FED: Business calls on govt for further cuts in red tape

AAP General News (Australia)
08-19-2008
FED: Business calls on govt for further cuts in red tape

CANBERRA, Aug 19 AAP - Retailers have backed plans to create a national consumer law,
saying there is a need to reduce the burden of red tape.

The Rudd government has struck a deal with the states and territories for one uniform
law to replace the nine separate laws that exist now.

The national law would include consumer protection provisions presently in the commonwealth's
Trade Practices Act and incorporate "best practice" laws from other jurisdictions.

The move has been welcomed by the Australian Retailers Association, which hopes it
will lead to less red tape.

"There is still a need to address wider regulatory burdens and inconsistencies across
archaic state laws including OH&S, retail leasing, payroll tax and food safety," association
executive director Richard Evans said.

"In this time of economic uncertainty, business needs to see the federal government
easing bureaucratic burden."

The government needed to provide an education program for retailers on the best way
to protect consumers, Mr Evans said.

"If retailers were well-informed and educated about their consumer law requirements
many disputes would be avoided."

AAP srj/rl/lh/mn

KEYWORD: CONSUMER

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