Media release – Guy Barnett, Treasurer, 12 March 2025
Full audit to lay foundation of red tape relief
The Tasmanian Government will undertake a full audit of all state and local licences, permits and approvals to ensure we remove any unnecessary barriers preventing economic growth and job creation.
The audit – which will form a key part of the Government’s war on red tape, will be undertaken by an independent auditor soon to be appointed.
Treasurer, Guy Barnett, said the goal of the audit is simple: to reduce red tape, improve efficiency and ensure Tasmania’s regulations are fit-for-purpose.
“We know some licences and approvals haven’t been reviewed in decades, and it’s important that we ask the question – are they all needed? Are they fit for purpose? Or are they a barrier to new businesses here in Tasmania?” the Treasurer said.
“We need a system that reflects modern business needs and practices and meets the community’s expectations.
“Businesses, particularly small and family-owned enterprises, have told us that regulatory hurdles are slowing investment, job creation and innovation in Tassie.
“That isn’t good enough – and we are now laying the foundation for our all-out assault on red tape.
“This is a big job and we’re partnering proactively with the Local Government Association of Tasmania to ensure this is done right.
“The audit will identify outdated, redundant or excessive regulations that no longer serve their purpose.
“Our goal is not to remove necessary protections, but to ensure our rules are proportionate, relevant and contemporary.
“This will result in less red tape for businesses, more efficient Government services, better economic opportunities and, in fact, stronger protections where needed.”
Media release – Miriam Beswick, independent MHA for Braddon, 12 March 2025
MIXED MESSAGES ON HIRING FREEZE
Braddon Independent Miriam Beswick says the Treasurer is sending out mixed messages when it comes to the State Government’s so-called ‘hiring freeze’.
“On one hand the Treasurer says there’s a hiring freeze on non-essential positions while at the same time creating new roles.
“This morning, he announced the appointment of a new red tape auditor, despite the fact Tasmania already has a Red Tape Reduction Coordinator who produces a Red Tape Audit Report.
“The Treasurer failed to explain why this new role is essential.
“The public will soon grow very sceptical of the Government’s promise to ‘right size’ the public service if it continues to create new positions.
“We are still waiting to hear who will make up the new Efficiency and Productivity Unit and how much it will cost to establish.
“Creating highly paid roles in a bid to save money sounds like a plot from a political satire.”
