Qld Minister warns govt against 'trojan horse' tactics

Queensland Minister for Digital Technology Mick de Brenni has warned the federal government against using ‘trojan horse’ tactics to wind back important legislation under the guise of business simplification.

The Minister said he had written to federal Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation Michael Keenan outlining his concerns that proposed business simplification initiatives before the Australian Digital Council could be used to water down regulations that keep Australians safe.

“What we don’t want to see from the federal government are trojan horse tactics that drag down regulations under the guise of business simplification. Queensland sets very high standards when it comes to regulation, and any alignment between states and the federal government should meet these standards, not fall below them,” he said.

The Australian Digital Council, which was established in September, consists of Ministers from across the federal and state governments with responsibility for digital transformation and handling of public data.

But de Brenni also said the government has not been honouring the ADC’s role as the key jurisdictional collaborative mechanism in relation to the development of governmental strategies.

“The decision by the federal government not to consult with the ADC membership prior to the release of the federal government’s Digital Transformation Strategy last month is of particular concern, especially given items due to be discussed and considered by the ADC in Adelaide today were outlined as key priorities in the strategy,” he said.

“While the strategy’s vision, priorities and actions are consistent with Queensland Government priorities, our shared objectives cannot be achieved without collaboration between federal and state governments.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/kras99

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