resolve the same sort of issue. It removes unnecessary duplication between the Australian government and the states and territories.

I make this point to the Senate: the Office of Best Practice Regulation has estimated that the full implementation of the one-stop shop policy in regard to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2014 would save businesses over $426 million per year. That is money they can put towards employing more people and investing and developing their businesses. As they make more money, they will pay more tax. It is a win-win-win—a $426 million triple bottom line win there. We will all be familiar with the BAEconomics report, which was commissioned by the Minerals Council of Australia. They estimate the reform will add $160 billion to national output by 2025 and create 69,000 jobs across the whole economy. Let me remind the Senate that the Abbott government is all about jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs and increasing productivity—