Government's 'one-stop-shop' has industry support

The 'one-stop-shop' is designed to develop a single process for new developments so companies do not have to get separate approval from local, state and Federal Government.

Shell Australia Country Chairman, Andrew Smith supports the initiative.

"The environmental one-stop-shop is a good start but there's a lot of other opportunities where the Federal and State Government working together can really deliver an improvement for the business community and hence for the society," he said.

On challenges facing Australian companies, Mr Smith said the heavy regulation burden and growing global competition remain the focus.

Mr Smith's sentiments were echoed by Woodside Petroleum Executive Director, Rob Cole.

"The first priority for us is for the Government to deliver on its promise to reduce the regulatory burden for business, red tape and green tape," he said.

Mr Cole also welcomed the Prime Minister's idea to dedicate two days of the parliamentary sitting year to repeal unnecessary legislation.

Toro Energy Managing Director, Dr Vanessa Guthrie also said over-regulation is a hindrance for new developments and company investment in Australia, especially for small business.

"For the small and emerging markets, one of the things the government could do is remove barriers of entry for the establishment of new companies," she said.

Another area of focus for the Government should also be on the removal of trade barriers which will allow companies to develop and export, Dr Guthrie said.

Reducing over burden is not the only priority for the new Federal Government according to Atlas Iron Chairman, David Flanagan, who said tax and education reform are vital for Australia's future.

"There would be a compensation payment to people who couldn't afford it but I would broaden and increase the GST," he said.

"I don't think the lifestyle that we've come to demand from a government is fundable under the current tax regime and I think that should be looked at.

"I would launch a campaign to try to education multiple generations of people that government is there to support the needs not wants."

On the topic of industry and education, Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director, Alan Cransberg said both sectors are important for increasing productivity.

"I'd really like to see a lot more engagement from industry, reaching out to the university world, and I'd like to see universities getting better at engaging with industry," he said.

The WA Annual Resources Overview also included presentations from:

• Grey Egerton-Warburton, Head of Corporate Finance, Hartleys Limited
• Peter Klinger, Business Editor, The West Australian
• The Hon. Bill Marmion, WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Housing
• James Rowe, State Manager Western Australia, Australian Securities Exchange