The 2018-19 NSW Budget includes $10 million to slash red tape for small businesses and funding for initiatives that put consumers first and protects workers, Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean said.
"Today’s budget continues to deliver for businesses, and small businesses in particular, with $320 million in 2018-19 to support the vital work of NSW Fair Trading and SafeWork NSW, including $10 million specifically targeted at cutting red tape,” Mr Kean said.
Funding in 2018-19 for NSW Fair Trading includes:
- $10 million to make it easier for businesses, particularly small businesses, to apply for and renew licences by digitising services and reducing red tape; and,
- $1.4 million to create a new Fair Trading website, making it easier for traders and consumers to understand their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace.
There was also significant investment in SafeWork initiatives to help bolster workplace safety, and improve the health and wellbeing of NSW workers.
Funding in 2018-19 for SafeWork NSW includes:
- $10 million as part of a four-year $55 million Mentally Healthy Workplaces strategy, in partnership with the State Insurance Regulatory Authority and Insurance and Care NSW, including manager training and recovery at work programs, research to help inform ongoing strategies, a media campaign to raise awareness, and mentoring tools to better support businesses;
- Expanding the successful Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program that provides rebates, safety equipment and education, taking the total NSW Government investment in the program to $3.7 million;
- $315k in rebates for small business to improve worker health and safety; and
- $200k to fund Roadmap Health and Safety Landscape projects.
"The NSW Government remains committed to providing these vital services. We want to do everything we can to make sure that every worker who heads off to work in the morning returns home safely to their family each night,” Mr Kean said.
