High-Power MPs To Remove Mining 'Red Tape'

September 11, 2012

Deputy Premier and Member for Callide Jeff Seeney will chair a special Cabinet Committee to examine the impacts of government regulation on the mining industry.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls announced the establishment of the Resources Cabinet Committee in today’s Budget.

Mr Seeney will join the Treasurer and four other Ministers on the committee which would examine “the entire regulatory environment to assess its cost impacts on mining companies”.

“The committee’s review of red tape would provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address regulations that miners believe hinder their efficiency,” Mr Seeney said.

“This group of senior Ministers will examine every regulation facing the coal industry and test them to ensure the value they add is equal to the impost they put on our economy.”

Mr Seeney said the coal industry was critically important to the State.

“We can’t afford in today’s international economic climate to load industry up with layer upon layer of regulation,” he said.

“Instead we must create a positive investment climate by streamlining the regulatory environment and offsetting any negative impact from increased costs the sector may face.

“This is about getting rid of red tape that hinders mining, it’s about making sure government facilitates growth that is vital to our economy.”

The Resources Cabinet Committee will report back to the full Cabinet within 100 days on proposals to reduce approval times, cut red tape and lessen the regulatory burden.

Cabinet has asked the committee to: