Parliament Passes Business Names Legislation
Summary:
The Australian Parliament and three State Parliaments have now passed the Business Names Registration Bill.
On 13 October 2011 the Australian Parliament passed the Business Names Registration Bill 2011 (Cth) and associated legislation. This now means that Australian businesses will only be required to pay one fee and only undertake one process to register their business name nationally.
Senator Nick Sherry said that the new legislation will save time and money for businesses, and will make business across borders much simpler.
In order for the business names register to commence operating by mid-2012, all States and the Commonwealth must pass legislation. Tasmania and NSW have now passed the legislation. On 26 October 2011, the Queensland Parliament also passed the Business Names Bill, which will come into effect 28 May 2011.