Appendix 13:
Cutting red tape:
regulatory reform and the regulator performance framework

In 2016–17 the department continued to find ways to minimise regulatory red tape. Our three regulators—the Australian Passport Office (APO), the Sanctions Section and the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO)—led these efforts, resulting in over $9.5 million of regulatory savings.

A major contribution was APO’s decision to introduce an online digital-capture passport application form. Passport applicants will save time through a more streamlined application process. As thousands of Australians apply for a passport every year, saving just a few minutes per person can have substantial benefits for the broader economy.

The three regulators also conducted their second performance self-assessment under the Commonwealth’s Regulator Performance Framework (RPF). This included an assessment of their regulatory reform performance, including their engagement with stakeholders. All three regulators demonstrated strong results, while identifying areas for future work. A particular focus this year for ASNO included outreach to stakeholders. This provided an avenue for discussing ways to minimise red tape, while balancing Australia’s need for strong and effective regimes against the proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons.

Now entering the third year of RPF implementation, 2017–18 provides the regulators with the opportunity to examine and report their performance over a three-year cycle. More information on the department’s work to cut red tape and links to the RPF are available on the DFAT website at dfat.gov.au/about-us/corporate/Pages/deregulation.aspx