The Victorian Government is investing $50 million in the push for digital reforms, cutting down red tape to make it easier to access government services, simplify interactions and fast-track applications for local businesses.
“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,” Minister for Government Services and Regulatory Reform Danny Pearson said.
“We’re putting citizens at the centre by boosting digital services which is good for business and employment.”
Around $50 million is invested in regulatory reform to remove unnecessary obstacles with business operations. The funding includes $40 million for the Regulation Reform Incentive Fund to speed up approvals, simplify processes and deliver up to $200 million in annual ongoing benefits.
The remaining $10 million under the investment will be given to the Business Acceleration Fund, which allows business operations to be streamlined for easier and more efficient opening of new businesses.
With the new digital system improving the previous mix of digital and paper-based forms, Service Victoria will be able to streamline annual liquor licence renewals in the hospitality sector for an estimated 25,000 bars, restaurants and venues.
“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,” Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said.
Building practitioners will be able to 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 Victorian 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.
“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,” Victoria Tourism Industry Council CEO Felicia Mariani said.
Source: Premier of Victoria Media Release. Content has been edited for style and length.