Exciting news for local food trucks and pop-up businesses today with the ACT government announcing they’re permanently scrapping hawker fees.  

Hawker fees, which are paid by food trucks or market stalls operating on public unleased land, were waived as part of the Territory’s pandemic recovery scheme.

Minister for Business Tara Cheyne officially announced this morning that from Friday 1 July, the fees will be scrapped for good.

Ms Cheyne said the decision has come as part of the government’s commitment to making things easier for business owners, noting many popular Canberra businesses started out as food vans or market stalls.

“This fee abolishment is another way the ACT government is removing barriers for people to start their own business,” she said.

Brodburger, one of the capital’s favourite comfort food joints, started out as a single food van beside Lake Burley Griffin all the way back in 2009. Owner Jolle Bou-Jaude (or Mrs Brod) welcomed the decision.

“It’s amazing, every dollar counts for small businesses,” she said.

However, she said the government needs to be doing more to help. With the pandemic impacting stock supplies and increasing staff shortages while the cost of living continues to rise, Ms Bou-Jaude is predicting a tough few years for small business.

“It’s harder now than during lockdown, while it’s a small step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.”

It is worth noting that businesses will still need to apply for hawker permits before setting up shop on unleased land in the ACT.