Michael Sukkar MP

Government Cuts More Than $2.1b of Red Tape

The Abbott Coalition Government is cutting red tape to make life easier, help small business, strengthen our economy and create jobs.

For the first time in history, the Abbott Government is dedicating two days of Parliament each year to removing red tape. During the Spring Red Tape Repeal Day on 29 October, nearly 1,000 pieces of legislation and regulation totalling over 7,200 pages will be removed.

“We have listened to the concerns in our community about the burden of red tape in Australia. Whether it is small business owners, local community groups or hard working individuals, the message is the same – please make things simpler”, Michael Sukkar said.

As a result of recent red tape reductions, nearly half a million small businesses are now exempt from pay-as-you-go requirements and around 1.4 million myTax users will be able to use pre-populated income tax returns, saving countless hours and costs.

Access to government services is now much simpler, with seven services (including Medicare and Centrelink) now accessible through one myGov username and password.

There is practical red tape relief across the board, from one-stop-shops for environmental approvals for major projects, to hire companies no longer needing to register concrete mixers as “vehicles”.

The Government promised to reduce more than $1 billion of red and green tape each year and we have more than doubled our target, removing over $2.1 billion of compliance costs.

“We need to reduce the footprint of government to enable the community to get on with creating jobs and building a stronger society for all”, Michael Sukkar said.

“Many of the ideas to cut red tape came directly from members of the community, so please let me know if you are being weighed down by rules and regulations”, Michael Sukkar said.

If you would like further information, you can visit www.cuttingredtape.gov.au to find summaries of all the new initiatives and to pass on your suggestions.