Next Victorian Government must 'stop regulating the state into decline'
Jim's Group CEO Jim Pennman urges the next Victorian government to reduce regulation ahead of the November state election. He argues over-regulation is driving the state into economic decline.
Stop regulating the state into decline - Jim Pennman, Co-founder and CEO, Jim's Group
Will Victoria's next government cut the red tape hurting tradies?
Affects all trade types including builders, plumbers and electricians. Excess red tape directly increases compliance costs and admin burden for small trade businesses in VIC.
Key takeaways
- Jim's Group CEO is calling on Victoria's next government to pursue meaningful deregulation reform.
- Victoria heads to a state election in November as Australia's most indebted state.
- Over-regulation is seen as a key barrier to economic recovery and business growth in VIC.
- Small trade businesses across all sectors could benefit if compliance burdens are reduced.
Related
Proposed new deposit and progress payment requirements for home building contracts
Victoria is consulting on draft regulations for new deposit and progress payment rules for home building contracts. A regulatory impact statement has been released as part of the process.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors in Victoria will need to review how they structure payment terms and deposits in residential contracts. Changes could affect cash flow management day-to-day.
Builders reject Apprentice Employer Licensing proposal
The HIA is urging the Victorian Government to scrap a proposed licensing scheme that would require employers to obtain a licence before hiring apprentices. The association warns it will add red tape, increase costs, and reduce apprentice uptake.
Why it matters: Affects builders and all licensed trades in VIC. If passed, employers must get a separate licence before taking on apprentices, adding cost and admin burden to small businesses.
Protect gig workers but do not capture tradies in the net
New minimum standards for 'employee-like' gig workers take effect today. HIA warns the rules must stay targeted and not accidentally capture genuine independent trade contractors.
Why it matters: Builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradies operating as independent contractors could face new obligations if the gig-worker rules are applied too broadly.