The Andrews Labor Government’s measures to cut red tape and help businesses grow are set to save small tourism and retail businesses up to $138 million a year.
The reforms are part of the Labor Government’s Small Business Regulation Review, which is designed to ease regulatory burden and streamline approvals processes for small businesses.
By cutting red tape and reducing regulatory burden, the Labor Government is giving small businesses the chance to grow, make more contributions to the economy and create jobs throughout the state.
The Retail Action Statement reforms will also give small businesses more information on what it takes to start and grow a business, simplify retail leases, and make food safety regulation fairer and easier to understand.
Reforms in the Visitor Economy Action Statement will make it easier for businesses across the state to set up events and festivals, grow new and innovative ideas, and simplify tourist road sign applications.
Each action statement is the result of the Labor Government’s engagement and consultation with hundreds of businesses throughout the small business retail sector and the tourism industry.
These reforms are being delivered with the support of $76.8 million from the Commonwealth Government’s National Partnership on Small Business Regulatory Reform initiative.
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy with more than 576,000 across the state, making up 44 per cent of private sector jobs and contributing one third of Victoria’s goods and services output.
Victoria’s visitor economy supports more than 208,300 jobs and generated $23.3 billion in 2015-16.
Quote attributable to Minister for Small Business Philip Dalidakis
“These statements will make it easier to do business and give small businesses a greater chance of success – that’s good for our economy and good for local jobs.”
Quote attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“By cutting red tape we’re backing small businesses and helping them grow, building a stronger economy and creating more jobs for Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“These reforms will help businesses in our visitor economy flourish and give visitors to Victoria the best possible experience.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020