Page 2489 - Week 07 - Thursday, 3 August 2017
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This team works with events of all sizes and natures. Whether it is something as large and complex as Summernats or Spilt Milk, something new and innovative like the Pop Inn mobile wine bar or even a community dance event in the park commemorating a song from the 1970s, the events team in Access Canberra are ready to do everything they can to ensure that our citizens have every relevant government box ticked across all relevant directorates and authorities.
Recently the team helped with the Brave Tailgate season opening event, which was a fan-led event in the car park of the Phillip ice skating rink for the Australian Ice Hockey League team prior to their first match of the season. The event attracted over 400 people across three hours and helped to create a buzz for the start of the season. Afterwards, I am advised, the organisers remarked, “It was so easy, especially after nearly not proceeding due to the red tape involved in closing a car park and obtaining a commercial liquor permit. But the events and business coordination team at Access Canberra made it very easy.”
Madam Speaker, this government is pleased to continue its work to make events easy to organise so that Canberrans can continue to build their community experience.
MR STEEL: Can the minister advise if this model could be used in other areas of government regulation to help businesses in Murrumbidgee?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Steel for his supplementary question. I am happy to report that, after the rousing success of this model in the events space, Access Canberra have expanded this team’s remit to also help new liquor businesses navigate the relevant government processes. Liquor businesses can be some of the most complicated ones to set up, with multiple government approvals needed. This can include ensuring that the physical site complies with building, electrical and gas codes; and advising on food, liquor and outdoor dining permits. The team will help Canberrans navigate all of the requirements they need to set up. The team will also ensure that organisers have all their applications in and will organise joint inspections across the relevant areas of government, where needed, to make the process as efficient as possible.
In particular in Mr Steel’s electorate, since the start of 2017 Access Canberra has issued seven liquor licences in the Murrumbidgee area, and five liquor permits in the Murrumbidgee area since 1 July 2017. Liquor permits were issued to community groups for the purpose of cultural events and fundraisers. Liquor licences issued in the area were for a wide variety of ventures, including restaurants and a brewery. The Access Canberra liquor team also helped successfully negotiate a licensed outdoor dining area for a restaurant without the need for a development application, which saved the customer approximately $3,000. These teams go over and above, helping the businesses of Canberra to realise their dreams in a way that is both safe and lawful.
MS ORR: Minister, what is the saving to businesses by offering a case managed model for these kinds of services?
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