CHIEF Minister Katy Gallagher says businesses in Canberra that sell low-risk foods or pose a low risk to community health including hairdressers and boarding houses are set to benefit from new rules that will reduce red tape and business costs.

“The government is looking closely across a range of areas to see where unnecessary regulation can be abolished to make it easier for people to do business without interference from government,” Katy said.

From 1 January 2015 the $57 administration fee for updating the details of a food business will be removed, reducing costs for the ACT food industry.

The Chief Minister agreed to regulatory changes that will deregulate businesses that have been found to pose a low public health risk, specifically hairdressers and boarding houses.

“The government believes that it is no longer necessary for boarding houses and hairdressers to be registered or licensed. In deregulating these businesses, ACT Health will continue to have the authority to take action if premises are believed to pose a risk to public health.

“I am confident that these changes will make it easier for a number of businesses in the ACT to do their work and minimise their contact with government where it is no longer required.”

The ACT Government is continuing to improve online resources to make it easier for businesses to understand their role in protecting public health. The government will work with industry throughout the implementation of these changes.

Updated food business regulation information can be found at www.health.act.gov.au/foodsafety.