Parliamentary Performance

ACT’s performance as a Parliamentary Party, rather than an Opposition Party, has paid off with the Regulatory Responsibility Bill – a constitutional Bill that protects private property rights, defends the freedom to contract, forces compensation for regulatory takings, and establishes a regular review against free market principles of all legislation.

ACT worked with all Parliamentary Parties and, against all predictions, the RRB was voted to Select Committee with a vote of 114 to six – only the Greens voted against it.

It’s unprecedented for a Party of just two MPs outside of Government to get the votes for a Bill of this magnitude.  Submissions have been made to Parliament’s Commerce Committee and, at the Committee’s direction, officials have drafted two alternative Bills for consideration.

The three Bills and the officials’ analysis have been sent out for a further round of submissions next year to key submitters – such as the Business Roundtable, the Law Commission, the Law Society, Federated Farmers, the Institute of Accountants and the major unions.

Passing a Bill to cut back on red tape will be a major achievement for ACT ahead of the next election.