Member

That ambiguity places businesses in a permanent state of uncertainty. Will they be investigated merely for innovating or attempting something new? Are these powers being designed to encourage entrepreneurship, or to suppress it? Such vague investigatory thresholds justify such questions and create an environment where innocent businesses could face intrusive actions, as I have already outlined. If businesses are constantly worried about triggering investigations, how can we expect them to innovate? Innovation often involves taking risks, pushing boundaries and experimenting with new ideas. However, under these new powers, every new product, creative design and experimental prototype could be viewed as a potential compliance risk. The powers outlined in subsection (3) do not serve the interests of innovation or growth. Instead, they undermine the very foundations of a thriving economy by targeting production, stifling innovation and punishing enterprise. I urge the Government to reconsider this provision before it inflicts lasting damage on our business landscape.