The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) has started consultation for an inquiry into reform of Western Australia’s business and occupational licensing framework. Source: Timberbiz
There are 700 state government licensing schemes covering business and occupational licences, registrations, permits, approvals and other similar requirements in Western Australia.
Business and occupational licences are those needed to start a business, operate a business or work in a regulated occupation.
ERA Chair, Nicky Cusworth, said: “Business and occupational licences are used to achieve economic, social and environmental goals. They can deliver great benefits for the community. However, the licence must meet a clear need, and it must be well designed and efficiently administered, to ensure the costs of licensing do not outweigh those benefits.
“The ERA has been asked to identify opportunities to improve licensing arrangements generally, and priority areas for reform.
“The ERA will also develop an analytical framework and guideline that State Government agencies can use to assess whether licences are needed, well designed, and efficiently administered.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in business and occupational licensing to provide input to the inquiry. We have released two consultation papers to help with submissions,” said Ms Cusworth. “We are particularly keen to hear from people who need licences, people who administer them, and people who are affected by them.”
Stakeholders can provide their views by responding to the ERA’s consultation papers, or through the questionnaire on the ERA’s website: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4183615/Business-Licensing-Inquiry-Questionnaire
The consultation period closes at 4pm (WST) on Tuesday, 3 April 2018.
After considering the information gathered through the consultation process, the ERA will publish a draft report in the third quarter of 2018, which will offer a further opportunity for public consultation.
The ERA must provide its final report to the Treasurer no later than 22 February 2019.
An overview of the inquiry and the terms of reference are available at https://www.erawa.com.au/inquiries/industry-and-resources-inquiries/business-licensing-reform-inquiry
