A NEW taskforce is being set up, to review international trade regulations and modernise outdated ICT systems, as part of the Australian government’s bid to cut red tape for exporters and simplify border processes.
The government says the work of the Simplified Trade System Implementation Taskforce will assist more than 57,000 Australian exporters, and more than 380,000 importers.
Minister for trade Dan Tehan announced Randall Brugeaud as leader of the new taskforce, commencing on 1 July. Mr Brugeaud will leave his current role as CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency to take up the position to lead the taskforce.
“Mr Brugeaud is uniquely qualified to work hand-in-hand with businesses to design and implement a cross-border trade system that meets their needs,” Mr Tehan said.
“We announced an additional $37.4m for the Simplified Trade System reform, to further strengthen Australia’s economic resilience, in the May budget.”
Minister for employment and small business Stuart Robert thanked Mr Brugeaud for his work at the DTA and said his experience will ensure the taskforce would further improve the government’s digital services for businesses.
“The taskforce will complement the Morrison Government’s $1.2bn Digital Economy Strategy that is helping to drive Australia’s jobs-led recovery by ensuring businesses can focus on growth and interact with government in a way that is simple and efficient,” Mr Robert said.
The taskforce will work with the Simplified Trade System Industry Advisory Council, the Deregulation Taskforce, other border agencies, and Australian businesses to review and improve regulations and trade systems.
