Business SA has submitted to the State Government Review of the Water Industry Act 2012. This Act was established to facilitate SA Water’s independent economic regulation by the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA), and subsequently amended to allow for third-party access to SA Water’s assets. There is no quick fix to fostering more competition in SA’s water sector, but Business SA argued that improved transparency of SA Water’s pricing and pipe utilisation would greatly assist. We also raised the need for Government policy to continue to promote water efficiency, despite Adelaide having a back-up desalination plant which is known to have a higher marginal cost than other water sources. Business SA also raised the need for an improved process to ensure independent vetting of major SA Water capital projects ahead of any expenditures.
Business SA lobbies on behalf of members to ensure the voice of South Australian business is heard and that we achieve the best environment in which to do business. A significant part of that lobbying effort is through written submissions we make to all levels of government and other organisations such as utility companies, either in response to formal reviews of for example, legislation, or proactively where we wish to progress a particular issue not high enough on the government’s agenda. This might include submissions before the State Budget or where say, the government is reviewing options to reduce red-tape. We also make regular submissions to the Fair Work Commission to advocate the interests of our members with respect to Modern Awards and other industrial matters.
Business SA’s policy team relies heavily on member input into our submissions to ensure that we have the most comprehensive and current perspective from members for any position we take on your behalf. So if you are asked to complete a survey, speak with a policy team member on the phone or participate in a member forum, we appreciate your involvement as it all helps to strengthen the case of business.
Date Published: May 2019
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