Good Work On Some Compliance Costs

Media release 1 July 2003

Good Work On Some Compliance Costs; Still Plenty To Do

Today's report-back on compliance costs shows diligence in implementing some of the recommendations of the Ministerial Panel on Business Compliance Costs, says Business NZ.

Chief Executive Simon Carlaw said the list of achievements released by the Minister for Small Business today is commendable, but short.

"It should also be remembered this is the edited version of compliance costs - 15% of the Panel's recommendations were ruled out of contention in 2001 because they conflicted with Government policy.

"Businesses told the Ministerial Panel they wanted substantial changes to tax, resource management, ACC and employment relations policies, but many of these requests were culled before the implementation work began.

"It's in these areas that the disincentives to employ are found. Spending money to set up websites and advisory groups is OK, but it doesn't address many fundamental disincentives that deter small businesses from growing bigger.

"Moreover, since the Panel's initial report in 2001, new compliance costs have emerged or been foreshadowed."

Business NZ and KPMG yesterday began what will be an annual survey of businesses on compliance cost trends. The survey will provide an objective benchmark against which Government action on compliance costs can be measured.

ENDS

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