Also known as
- CAV
About Us
Victoria's Business Licensing Authority (BLA) provides licences to businesses that need one to operate lawfully.
In performing our role, we balance the interests of business, consumers and the public.
The BLA and Consumer Affairs Victoria share office space and work together closely.
The BLA is an independent regulator within the Victorian Government's Justice portfolio, operating under the Business Licensing Authority Act 1998 (the Act).
It licenses and registers:
- conveyancers
- estate agents
- motor car traders
- owners corporation managers
- rooming house operators
- second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers
- sex work service providers.
The Act requires that the Governor in Council appoints BLA members, who must be legal practitioners with at least five years experience.
The BLA Registrar and staff from the Licensing branch of Consumer Affairs Victoria also support the BLA’s work.
The legislation governing the BLA does not require an annual report to be produced.
What We Do
Each member of the BLA makes decisions about licence and registration applications. The Chairperson directs our operations and is accountable for the BLA’s performance.
It is our job to ensure applications are dealt with fairly, efficiently and legally. We must balance minimising the regulatory burden against consumer protection issues.
We make our decisions based on information collected from the applicant, other statutory agencies and our own inquiries. We don’t hold formal hearings or hear oral evidence.
