Release Date: 15/08/2013
TASMANIAN business has welcomed the commitment of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to establish a new federal regulatory approval agency in Launceston, if elected to Government.
Peak business organisation, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) says such a body would assist business to negotiate the often tricky, road of securing approval for major projects.
It’s understood that the agency would be a one-stop shop reporting to other Commonwealth agencies such as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Taxation Office.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said the agency could make it easier to manage the process of gaining regulatory approval.
Mr Bailey said Tasmanian business consistently cited the difficulty in dealing with Commonwealth and State regulations as one of the major impediments to business growth.
“Our quarterly Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations shows this to be at or near to the top of the list of concerns for business leaders.
“Anything that can make this easier will assist development, the economy and jobs.
“Following on from the Jobs Summit, the State Government has committed to reviewing its regulatory processes and action at the federal level would complement this.”
Mr Bailey said the TCCI also welcomed the commitment to upgrade the Hobart Airport and additional funding for Antarctic research as part of the Liberal’s Growth Plan for Tasmania.
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