- Minister for Small Business
Small businesses will get quicker approvals for council permits thanks to an Andrews Labor Government drive to cut red tape and help businesses thrive and provide more jobs.
The Better Approvals Project is helping local councils reduce the time they take to process business permits.
So far 19 councils have taken up the program, producing a 73 per cent reduction in average approval times.
After completing the program earlier this year, Glen Eira City Council adopted a new framework for issuing footpath trading permits, which has reduced the waiting period for businesses from 126 days to 11 days.
The effectiveness of the Better Approvals Project has prompted the Labor Government's Small Business Commission to work with local councils on developing a best-practice approach to supporting their local businesses.
The outcome of this work, the Small Business Friendly Council initiative, was launched today by the Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek in the City of Yarra, one of the councils involved. The City of Glen Eira also signed up today.
The initiative will foster a fairer and more supportive business environment where small businesses are not unnecessarily hindered by government processes.
By working together with councils to support small businesses, the Government is helping to grow jobs and ensure we have a fair and inclusive economy that benefits all Victorians.
As noted by Minister for Local Government and Small Business Adem Somyurek
"Victoria is the best state in Australia in which to build a small business and we are increasing support for this important sector - local governments are an important part of that equation."
"We know that red tape can be a barrier to growth for small business and that is why we are working with local councils to streamline regulatory processes."
"With less time and money required for red tape, small-businesses owners can get on with the task of growing their enterprises and creating jobs for the community."
As stated by Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
"I congratulate the City of Glen Eira on its work to cut red tape and support local small businesses by signing up to the Small Business Friendly Council initiative today."
