New figures have confirmed that Bonner businesses and community organisations are dealing with more red tape than ever before, says Ross Vasta, Federal Member for Bonner.

Since the start of 2008, 18,089 additional regulations have been created by the Rudd/Gillard Government, including 1,311 new regulations this year.

“When I talk with shop owners, small business operators, and community and volunteer groups, I am continually told that red tape is getting worse”, said Ross Vasta.

“Red tape is growing and it is choking the life out of local businesses and community groups”

“It is already a difficult time for small business, with retail shops struggling, flat sales, low confidence and a carbon tax only weeks away – and the avalanche of red tape is making it worse.

“18,000 new regulations in just over four and a half years equates to 11 new regulations every day.

“Labor promised when they were elected they would introduce ‘one in, one out”, meaning that new regulations would be matched by repealing others.  Instead, since 2007, 18,000 regulations have been added and only 86 regulations have been repealed.”

Ross Vasta said the Productivity Commission had estimated that the rewards for Australia to cut red tape could be worth up to $12 billion a year.

“The Coalition has established a Deregulation Taskforce, under the leadership of respected Senator Arthur Sinodinos AO, and it will cut red tape by $1 billion a year.

“Areas of red tape already identified include scrapping the carbon tax, simplifying the administration of compulsory employee superannuation contributions; and moving the administration of the national paid parental leave scheme from small businesses to the government’s Family Assistance Office.

Ross Vasta invited local businesses and community groups to contact his office at ross.vasta.mp@aph.gov.au to provide details of red tape that the Coalition’s Deregulation Taskforce should consider cutting.

Ross Vasta is delighted to congratulate Mr Daniel Byrne of Manly West, Mr Karl Domjahn of Wishart and Miss Karla Mayfield of Carindale who are recipients of the 2011 Australian Students Prize in the Bonner community.

“The Australian Student Prize is a highly prestigious inaugural award programme that began in 1991 and only 500 prizes are awarded each year,” Ross Vasta said.  

 “Receiving this award means you are being recognised nationally for academic excellence and this deserves the highest praise.

“Prize winners also are awarded $2,000 to assist them to pursue their future aspirations. 

 “I look would like to personally congratulate Karl, Daniel and Karla on their great achievement as it is a true testament to their many years of handwork and dedication,” Ross Vasta said.