PM announces deregulation agenda to reduce burden on small business

Making it easier to export more Australian food and agriculture, streamlining project approval processes, helping small businesses employ more Australians and creating a one-stop shop for business registers are among the next wave of deregulation reforms being delivered by the Morrison government.

“We want to create the space for businesses in our economy to back themselves and take our growth to the next level,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“Our deregulation agenda has a laser focus on reducing the regulatory compliance burden on business.

“The reforms we’re delivering hone in on what we’ve been hearing directly from Australian businesses that will help them grow and employ more people.”

The new reforms include a new prototype ‘regtech’ platform to take employers step-by-step through the process of employing their first staff; modernising Australia’s business registers to make it easier and faster for business to interact with government; a single digital environmental approvals process and biodiversity database; and a modern export documents system to replace the existing paper-based system so food exporters can get their product to market faster.

“We will continue to work with the states and territories and the business community to simplify Australia’s business environment and ensure regulation is fit for purpose,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.

“The measures continue the Coalition government’s commitment to reduce red tape and unnecessary regulation, making it easier for businesses to invest, create jobs and grow the economy.”

Small business welcomes announcement

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, has welcomed the government’s announcement, calling it a “step in the right direction”.

Ms Carnell, however, called on the government to consider developing an algorithm to be integrated into accounting software to make it easier for small and family businesses to pay wages and entitlements correctly and on time.

“Small and family businesses are crying out for a simplified system, so they can get on with the job of growing their business.”

Ms Carnell also encouraged the PM to clarify the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code, to give small and family businesses the confidence they need to employ more Australians.

“We’ve provided the government with our review of the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code, which recommends a suite of changes to help small business employers meet their obligations,” said Ms Carnell.

“It’s also critical the government consults widely as part of the deregulation process, which my office is ready to play an active role in, so the small business community is part of these important discussions that affect them directly.”