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:
- a peak body
- a sole trader operating as a recruitment consultant
- a former employment agent
- recruitment companies.
From the relevant submissions, we heard:
- regulating employment agents under the Agents Act was not best practice for a future state.
- the current fee model should change as it does not reflect the low risk in the industry.
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
Options for reform to employment agents licensing will be considered by government in 2023-24.
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:
- Australian Hotel Association ACT
- ACT Council of Social Services
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Planning Institute Australia – ACT Division
- ACT Shelter
- Tourism Leaders Forum
- Strata Community Association ACT
- Australian Short-term Rental Accommodation Association
- Better Renting
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 are 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:
- cafés, restaurants and takeaway services
- pubs, taverns, and bars
- food trucks and mobile vendors.
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.