It is specifically looking for examples where the cost of regulation has increased because more than one level of government (local, state or federal) has become involved and where the regulations either contradict each other or cause a major cumulative effect.

Growcom is preparing a submission for the Productivity Commission inquiry into government regulation in the Australian agricultural sector at all levels – local, state and federal. Submissions are due by 12 February.

The inquiry aims to define priority areas for removing or reducing unnecessary red tape on farm business and identifying unnecessary restrictions on competition. While the focus will be on agriculture, regulation imposed elsewhere in the supply chain – such as that used to meet the requirements of foreign markets – will also be considered if it leads to a significant and unnecessary burden on farm businesses.

The Productivity Commission will concentrate on:

• Where there is the greatest scope to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and pursue regulatory objectives in more efficient (least cost) ways;
• Whether the current level at which matters are regulated (national, state and local) is appropriate and if there is scope for better coordination across governments to reduce unnecessary overlap;
• Whether Australia's farm export competitiveness can be improved by minimising duplication between domestic regulation and importing country requirements, as well as looking at relevant regulatory approaches adopted in other countries.

Growcom expects that this inquiry will result in real red tape reform, which does not depend on the outcome of the federal election this year.

Evidence and practical examples from growers are critical for inclusion in their submission so it asks to be sent a quick e-mail setting out relevant contributions on this matter. 

The issues paper can be found at: www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/agriculture/issues