Regulatory Compliance

Licences

Legislation


Licences

Queensland Government's SmartLicence is a unique business licensing and information service that reduces red tape and delays often associated with aquiring business licences.

SmartLicence provides you with tailored business licencing information including:

  • summary information on the State, local and Australian government requirements for business
  • the name, address and telephone number for the agency responsible for each listing
  • licence application forms
  • details of licence fees, periods of cover and renewals
  • on-line lodgement and secure payment for some licences.

Further information

The Tourism Skills Development Guide, Infosheet 3 - Business Development, provides further information on licences.

Legislation

There are many regulatory requirements affecting tourism. These range from local government regulations through to general safety issues such as fire and rescue.

Licenses and regulations exist to protect tourism businesses, visitors and the community. They enforce safe and responsible practices and ensure compliance with insurance, tax and other obligations.

Below are some of the key pieces of legislation that currently affect tourism operators in Queensland

Queensland is leading the Australian charge against unethical inbound tour operators (ITOs) and tour guides with the Tourism Services Act 2003 which aims to stamp out unfair practices in the tourism industry. The Act specifically seeks to ensure all ITOs and tour guides operate in an ethical and professional way, and in the best interests of their clients.

Provision for the licensing of travel agents in Queensland and the regulation of the conduct of business as a travel agent is covered by the Travel Agents Act 1988. It provides access to the travel industry compensation fund by consumers entitled to compensation under this Act.

The Queensland Governments, New Tobacco Laws - Nobody Smokes Here Anymore are Australia's toughest anti-smoking laws. Changes take effect from 1 January 2005.

Alcohol restrictions in Indigenous Communities exist in Queensland. Restrictions on the type and quantity of liquor that can be brought into various remote Indigenous communities are being gradually implemented in Queensland. This is an early intervention strategy to address alcohol-related crime and violence in Indigenous communities. For more information, visit the Meeting Challenges Making Choices website

Others:

  • Fair Trading Act
  • Liquor Act 1992, 2003 amendments
  • Anti discrimination and equal opportunity
  • Fire and Rescue Service Act and Building Fire Safety Regulations 1991
  • Gaming Machine Act 1991 and Regulation
  • Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995
  • Integrated Planning Act 1997

There are also key pieces of legislation relating to the environment that can impact on your business.

Nature Conservation Act 1994 provides for the establishment and management of all forms of terrestrial protected areas including National Parks, Conservation Parks and Forest Reserves. It covers Commercial Operating Permits and Commercial Activity Agreements. The Act includes
the Nature Conservation (Whale and Dolphin) Conservation plan (1997) that governs the number of licenses and the conduct of the whale watching industry in Queensland marine parks.

Marine Park Act 1998 covers the establishment and management of Marine Parks in Queensland waters. It provides for commercial permits and activity agreements for commercial tourism operators.

Four recreation areas currently exist under the Recreation Area Management Act, Green Island, Fraser Island, Bribie Island and Moreton Island. The act regulates and collects fees for camping, vehicle access, group activity and commercial operating permits and the new commercial activity agreements.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and Torres Strait Cultural Heritage Act 2003 place a duty of care on all people not to harm or degrade indigenous cultural heritage. While tourism is a relatively low impact industry anyone undertaking infrastructure development, particularly in natural areas, must be vigilant to exercise their duty of care in respect of these Acts.

Further information