As part of our ongoing commitment to advocating for a more efficient and business-friendly operating environment, the Whitsundays Chamber invites you to have your say on regulatory red tape and how it could be reduced across all levels of government.
Red tape and regulatory simplification is our number one issue in our Ten Point Advocacy Plan.
The purpose of the survey is to identify specific examples, recurring challenges, and practical ideas from our business community that could inform advocacy efforts and contribute to streamlined processes that support business growth and productivity.
Key themes already identified:
- Simplifying Approvals and Permits: Calls to reduce the complexity and volume of forms and approval processes, including event permits and development applications.
- Labour and Workforce Access: Support for faster and simpler skilled migration pathways to address workforce shortages.
- Planning and Development Alignment: Requests for greater alignment between state and local planning requirements, and improved guidance on compliance.
- Grant Accessibility: Feedback that government platforms such as QGrants are difficult to use, with calls for more user-friendly and transparent systems.
- Streamlined Contact Points: Suggestions for a government ‘concierge service’ to provide a single, consistent point of contact for business queries and escalations.
- Fee Equity: Concerns that sole traders and small businesses face disproportionate regulatory fees and charges compared to larger enterprises.
- Efficient Federal Interactions: Frustration with long wait times and administrative inefficiencies when dealing with the Australian Taxation Office.
- Infrastructure Burdens: Examples of developers being required to fund major infrastructure works due to gaps in government investment, raising concerns about project viability and housing affordability.
Your feedback will inform the Chamber’s advocacy efforts as we work with local, state, and federal government representatives to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and create a more supportive environment for Whitsunday businesses.
We thank you for your valuable input to help shape a stronger, more connected regional economy.