Weatherill to scrap boards and committees
Premier Jay Weatherill has promised to scrap all government boards and committees unless they can make a compelling argument for their continuing existence.
Weatherill told a CEDA “state of the state” lunch today that every State Government board and committee would be abolished unless they could demonstrate that they have an essential purpose “that cannot be fulfilled in an alternative way”.
“The large number of boards and committees currently in existence contribute to duplication, unnecessary complexity and inefficiency within government,” Weatherill said.
He said the move – which would require the passing of legislation to remove requirements in various Acts for boards and committees – was not just about removing red tape and duplication, but also was designed to give the community more direct access to government.
“Views expressed to government are too often confined to board chairs or experts selected to be on committees – this is something I am very keen to change in favour of the public being closer to decision-making processes,” he said.
“Clearly there are some boards that perform as essential function, the Parole Board being one example, however not all boards carry out such a critical role.”
Other high-profile government boards include the SACE Board, the Teachers’ Registration Board, and the board of Renewal SA.
Weatherill said a letter had been sent today to the chairs of all government boards and committees, advising them of the reform.
The Premier also announced a new “Simpler Regulation Unit” to work with industries to remove or improve regulations, with the aim of creating jobs.
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Department of Premier and Cabinet chief executive Jim Hallion will take on a new role, helping private sector projects valued at more than $3 million to clear bureaucratic hurdles.
“The blockages might be related to issues such as planning, environment, council regulations, water, liquor licensing and so on,” he said.
Opposition leader Steven Marshall was sceptical about the reforms, claiming that the government had made an art form of creating new bureaucracies.
He said he was happy to see “wasteful boards” scrapped.
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