Reducing red tape 
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Last updated: 1 March 2007
Media release: Reducing red tape in the APS
MAC
The Management Advisory Committee (MAC) is a forum of Secretaries and Agency Heads established under the Public Service Act 1999 to advise the Australian Government on matters relating to the management of the Australian Public Service
The Australian Government’s Management Advisory Committee today released its latest report, Reducing Red Tape in the Australian Public Service, at the National Gallery of Australia.
The report complements the Government’s response to the Report of the Taskforce on Reducing Regulatory Burdens on Business, which considered the burden of red tape on business.
The report acknowledges that the Australian Public Service, like most organisations, faces substantial amounts of internal red tape. Red tape has the potential to direct scarce taxpayers’ funds away from the delivery of policy advice to government and government programmes. It also causes confusion about objectives and processes, decreases productivity and reduces employees’ job satisfaction.
Dr Ian Watt, Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, said “The report introduces a framework to help promote the cultural change that is necessary to bring about an ongoing reduction in internal red tape across the Australian Public Service. The framework involves a systematic approach to the design and review of legislation, policy and other rules that the Australian Government imposes on itself.”
According to Dr Watt some of the red tape that the Australian Public Service faces is due to myths and misconceptions that have grown up in areas of administration. “Employees often believe that they have to perform processes that are not prescribed by government policy, legislation or other rules,” he said. “This can lead to overly complex and time consuming administration.”
To enhance the report, the Department of Finance and Administration today released a brochure on Reducing Red Tape – Dispelling some myths in Australian Government administration. The brochure tackles some common myths about processes required in three areas of administration that are relevant to many agencies.
Implementation of the framework will deliver significant efficiencies to the Australian Government, and help to sharpen its focus on delivering results for the community.
Media Contact: Emma McDonald
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Finance and Administration
(02) 6215 2383
