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Outcomes of the Better Regulation Taskforce

Review of the Local Industry Participation Policy

What you said

Local small businesses want to understand what government can do to support them through government procurement.

What we've done

We undertook a review of the Local Industry Participation Policy (PDF 1.3MB) to ensure it is achieving its objective.

Curijo Pty Ltd completed an independent evaluation of the policy. Curijo is a Canberra-based indigenous owned enterprise.

How this will help

Our review found that businesses value the Policy. The review provides options that could strengthen its application.

A strengthened Local Industry Participation Policy will support local businesses.

Next steps

Government will consider the findings of the consultation. Procurement ACT will lead the next phase of work as part of the Procurement Reform Program.

Readied the ACT for the commencement of automatic mutual recognition

What you said

Businesses wanted reciprocal recognition of licences to support occupational mobility for interstate workers.

What we've done

We undertook a review of occupational licensing legislation in the ACT and put in place legislative instruments to ensure the effective operation of automatic mutual recognition (AMR).

We worked with regulators to provide consistent information for workers on how AMR works in the ACT.

How this will help

AMR has increased flexibility for businesses and individuals, delivering savings on registration fees, paperwork and time.

Helping businesses understand how to supply to government

What you said

Government procurement can be confusing for small businesses, potentially leading to lost opportunities, unnecessary costs and time imposts.

What we've done

We developed new online content for suppliers. This brings together helpful resources and tips about supplying to the ACT Government.

How this will help

This will help businesses understand how to supply to the ACT Government.

Making it easier for businesses to maintain responsible service of alcohol

What you said

The need for interstate RSA trained workers to complete full RSA training when their certificate expired placed unnecessary burden on Canberra businesses.

What we've done

We amended the regulatory processes for Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification and training.

Interstate RSA certificate holders can now complete the ACT refresher course instead of the full course when their interstate certificate expires.

The refresher course costs less and takes less hours to complete.

How this will help

This delivers efficiency and cost savings to Canberra businesses and may help encourage more workers to the ACT.

Review of regulation for employment agents

What you said

Employment agent regulation is not fit for purpose.

What we've done

We prepared a discussion paper which was circulated to stakeholders in January 2023. We also met with a peak body to seek further feedback.

We received written submissions from:

From the relevant submissions, we heard:

We have analysed the responses and are working with government agencies to develop options for government consideration.

How this will help

Ensuring regulation is fit for purpose will remove unnecessary regulatory burdens for this industry.

Next steps

Legislation was passed in June 2024 to remove the requirement for employment agents in the ACT to be licensed for this low-risk industry while continuing to prohibit employment agents from charging fees to job seekers for services rendered.

Review of the impacts of short-term rental accommodation

What you said

Government needs to review the impact of short-term rental accommodation in the ACT on housing affordability, amenity and the hotels sector.

What we've done

We ran a YourSay survey on short-term rental accommodation to consider attitudes towards it, and how the community uses it.

We consulted with the following stakeholders:

How this will help

Our review will help inform whether a regulatory response for short-term rental accommodation is required.

Next steps

The Government will consider the review and develop a response to an Assembly Motion seeking an examination into the impacts of short-term rental accommodation on the price and supply of long-term rental accommodation.

Revise the model rules for incorporated associations

What you said

The model rules for incorporated associations need updating.

What we've done

We have updated the model rules for incorporated associations. The new model rules became effective from 1 February 2024.

The update is the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders. We released a consultation draft of the model rules for stakeholder feedback in January 2023. The consultation pack also sought views on a reform to change the requirement to produce annual audited financial returns on request.

2,963 stakeholders were advised of the consultation and how to participate.

During the 12-week consultation period, we received feedback from 99 stakeholders and 76 qualitative submissions with additional feedback.

Most of the submissions were supportive of the revised model rules and the proposed regulatory change. Many stakeholders provided further comments for consideration.

You can read more information for incorporated associations on the Access Canberra website.

How this will help

The new model rules will enable incorporated associations, particularly smaller associations, to meet their regulatory obligations more easily.

Better understand the needs of hospitality businesses

What you said

Government needs to do more to understand the needs of hospitality businesses.

What we've done

We asked for your views and experience of the regulatory frameworks small businesses in the ACT must navigate.

We held one-on-one interviews with target businesses and workshops with peak bodies, business advisors, and consultants.

We heard from a range of businesses including:

We have uncovered pain points, opportunities, and experiences of businesses, which helps us better understand the processes they need to complete to comply with ACT regulations.

How this will help

Having a complete picture of the ‘journey’ of businesses from their start to when they’re well established means we can identify where best to reform regulation.

Next steps

We have already used this project to develop the guide to Start a food business and to guide reforms for the night-time economy.

We will create journey maps for other sectors to show users where we need to make changes.

ACT Business Survey

What you said

The ACT Government better understands the impact of regulation.

What we've done

We ran a pilot survey to understand how ACT businesses interact with the ACT Government. Asking their awareness of available supports and future business expectations. The ACT Government is evaluating the survey process and results to improve future surveys.

How this will help

The 244 responses received will inform government action to increase awareness of services and supports available to businesses.

Noise in Entertainment Precincts

What you said

Noise settings for entertainment precincts need to be fit for purpose.

What we've done

We consulted on fit for purpose noise settings for the City Centre Entertainment Precinct and the Gungahlin Entertainment Precinct.

How this will help

Our consultation found that there is strong support for setting appropriate noise standards in entertainment precincts to nurture and protect entertainment venues, including live music.

Find the Discussion Paper and the Consultation Report.

Next steps

Amendments have been made to the noise standards for the City Centre Entertainment Precinct. The Government will now consider noise standards for the Gungahlin Entertainment Precinct.