Red tape for business professionals will be cut through a new initiative by the ACT Government which allows extended licence periods for a variety of industries Attorney General, Simon Corbell, announced on 6 June 2013.

"Among those who will benefit are motor vehicle repairers, employment agents, second hand dealers, travel agents and car market operators," Mr Corbell said.

"Amending the maximum term for these licences will help reduce the regulatory burden faced by those businesses within the ACT.

"This amendment means that individuals and businesses in those industries will save time and effort as they will no longer need to apply for annual licence or registration renewals.

The requirement for annual renewals has only been removed where the licence period could appropriately be extended without any adverse impact on public safety. If there are public safety, health or other considerations that justify an annual assessment, then those licence or registration renewals will remain annual.

"This change continues the Government's commitment to supporting the development of a strong private sector in the ACT. A strong, diverse and successful private sector benefits all Canberrans, whether as ratepayers, employees or consumers," said Mr Corbell.

This amendment was a recommendation of the ACT Government's Red Tape Reduction Panel, established in July 2012 to identify regulations that impose unnecessary burdens, costs or disadvantages on business in the ACT, and recommend ways to remove and improve outdated, unworkable and illogical regulation.

The Panel includes representatives from the Canberra Business Council, the ACT and region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Council of Small Business Australia.

"The Government will continue to work with business leaders and stakeholders to create a more efficient and effective licence system for the ACT," Mr Corbell said.

Email: