Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Shopping centre review to cut red tape

As part of the Government’s continuing industry sector regulation review program, a review of red tape and impediments impacting on retail shopping strips is to be undertaken, according to the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Louise Asher, and the Minister for Planning and Local Government, Rob Maclellan.

The review will be conducted by an independent Regulatory Reform Taskforce with support from the State Government's Office of Regulation Reform. It will be chaired by Eumemmerring Province MLC Neil Lucas.

Issues that have emerged from meetings with trader associations include policies on tables and chairs, A-board advertising and signage, parking policies, planning permits, and issues surrounding new State food safety requirements.

The Taskforce will aim to make recommendations that complement the Government’s recent regulatory reforms of retail tenancies, planning and shop trading hours. The review will also supplement other government initiatives such as StreetLife and the Pride of Place programs that seek to enhance retail strip shopping precincts.

Industry and other members of the community are invited to participate in the public consultation process and to make submissions in response to the emerging regulatory issues in retail shopping strips.

The Retail Shopping Strips Regulatory Reform Taskforce will be the fourth industry sector review conducted by an independent Taskforce supported by the Office of Regulation Reform. It follows reviews of tourism, aquaculture and the cut flower and nursery industries.

The Taskforce is planning to release a final report on its findings and recommendations for reform within six months.

(News Release, Offices of the Minister for Small Business and the Minister for Local Government and Planning, August 27, 1999)