The State Government is commencing consultation for its second annual Simplify Day process, focused on cutting unnecessary red tape and removing outdated and redundant legislation the Gawler Business Roundtable heard recently.
The Roundtable was held to provide the State Government with feedback about the removal of out-dated and redundant laws that will make it easier to do business in South Australia.
The second ‘Simplify Day’ will be held in August 2017 and will incorporate ideas received from business and the community. Laws based on the first Simplify Day held on 15 November 2016 unanimously passed the Legislative Council last week.
The Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, Chris Picton MP, heard first hand from local businesses on how State Government rules and processes could be streamlined to promote greater business activity and job growth.
The Roundtable arranged by Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo provided local small businesses a forum to voice concerns about regulation that is hindering the growth of businesses. Also at the Roundtable were Mr John Chapman, Small Business Commissioner; Dini Soulio, Commissioner of Consumer and Business Services, Nari Chandler, Director of the Industry Participation Advocate, Julie Holmes, Simpler Regulation Unit, and Mark Adcock and Troy Fountain from the Planning Division of DPTI.
Mr Piccolo said the Roundtable had already delivered some positive outcomes with the Small Business Commissioner intervening in two matters to speed up the delivery of services by government.
“The Government’s red tape reduction strategy is based on simplifying our regulatory environment, promoting inNovation, and facilitating investment and growth whilst upholding community safety and environmental standards,” Mr Piccolo said.
“The Roundtable was arranged as a result of my involvement in the Gawler Business Development Group.”
“At a recent meeting of the Gawler Business Development Group I asked the business members of the board whether they had heard about the State Government’s Simplify Project.”
“Unfortunately, nobody had heard about it so I asked the Assistant Minister responsible (Mr Chris Picton MP) whether he and his senior officers would be prepared to speak with local businesses if I arranged a roundtable.”
Local business advisors, including local accountants, lawyers and investment advisers or their clients were invited to attend.
“We wanted a broad spectrum of industries represented at the roundtable to ensure valuable quality data was collected by the State Government people,” Mr Piccolo said.
“While it was clear the State Government could improve some of its own processes, the level of frustration and anger directed toward the local Gawler Council was surprising and unexpected.”
“In my regular meetings with the Mayor and CEO, I am continuously re-assured that things are going well and council is continuously improving it delivery of services.”
“The small businesses present did not believe they had an advocate for small business within the council structure.”
“One business person suggested that between 200 to 300 new jobs are currently blocked in the town because of Council action/inaction.” he said.
The State Government officials took all the feedback on-board and where State Government policies and laws need to change, they gave a commitment to follow up.
A consultation period with business and the community has commenced and will run for 30 days – to find out more, visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au
Mr Piccolo encourages any small business owner to contact him on 85 222878 or via email at light@parliament.sa.gov.au
if they are aware of any unnecessary red tape that is blocking job growth.