Digital Reforms Cut Red Tape, Put Business On Fast Track
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 .