The processing of licensing applications is currently taking longer than 20 days because of delays in receiving probity check information from external agencies. In some cases these checks are taking between 30 and 40 working days. The delays are outside the Department’s control, could continue for some time and impact on the time it takes to process licence applications. However, our regulatory partners have assured us that steps are underway to rectify the situation. Given the current backlog of probity checks, improvements will be gradual.
How will this affect societies?
Respectfully we ask societies to consider the impact of these delays on licensing application turnaround. In particular, please ensure that surrender dates for venue transfers are realistic so that licences can be issued on time. In the interim the Department will take a more pragmatic, case-by-case approach to processing some applications. For example, if an application is received for a venue transferring from one society to another and there are no substantive changes in venue operator/venue key persons and we are satisfied in all other respects with the application, then it may be finalised in lieu of actual probity results.
We thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue to encounter these delays.
