Yet another study has shown that red tape is a key challenge facing Australian businesses. The University of Melbourne’s Study of Australian Leadership report, released in May 2016, has cited senior business figures naming excessive regulation as a key issue; stating that it inhibits the ability of business to adapt to changing economic conditions, and damages international competitiveness by driving up costs.[1]
For example, one figure told the study:
“The most critical challenge we will face in the next five years are probably navigating government policy changes and regulatory changes.”
Others quoted in the report said that:
“The biggest hurdle that the business faces is the amount of time spent fulfilling statutory obligations versus business operations”
“… my job’s basically gone from running a business to being a pseudo solicitor. I spend most of my time reading about changes to our regulations than I do running the business.”[2]
“Government regulations, state and local government – too much regulation and it is confusing…. [It] also makes one nervous going ahead as we don’t know how the regulations will be changed or interpreted.”
Industry specific regulation was identified as a major source of regulatory complication; with liquor licensing laws in the Accommodation and Food Services industry named as an example.[3]
The report also listed Australia as ranking 17th on the Global Innovation Index, although Australia also ranked a disappointing 72nd on the Innovation Efficiency Ratio.[4]
[1] http://sal.workplaceleadership.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/SAL-Report.pdf p. 49
[2] ibid
[3] ibid
[4] http://sal.workplaceleadership.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/SAL-Report.pdf p. 74
By Michael Husek
