Food industry red tape subject of review

A review into the impact of regulatory burdens across the food supply chain will be the subject of a 2014–15 review by the Productivity Commission as part of the National Food Plan which will be launched on Saturday.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joe Ludwig, said the Productivity Commission review was a great way to identify reforms that will have the most benefit for the food industry and consumers.

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

“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,” Minister Ludwig said.

He said though work had already begun, the Productivity Commission would build on that work.

“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,” said Minister Ludwig.