The state government of Western Australia is streamlining agricultural regulation, reducing burdensome requirements on growers.
Areas of reform include aerial spraying, with the government simplifying the licensing process and eliminating inefficient administrative provisions.
Agriculture and Food Minister, Mark Lewis, stated:
“The proposal to change from a licencing system to one that recognises spraying certifications and removing the need to lodge monthly spray records, could save an estimated 31 hours per year for each pilot”.
“This change will also allow recognition of pilots of remotely piloted aircraft who wish to use their aircraft for aerial spraying.
“In addition, aerial spraying companies will no longer have to take out mandatory insurance.
“Together, these changes represent a saving of about $4800 for each operator per year in compliance burden and fees.”
These reforms come in the wake of the much-demanded potato market deregulation which, after 70 years of rigid state control, allows growers to determine the quantity, type and price of potatoes.
Finance Minister Sean L’Estrange stated that:
‘By cutting red tape the government could reduce barriers to investment, drive economic growth and lift business confidence.’
The IPA supports the abolition of unnecessary, time-consuming regulations, as greater economic freedom for producers results in greater choice and lower prices for consumers.
By Michael Husek
