Page 3923 - Week 12 - Thursday, 23 November 2006
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• Transferring the telephone answering component of the Business Licence Information Service (BLIS) from BusinessACT to Canberra Connect, using freecall number 1800 244 650. This service has been enhanced by Canberra Connect, and now operates from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays. Canberra Connect prepares and mails out kits containing specific licence information and application forms, tailored to the needs of each business operator. Alternatively, the call centre specialist will lead the caller through the BLIS website, where they can serve themselves if they prefer.
• Canberra Connect provides information through the call centre on the ACT Skilled Migration Program; Enterprise Development; Trade Development; CANBAS; Federal Government Programs, and information to Tertiary Students preparing to enter small business in the Territory.
(2) In relation to the response from small businesses to this enhancement of Canberra Connect, the overall feedback and usage of the facilities for small businesses now in place has been positive.
• Canberra Connect receives on average 210 calls per month for BLIS-related information, which results in approximately 31 BLIS packs being mailed to new or existing small business operators per month.
• Since the introduction of the new services portal, canberraconnect.act.gov.au, on average 1,400 business related bills are paid online each month, facilitating approximately $170,000 in payments monthly.
BusinessACT
(Question No 1261)
Mr Smyth asked the Minister for Business and Economic Development, upon notice, on 20 September 2006:
(1) In relation to Action 12 in the Economic White Paper, how has BusinessACT been enhanced to assist smaller businesses deal with requirements relating to ACT planning and building regulation issues;
(2) What has been the response of these businesses to this enhancement;
(3) Have there been any further complaints from smaller businesses about these regulatory issues.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Following the 2006-07 Budget and the subsuming of BusinessACT’s functions within the Chief Minister’s Department the provision of assistance to small businesses with regard to planning and building regulation was transferred to the ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA). Reform of the ACT’s planning system is continuing under a process that began in 2003 when the ACTPLA and the Land Development Agency were established.
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