Victorian red tape threatens to end Tasmania’s beloved Cracker Night tradition

Victorian red tape is threatening to destroy Tasmania’s much-loved Cracker Night tradition — and a family-run business — after a single decision by WorkSafe bureaucrats.

Victorian government red tape could kill off a much-loved Tasmanian fireworks tradition, its deputy premier has warned.

Victorian WorkSafe bureaucrats have told Bright Star Fireworks – Tasmania’s main Cracker Night supplier – it can no longer ship fireworks through the Port of Melbourne because they are illegal under the Dangerous Goods Act.

The company moves at least 20 tonnes of firecrackers from China to Tasmania every year, but they need to be transferred from large container ships to smaller vessels in Melbourne.

It has told the Herald Sun that the crackdown puts the business at a “high risk” of collapse.

The dispute follows a WorkSafe Victoria decision last year not to issue the company an exemption.

Inspectors deemed it was illegal for the firecrackers to enter Victoria, even though they were destined for down south.

Guy Barnett, the Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, raised the issue with Victoria’s Deputy Premier and WorkSafe minister Ben Carroll last year, but the company has not yet received a permit.

Victorian red tape is threatening to kill off Tasmania’s Cracker Night tradition. Picture: Hobart Showgrounds

Mr Barnett said he would “continue to call on the Victorian government to remove the bureaucratic red tape so Tasmanians can continue to enjoy Cracker Night”.

“Cracker Night is a much-loved family tradition in Tasmania. Victorian government red tape is stopping fireworks from being shipped to Tasmania via the Port of Melbourne,” he said.

“We have raised this red tape issue directly with the Victorian government but there is yet to be any resolution.”

South Australian company Bright Star Fireworks was unable to ship supplies for the May event earlier this year, but used existing stock to supply Tasmanian revellers.

However, those supplies have now run dry, and Bright Star Fireworks operations manager Shannon Palmer has warned “it’s basically the end of Cracker Night” and potentially the end of their business.

“It’s a huge event in Tasmania. People celebrate with bonfires and parties,” Mr Palmer said. “It accounts for about 90 per cent of our business. It’s one month of the year that is very intensive.

“We’re just asking for support from the Victorian government to help Tasmania and our South Australian business so this tradition can continue.”

Bright Star Fireworks operations manager Shannan Palmer says the future of his business is at risk. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

He added that the fireworks came in a “couple of containers once or twice a year”.

“We’ve given them a detailed plan for how this can happen in the safest possible manner. But time is running out.”

It is understood other explosives and even professional fireworks are routinely shipped through the Port of Melbourne, but they aren’t classified as unauthorised explosives destined for retail stores and are exempt.

Victoria began phasing out fireworks for sale on retail shelves in 1982, with legislation officially introduced in 1985 and further tightening of regulation in 2022.

People caught with fireworks in Victoria face a $925 fine but could also be hit with further penalties and jail time if they cause harm or start fires.

Sources said the shipments undertaken by the business were likely against the rules for many years but weren’t flagged by WorkSafe until late 2023.

The Victorian government would need to approve an exemption for this year for supplies to be delivered in time for May 24 celebrations.

But, permanent legislative change would be needed to make sure similar blockages don’t happen in future.

Cracker Night at the Hobart Showgrounds.

Mr Palmer said Bright Star Fireworks was a “high risk” of shutting its doors without a permanent fix, which would mean the loss of at least five permanent jobs and up to 20 seasonal positions in Tasmania.

A Victorian government spokesperson said Victoria’s fireworks ban was to keep the public safe.

“As Victoria’s independent safety regulator, WorkSafe is responsible for decisions regarding the transportation of unauthorised explosives, including fireworks, destined for other jurisdictions,” the spokesperson said.

A WorkSafe spokesperson added the authority “is working with the duty holder to ensure its activities comply with Victoria’s regulatory requirements”.

‘Right thing’: Deputy Premier backs WorkSafe call

Deputy Premier and WorkSafe Minister Ben Carroll backed the decision by the regulator to block the fireworks but said he was speaking with Mr Barnett to try and find a solution.

“WorkSafe have done the right thing here,” he said on Tuesday.

“WorkSafe have been following the legislation and doing everything to put safety at the forefront, both in terms of the transportation of these fireworks.

“I am in dialogue with the Deputy Premier in Tasmania, Guy Barnett, and I am working with WorkSafe and hoping all the parties can get to a satisfactory outcome.

“I know WorkSafe are now engaged with the Tasmanian government as well, trying to resolve and get a satisfactory outcome for all parties.”

Originally published as Victorian red tape threatens to end Tasmania’s beloved Cracker Night tradition