SMALL businesses have welcomed the state opposition's plans to cut red and green tape, but have warned it will be easier said than done.
The Liberal Party yesterday vowed to reduce red and green tape by 20 per cent over four years and replace the state's 36 planning schemes with one statewide scheme.
Tasmanian Small Business Council executive director Robert Mallett welcomed the party's recognition of the importance of supporting small businesses.
"In general I think it's a really positive document," Mr Mallet said.
He said it would require strong leadership to implement.
"The problem is it's not the government that creates the red tape, it's the bureaucracy trying to implement their policies. It needs a firm hand by the minister to manage departments."
Deputy Premier Bryan Green rubbished the idea of introducing a statewide planning scheme, which he said was unworkable and had no chance of passing the Legislative Council.
"Mr Hodgman is trying to portray himself as some sort of planning messiah but what this amounts to is simply a policy hoax," Mr Green said.
The Liberals' plan also includes a $100,000 fund to assist small businesses considering expansion, $100,000 for a "think local first" campaign and $50,000 to mentor and train small business owners and staff.
With just over a year to go until the state election, the Liberals are ramping up their campaign.
Liberal leader Will Hodgman will sell the policy at a keynote speech to business leaders in Launceston today where he will also launch a new document titled Building a Tasmania We Can all be Proud of.
Mr Hodgman said it detailed the 89 policies already announced, including its newest on small business and $33 million funding pledge to solve international freight problems, and act as a "statement of intent".
"It's very much a pointer to the future, but this is by no means it. We will add a lot more to this," Mr Hodgman said.