Identify and respond to red tape and other pain points
Government regulations and compliance processes can be improved to reduce the amount of time spent understanding and meeting regulatory requirements.
By applying a small business first lens to regulation we will reduce the burden of red tape and address associated pain points. This includes working to ensure regulation is effective and supports business stability and growth.
We will:
- Refocus the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) on red tape and dispute resolution (delivered in the First 100 Days).
- Deliver a 5 business day On Time, Every Time Payment Guarantee for small and family businesses and immediate payments for invoices under $10,000.
- Work with Queensland Government regulators to maintain a focus on reducing red tape and minimising the burden of compliance.
- Advocate to the Australian Government and the insurance industry to address insurance affordability for Queensland small and family businesses.
- Ensure the Business Queensland website provides a wide range of resources to help small businesses navigate key issues and regulatory requirements. The Business Launchpad digital tool already helps small businesses find licences, permits and regulatory information tailored to their business activities and location.
- Champion the Business friendly guide for infrastructure works and investigate opportunities to pilot different approaches. The Business friendly guide for infrastructure works provides practical advice to Queensland Government agencies, local councils and their contractors on working with the business community to minimise disruption.
- Work with local councils to streamline approvals and reduce barriers for council projects through the Red Tape Reduction Taskforce.
- Through the Primary Industries Prosper 2050 strategy, outline local priorities and proactively address the sector challenges now and into the future.
- Enhance the safety and vibrancy of Queensland's night-life and it's businesses with the advice of the Night-Life Economy Advisory Panel and the Night-Life Economy Commissioner.
- Develop Destination 2045: Queensland's Tourism Future – a 20-year plan, which includes a focus on streamlining business support to enable tourism growth.
- Provide access to rural and small business financial counsellors and business wellness coaches operating across Queensland, including in disaster impacted locations through the Small Business Support Network.
- Through the QSBC, provide information, assistance and advocacy support on red tape reduction and dispute resolution to Queensland based small and family businesses.
Case study: Family businesses bringing multigenerational benefits to Queensland
Founded in 1955 by Chris Nicolaou, Chris' IGA in Carina has been operating in its local community for 7 decades — no small feat for any business. This remarkable achievement reflects the exceptional customer service which has allowed this business to become a local icon. What makes Chris' IGA even more remarkable is that the next generation of family members has continued the tradition of excellence, ensuring the small and family business legacy lives on.
The dedication to excellence in customer service is reflected in the entire Chris' IGA team, who embody the core values of good customer service through their dedication and teamwork. During the recent weather event that was ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the team made deliveries to local homes when other stores in the area had closed. They were not going to let a cyclone stand in the way of ensuring the people in their community were looked after.
Family businesses play a significant role in supporting both their local community and the local economy. Chris' IGA is just one example of the many Queensland family businesses making a positive impact over generations.
Case study: Red tape action
Early actions to reduce the burden of red tape
Earlier this year the Queensland Government fulfilled a key commitment in its First 100 Day Plan to refocus the QSBC on red tape reduction and dispute resolution. The QSBC will consult with, and collect feedback, from small and family businesses and work with government departments to identify practical solutions to remove red tape. One hundred and twenty chambers of commerce across Queensland were also asked for their feedback and examples of red tape impeding small business from operating efficiently and profitably.
Actions to reduce red tape, will result in small and family businesses being able to spend more time on servicing their customers and supporting local jobs and growth.
