Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, and the Assistant Treasurer and Minister Assisting for Deregulation, David Bradbury MP, said the review is part of the National Food Plan released on Saturday (25 May).

“The National Food Plan, like the Asian Century White Paper, will set the goal for Australia to be in the top five most efficiently-regulated countries in the world,” Minister Ludwig said.

“Reducing red tape improves business productivity, lowers costs and frees companies to grow in the Asian century. This review will help achieve that goal.

“During the National Food Plan consultations we heard concerns about the cumulative impact of regulations. The Gillard Government has been working with industry and asking for their suggestions on which regulations need to be reduced or removed but this is a difficult task.

“We’ve already been making progress, but we’ve asked the Productivity Commission to build on that work. The PC review is a great way to identify reforms that will have the most benefit for the food industry and consumers.”

The Assistant Treasurer said the review would build on past work by the PC and continues the Government’s strong commitment to delivering better regulation.

“Cost-effective regulation helps the economy and society function safely, fairly and efficiently, and helps protect the natural environment,” Minister Bradbury said.

“Ongoing improvements to regulations will stimulate competition and productivity and ensure lower costs for businesses.”

The review will be part of the Productivity Commission’s program of work in 2014–15.