Managing Director Paul Mulder said “I greatly appreciate the leadership of the PNG Prime Minister & Minister for
Bougainville Affairs & Defence, Hon. James Marape, in the establishment of this SEZ, as it sets the right conditions for
large scale investment to thrive and catalyse down-stream processing in the SEZ that will particularly benefit the
people and the manufacturing industry in PNG.”
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How Special Economic Zones are Reshaping the World Economy
SEZs are business parks granted legal autonomy to improve their governance. Companies operating within SEZs enjoy unique tax breaks, streamlined government regulations, special VISA rights and different labor laws. This enables businesses to operate in emerging markets without the usual problems that businesses in the developed world face. SEZs have also rehabilitated traditionally bad investment destinations, creating bastions of economic growth in unlikely locations. The most well-known case studies of this come from China.
Read moreInfrastructure key to regional boom
The report says improving regional connectivity is critical to unlocking additional growth and backs a staged investment in transport infrastructure aimed at supporting economic diversification and sustainable population growth. It says this strengthens the case for modern, fast rail improvements. Mass movements of people from cities to towns such as Margaret River in Western Australia and Orange in NSW – both as holiday destinations and places of residence – had sparked huge demand for housing and services. The report says a more coordinated infrastructure policy would meet specific needs by drawing on each region’s competitive advantage, facilitate growth and encourage a better balancing of population growth between cities and regions.
Read moreReform overhaul to put rocket under productivity
With the country already experiencing a peak in major projects, Infrastructure Australia chief of policy and research Peter Colacino said the industry needed to reform in order to meet the looming pipeline of projects. “The industry can’t deliver the scope of work unless it adopts the change,” he said. “We’ve pointed to things that are proven, have delivered productivity gains elsewhere, are well evidenced in terms of what we’re putting forward. These aren’t unproven solutions.”
Read moreTaking the big smoke to the bush
“Not by a decentralisation policy where we shift public servants from government agencies out into country towns. But where we flip that model, identify the unique competitive advantage of the region, and use that to attract people … but also businesses who are keen to relocate if we get the infrastructure piece right.”
Read more‘Payroll tax squeezes the life out of sector’
On a federal level Mr Tan said that Treasurer Josh Fydenberg needed to engage with the sector and be guided by them on policy. “Let us show you where the opportunities are and how policy can really help the sector but also very much harm the sector and let us give you some ideas that can help the sector and the economy and the country all at the same time,” he said. “We are trying to solve big problems and sometimes the rules aren’t very clear about what you can and can’t do.”
Read moreRinehart’s fear: Don’t strangle our Olympics
In a rare interview, Ms Rinehart, who sponsors four of Australia’s Olympic sports, insisted that for Brisbane to fulfil its potential as the 2032 Games host, investors must be given a way to saw through the governmental red tape she believes has stalled many crucial business opportunities in Queensland. “I really enjoy being involved but the parents are the real heroes because they have been there since the journey began,’’ she said. Ms Rinehart has promised to continue her support beyond this Olympics.
Read moreBrickworks slams IMF carbon tax
“(Australian governments) are into the rule book to try and find out how they can stop you doing what you want to do, or try and delay you, whereas in America, representatives of the governor will come and see you and ask you how they can help,” he explained.
“We need to be prepared to relax the regulations so companies can function. It’s just too onerous at the moment, and very difficult for companies to invest in Australia,” he added.
Approvals reform can protect natural assets & boost economy
The Minerals Council of Australia estimates that the EPBC process can cost companies developing greenfield resource projects up to $47 million every month. Professor Samuel recommended the job-destroying duplication should be addressed by improving, strengthening, and streamlining the capacity of the Federal Government to delegate approval functions to State governments.
It’s time to get on with reforms to better protect natural assets and deliver a needed boost for our economy.
McGowan backs PM over red tape Bills
Mr McGowan said his government had called for proposed changes 18 months ago.
“We support this legislation and WA continues to work with the Commonwealth to progress a bilateral agreement for approvals which will maintain environmental standards and reduce red tape,” he said.
“Since (originally calling for the changes) the State has been implementing initiatives to remove red tape while retaining the highest environmental standards for all applicants.”
