#ShredTheRed: State Goverment plan to reform regulatory roadblocks.

Premier Colin Barnett and Finance Minister Bill Marmion have released the Regulatory Reform Policy – flagged with the social media hashtag #ShredTheRed – aimed at cutting the estimated $12 billion annual cost of government paperwork.

“This is about removing the costly roadblocks that clog commerce and frustrate countless West Australians,” Mr Barnett said.

“While recent reforms have delivered $20 million in annual savings, supporting innovation and encouraging growth have never been more important to our State’s future.”

Since Mr Marmion took the lead role in the Government’s regulatory reform program in March, all ministers have committed to red tape reduction priorities, with an initial focus on small business and community benefits.

“For instance, the housing industry says from next month planning reforms could cut up to $8000 off the cost of getting into a new house,” Mr Marmion said.

“The small business sector is an engine room of employment with great growth potential and already contributes about $44 billion annually to WA’s economy.

“Backing emerging businesses and entrepreneurs through improved Government service delivery and efficiency is essential to realise our full potential.”

Vehicle registrations can now be processed online for 200,000 businesses who want to update details online.

The service will be available by December 31.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the advance meant improved efficiencies for all businesses but particularly for the transport sector, which would help spur productivity.

“We want to reduce red tape for businesses, cut their administrative burden and lower their costs,” Mr Nalder said.

“About 40 billion tonnes of freight are transported by road in WA each year, so it’s important to ensure hurdles are removed so the industry can function efficiently.”