The Federal government has moved to reduce bureaucratic overlaps that have affected environmental assessments on major project approvals as part of the government’s commitment towards deregulation.
The move has been warmly welcomed by the Business Council of Australia (BCA), who believe that the initiative will make it easier for businesses to adopt measures that will help protect the environment, generate investment and get job-creating projects off the ground,
“We applaud the decision today by Ministers Sussan Ley and Ben Morton to reduce the unnecessary overlap in environmental regulation between all layers of government,” BCA chief executive Jennifer Westacott said in a statement, “This helps remove one of the handbrakes on growth and job creation, especially in regional Australia.”
The BCA highlighted the fact that businesses have long called for a reduction in green tape duplication and delays. With the move, it is expected that $60 million will be saved each year in reduced green tape costs and will make it easier for businesses to navigate environmental assessments.
“By reducing delays, duplication and costs, business has the increased certainty it needs to make major investment decisions and get on with powering a private sector-led recovery,” Westacott said. “Importantly, the changes recognise that protecting the environment, major project approvals and creating jobs are not mutually exclusive.
“We thank Environment Minister Ley and Mr Morton, the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, for working with business to reduce unnecessary green tape,” Westacott concluded.
