South Australia in 2018 gets own productivity commission to advise state government on ways to boost economy
Some of the South Australian Productivity Commission reports on its inquiries into aspects of the state's economy. At left is a state government response to the commission's review into the extractive (quarry) industry supply chain.
The South Australian Productivity Commission was set up by the Steven Marshall Liberal state government in 2018 to examine and recommend ways to grow productivity, unlock economic opportunities, create jobs and remove regulatory barriers. Its role mirrored the federal government’s body.
The productivity commission inquired into matters referred to it by the premier as the responsible government minister. The premier provided the terms of reference and other specific directions
The commission conducted its inquiries independently, seeking submissions after publishing an issues paper. The final report on commission’s findings and recommendations was given to the government. The commission was required to take a broad perspective of the state’s economy, including the broad interests of industry, business, consumers and the community, regional South Australia, social-economic effects and ecological sustainability.
Among inquiries by the productivity commission were:
* Tourist regulation: The commission reviewed South Australia’s tourism regulation, focusing on nature-based and agriculture-based tourism sectors. It recommended improve tefficiency of the operations and performance of state agencies and to improve the adaptability and resilience of regulations. It also examined ways to cut the costs of regulations on the regulated parties to make it easier to do business in the state.
* Development referrals: The commission reviewed regulation and practice governing referrals that were integral to the state’s development approval system. The review focused on the referrals of select state referral agencies in the areas of environmental significance, native vegetation and transport routes and corridors. It examined how the referrals can be improved to lift the competitiveness of South Australia as an investment destination.
* Extractive supply chain: The Commission reviewed the efficiency and effectiveness of regulation, policies and practices of the extractives (quarry) industry supply chain. It examined the processes and timeframes for approving quarries, costs for business, and land use issues. The strategic development of the industry, supply of extractive inputs into strategic infrastructure, and options to support industry best practice were considered.
