- Published:
- Monday 25 July 2022
Digitisation is leading the way in Victoria’s drive to slash red tape, making it easier for businesses to access government services, simplifying interactions and fast-tracking applications for businesses
The Andrews Labor Government is investing $50 million in regulatory reform to remove unnecessary obstacles to smooth out business operations, including $40 million for the Regulation Reform Incentive Fund to speed up approvals, simplify processes and deliver up to $200 million in annual ongoing benefits.
An additional $10 million for the Business Acceleration Fund supports Victorian businesses to streamline operations and allows for easier and more efficient opening of new businesses.
Service Victoria is streamlining annual liquor licence renewals in the hospitality sector for an estimated 25,000 bars, restaurants and venues. The new digital system that will improve on what was previously a mix of digital and paper-based forms.
Building practitioners will recoup precious time as online interactive forms replace paper-based registration, speeding up approvals for more than 1,800 builders a year. By automating manual applications, businesses in the meat and seafood industry will also benefit from a streamlined licence renewal process that prioritises efficiency.
In both cases, applicants will be able to receive registrations and licences up to a week earlier, enabling businesses to open and start work sooner.
Service Victoria is also supporting new businesses with an online business help tool. Food, health and beauty businesses can use Service Victoria to find the permits and licences they need to operate in around five minutes.
Working with 16 local councils, the Labor Government is delivering streamlined applications and faster approvals for a range of local businesses – with more councils soon to follow.
Fitness trainers in the City of Casey can get a permit online in around 10 minutes through Service Victoria, automatically allowing them to operate in some local parks. This can save fitness trainers up to a week waiting for permits. Businesses in the City of Melton can apply online for footpath trading permits through Service Victoria.
With over 50 reforms funded and being delivered, benefits to industries across the state include an estimated time saving of 287,000 days each year through more than 290,000 faster and easier approvals. For more information, go to dtf.vic.gov.au/regulatory-reform-program(opens in a new window).
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services and Regulatory Reform Danny Pearson
“Everyday tasks like renewing licences and registrations should be quick and easy – and that’s exactly what Victorian businesses are getting with these time and money saving digital reforms.”
“We’re putting citizens at the centre by boosting digital services which is good for business and employment.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra
“We know the digitisation of applications and approvals through Service Victoria will save businesses valuable time, and this will reduce a significant impost for Victorian businesses.”
Quote attributable to Victoria Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani
“Significant investments being introduced by the Victorian Government to minimise the impacts and stresses on business operations will allow business owners to focus their precious time on growing their business and improving their bottom line.”