- Published:
- Monday 26 June 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is calling for feedback on its second Small Business Regulation Review (SBRR), which aims to reduce red tape and regulatory burden for tourism and visitor-focused small businesses in Victoria.
The second SBRR focuses on the visitor economy and has identified five focus areas to prompt discussion
- Licensing processes for tour operators and other visitor service providers
- Wine industry regulatory burdens that have an impact on tourism
- Regulations that have an impact on small events and festivals including health and safety
- Food handling regulations for small accommodation providers
- Barriers to establishing new innovative tourism ventures
Focus areas reflect findings of previous regulatory reviews, government strategies, regional initiatives and the first sector review under the SBRR. Additional focus areas will be identified through stakeholder engagement.
The SBRR looks at the key concerns of Victoria’s small businesses to ensure they are effectively addressed.
The review is part of the Labor Government’s broader regulatory reform program and is being led by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
Micro and small businesses are vital to the visitor economy. In 2015 they made up 52 per cent of the sector – the majority of which were cafes, restaurants and take away food services.
Tourism added nearly $21.7 billion to the Victoria’s economy in 2014-15 and generated more than 210,000 jobs across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The Small Business Regulation Review – Visitor Economy Action Statement is expected to be released in early 2018.
To make a submission or register for a focus group visit smallbizreview.economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“We want to reduce the burden on small business so they can grow, support the economy and create more jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“We want to hear from local tourism operators about how we can ease the financial burden and allow them to keep promoting the best of what Victoria has to offer.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“It’s critical we get regulation right – to grow our regional food and wine sector while safeguarding our reputation for high quality, clean and green produce.”