Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt has welcomed a Productivity Commission draft report as a timely reminder that all levels of government need to continue to work to remove unnecessary barriers to the sector’s growth.

The Productivity Commission’s Draft report on Resources Sector Regulation has identified several ways that governments can reduce red tape and other barriers to industry development and investment.

The Commission is examining best practice regulation of the resources sector across Federal, state and territory governments to ensure regulations are as streamlined as possible, while still providing necessary safeguards for Australian communities and the environment. 

Its draft report contains 45 findings and 10 draft recommendations ahead of calls for further public submissions.

Minister Pitt said the resources sector continued to underpin Australia’s economic prosperity, particularly during the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, and the draft report was a timely reminder of the need for government to support the sector by removing unnecessary hurdles.

“The Australian Government is a strong supporter of the resources sector and we are committed to finding ways to help improve industry efficiency and Australia’s ability to compete globally,” Minister Pitt said.

“This will ensure that the industry is well placed to attract new investments that will help the Australian economy to bounce back following the current disruption.”

The Productivity Commission will call for feedback and submissions on its draft report, before finalising the report later this year.

“The Government looks forward to receiving the Productivity Commission’s final report, which is due in August,” Minister Pitt said.

“We will carefully consider the final report’s findings and recommendations, and will work with state and territory governments through the COAG process to exemplify best practice.

“If our resources sector remains world-leading – both in terms of economic output, and the environmental, workplace and community outcomes that we model – then it will continue to compete, grow and thrive to the benefit of all Australians.”

The Productivity Commission draft report is available on the Productivity Commission website at https://www.pc.gov.au/.

Media contacts

Minister Pitt's Office 02 6277 7180