VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s announcement that it will introduce legislation to repeal nearly 1,000 unnecessary pieces of legislation and regulations that will save individuals, businesses and the not-for-profit sector over $2.1 billion in compliance costs. 

"Creating a one-stop shop for environmental approvals will have particular benefits for Victorian businesses as it will remove unnecessary duplication and make the approvals process for major projects simpler and quicker," Mr Stone said.

"VECCI is also pleased with the inclusion of a number of measures targeting small business, including establishing the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Small Business Helpline, amending the Franchising Code of Conduct and improving tax office communication with small business.

"Business recognises that well-designed regulation can provide benefits for business and the wider community by improving economic stability, providing operational certainty and increasing consumer confidence.

"However, because regulations affect all facets of business, including inputs, prices, and output, unnecessary, complex and poorly designed regulations also constrain the ability of business to provide the best product or service at the lowest cost," Mt Stone said.

"The priority given to red tape reform by the Commonwealth Government is welcomed by VECCI and needs to be echoed by all governments."

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The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential employers' organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said there is going to be no move on the LVIT GST issue unless self-interested state politics dramatically change in the near future.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said politics had got the better of the process with Western Australia (WA), and the blame does need to be leveled at the WA State Government which is refusing to allow changes to the GST unless it gets a bigger share of the GST pie.

“Both the new and previous federal governments have been gradually, if sometimes reluctantly, moving forward on the issue. Ultimately, the final decision was placed on state governments that are not only the recipients of GST revenue but also any approve cost changes to collection.
 
“We know we have had heroes on this issue such as NSW Premier Mike Baird and Federal Small Business Minister Bruce Billson, but there now appears to be a villain in the mix.

“The villains working against the best interests of retailers, even in their own state, have been the WA Government.

“It has to be said this action tops the usual self-interested obscenity which has been witnessed over many years of federation by a number of state governments.

“The ARA, along with many of our members and associate association members, has been trying to get the WA Government to understand the impact this tax is having on its own local retailers. Unfortunately, the ARA and both our small and large retail members have so far failed despite many attempts to change minds in that state.

“What next? The only path to change is to never give up, and for that reason we will be re-engaging with all key stakeholders to once again push the case to change this unfair tax arrangement at all levels of government. We will also be sure to target those governments not acting in the best interests of their local businesses,” Mr Zimmerman said.

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Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) applauded the Coalition Government’s Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) expansion announcement today for the significant benefit it will bring to Victoria’s business events and tourism sector.

“This expansion is a key recommendation in our state election agenda to create 9,000 additional jobs through tourism and we have also been a long-time supporter of the need for this project,” said VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“Business events are responsible for 22,000 Victorian jobs and this will cement Melbourne's position as the Asia-Pacific’s leading business events destination.

“This year's AIDS Convention highlighted that Melbourne does large-scale conventions very well. The expansion of MCEC will ensure that we can continue to be a leader in this sector well into the future, and augers well for continued support of agencies such as Melbourne Convention Bureau.

“The benefits will be seen throughout Victoria, as over half of all conference delegates travel to regional Victoria and over a quarter of all delegates are accompanied by family or friends who undertake leisure travel to regional Victoria.”

Victoria Events Industry Council Chair Peter Jones also welcomed the announcement.

"The Victoria Events Industry Council is delighted with this announcement. Business events is a fiercely competitive sector that sees Melbourne competing not only with Sydney and Brisbane, but also Singapore and other Asian destinations. This expansion ensures we will remain the premier destination in the region,” said Mr Jones.

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The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice. Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

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PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) congratulates the New South Wales Government on moving forward with the CBD and South East Light Rail project but remains cautious over works scheduled close to Christmas in the Sydney CBD.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said this initiative was a win for the business community and that retailers are pleased to know the capacity for the project will be larger than expected but reassurance is still needed over works disruptions and access for deliveries and services.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering the CBD and South East Light Rail project, and the important work along George Street will help ensure utilities are protected. Ultimately, this work will help ensure that the community can begin enjoying the new light rail service as soon as possible and give the great global city of Sydney some of the same commuter access to retailers that other cities such as Melbourne enjoy.

“However, the ARA does have some concerns regarding certain dates outlined in the projects construction plan. We would caution the NSW Government to be wary of work disrupting retail business in the CBD, particularly on the dates closest to Christmas around Margaret Street, Hunter Street, George Street and King Street.

“The ARA is in consultation with the NSW Government and City of Sydney over impacts to its many members affected along the prime retail corridor around George Street.

“While proposed works are on Monday’s just before Christmas, their proximity to Christmas, (particularly on the last trading Monday before Christmas) does raise concerns over how vehicle and pedestrian movements will impact on retail trade on what are historically some of the highest trade days of the year,” Mr Zimmerman said.

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Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.