Page 759 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 8 March 2016
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In recent years we have undertaken significant reforms to implement a changed business environment in Canberra. The creation of Access Canberra has given businesses and households a one-stop shop for regulatory and compliance issues. Access Canberra was established with a clear mandate to better connect businesses and households to the territory government and is at the forefront of the government’s program of regulatory reform and red tape reduction.
In simple terms, it means that businesses and households spend less time on compliance and dealing with red tape. It is focusing on fixing issues and making it cheaper for business and for government. In addition, the recent appointment of the Chief Digital Officer is promoting cohesion and efficiency across government. We are working on the implementation of iConnect, which will provide anytime, anywhere access to ACT government services.
The legalisation of ride sharing is another example of the government’s commitment to reform. Whilst other jurisdictions in Australia and around the world were sitting on their hands, the ACT government got on with the job of providing a regulated outcome that is already providing a clear transport benefit for Canberrans. Residents now have access to a whole new form of transport in the form of legalised and regulated ride sharing. The taxi industry is benefiting from lower fees and fewer regulations.
Other examples of economic reforms include the current reform of the energy industry levy, recent changes to the planning and zoning of the University of Canberra campus and our reforms in the human services sector, including being the first jurisdiction to roll out the national disability insurance scheme. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Hinder.
MR HINDER: Again, Treasurer, how is the territory government engaging with the commonwealth to promote economic reform?
MR BARR: In light of the Harper competition review that was issued last year, the commonwealth has asked states and territories to explore the potential for further competition reform. As I have noted, the territory government is already working hard in this area but we welcome the opportunity to work further with the commonwealth and, indeed, other states and territories to promote reform. Any future measures may well involve significant resources to implement, and we will continue to work closely with the commonwealth to ensure that states and territories receive, where appropriate, upfront payments to assist with undertaking reforms. I will also be encouraging the commonwealth to recognise recent reforms undertaken by the states and territories in the calculation of incentive payments.
The history of competition reform demonstrates that incentive payments are a very good way to help states and territories to undertake reform, and it is important in a jurisdiction like the ACT—which is already ahead of other states and territories in areas such as our work with the regulation of ride sharing and the establishment of Access Canberra—that our work in this area is recognised.
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