Dean Winter and Anna Reynolds lock horns over red tape and night-time economy
Labor leader Dean Winter and Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds are embroiled in a stoush over red tape and the night-time economy. Find out why they disagree.
Tasmania
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A war of words has erupted between Labor leader Dean Winter and Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds over red tape and the night-time economy.
Labor announced a night-time economy strategy last year promising to work with councils to cut unnecessary permits and fees for late-night venues and reduce red-tape which it said was stifling and strangling inner-city pubs and clubs and the live music scene.
The strategy followed the lead of 24/7 economies in New South Wales and other countries.
Ms Reynolds took Mr Winter to task disagreeing with his assertions.
In a letter dated November 27 she asked for details on his comments that “Council ‘red tape’ was holding back the night-time economy in Hobart”.
Ms Reynolds detailed the regulatory requirements under the statewide planning scheme and by-laws which she said were not unique to Hobart.
“It appears that you may have some misunderstandings about the Council’s role, specifically your comment that hospitality operators are “being strangled and inhibited by local government red tape,” Ms Reynolds wrote.
“As a Council, we recognise that a thriving night-time economy is a strength of a capital city.
“You may not be aware of the work the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors do annually to measure trends in Australia’s night-time economy, including Hobart’s.
“Your recent comments give the perception of Council regulatory burdens on business, so I hope this clarifies the Council’s approach.”
In a terse letter in response, dated January 2, Mr Winter fires back detailing issues raised after consultation with affected businesses including venues required to shut down live music at 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights in hospitality zones and pubs being required to apply for permits for outside heaters or umbrellas on tables.
“I am shocked by your suggestion that there are only three types of permits night economy operators require, which a simple search of your website would show is clearly not the case,” he wrote.
“I am also concerned by your suggestion that approval processes “are not onerous”.
“Your dismissive attitude towards the genuine concerns of night-time economy businesses has only strengthened my commitment to get rid of as much unnecessary red tape as possible.”
Mr Winter lists eight issues raised by businesses and says Tasmania must have “a system of regulation that encourages unique and interesting events and venues”.
“There are many other examples of onerous or completely unnecessary red tape holding back our night-time economy,” he wrote.
“I urge you to acknowledge the challenges holding back our night-time economy so we can work together on solutions that ensure Hobart and Tasmania’s night-time economy can thrive.”
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Originally published as Dean Winter and Anna Reynolds lock horns over red tape and night-time economy
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