NSW to get its own Productivity Commission

Dominic Perrottet – too much regulation in NSW

NSW will establish its own state-based Productivity Commission to “drive micro-economic reform and tackle burdensome regulation.”

The plan was announced by NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, who said the Commission will aim to expand the state’s economic prosperity.

“We have laid the foundations for reform with our state-building infrastructure agenda, but now it’s time for a new wave of growth, to lift the fortunes of our state and its people,” He said, announcing the Commission at an event at the NSW Business Chamber.

“We need ongoing reform to continue to fuel our state’s economy and improve living standards for everyone who lives and works here. The Productivity Commission will advocate for micro-economic reform to drive productivity and regulatory improvements and identify regulations that hold us back.”

The NSW Business Chamber has estimated businesses spend over $10 billion each year complying with regulations across all levels of government.

Mr Perrottet said the Commission, led by a yet to be appointed NSW Productivity Commissioner, will spearhead a reform agenda, focused on four core themes:

  • Making it easier to do business
  • Lowering the cost of living
  • Making housing more affordable
  • Making NSW the easiest state to move to

The establishment of the Commission was recommended by an expert panel established by the Government in 2016 to review NSW’s regulatory policy framework. It is chaired by former NSW Premier Nick Greiner.

The NSW Commission will be set up with the aid and advice of eminent Professor Gary Banks, former head of the Commonwealth Productivity Commission.

The current head of the Commonwealth Productivity Commission Peter Harris said: “The development of a Productivity Commission-style body in NSW should be very helpful in addressing the kinds of reform opportunities in the Federal-State environment that we have identified in our 2017 Shifting the Dial report.”

Mr Perrottet said the Commission will ensure a user-centred approach to regulation that is responsive to users’ needs and changes in the market. “This means a light touch approach that is focused on outcomes rather than on rules.

“The public will also be able to have its say on how government processes can be improved and what we can do to make it easier to live, work and run a business in NSW.”

Mr Perrottet said an online portal will follow the announcement of the Commissioner, allowing citizens and businesses to identify the most important regulatory roadblocks, and provide fresh ideas to reduce the regulatory burden.

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One thought on “NSW to get its own Productivity Commission

  1. Please let me know when the online portal is established.
    My complaint will be based on the unnecessary and extraordinarily convoluted process in order to gain an approval to repair a water-based structure on Sydney Harbour.
    The regulation only applies to those structures within the control of the Department of Roads and Maritime Services.

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