THE Trade and Investment Growth Committee has announced an inquiry into the trade system and the digital economy.

The World Economic Forum has identified that the digital economy has a central role in future trade policy. In Australia, like the rest of the world, the digital economy is challenging traditional business models and this inquiry will look at whether Australia’s trade system is meeting these contemporary needs.

Committee Chair Ken O’Dowd MP said “trade drives economic growth and the digital economy represents an important part of how business operates now and into the future. This inquiry will look at ways to ensure that Australia’s trade system can keep pace with our digital innovators.” He added, “we also need to ensure that our business sector is cyber-resilient so Australia can be leaders in this important area.”

The terms of reference for the inquiry are:

• the responsiveness of Australia’s trade architecture and regulatory system to the contemporary need of the digital economy and disruptive technology; and
• measures to improve the cyber-resilience of Australia’s trade-focussed business sector.

The Committee welcomes submissions from any individuals or businesses interested in trade and the digital economy. Submissions can be made by the Committee’s website before 12 October 2017. The Committee anticipates holding public hearings on the inquiry and advice will be provided on the website when these are scheduled.

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via www.aph.gov.au/jsctig. 

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SENATOR for South Australia, Nick Xenophon, has been confirmed to speak at Australia’s premier small business policy event – the Vodafone National Small Business Summit – in Melbourne on 23-25 August 2017.

Hosted by the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA), Xenophon will address delegates on Friday 25 August, sharing his insights on the integral role Government have in reducing bureaucratic obstacles fostering small business growth.

“Small business is Australia’s largest employing sector and a significant contributor to the economy, however owners across the nation are being held back by Government red tape and paper work.

“I look forward to meeting with policy makers and leaders at the Summit, and sharing how the Government can assist small business owners to grow their business, be innovative and agile, rather than having to jump through makeshift obstacles,” commented Xenophon.

Small business leader and advocate, Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA commented on the opportunity to welcome Xenophon to Australia’s premier policy event and share his voice in shaping the future of small business across the nation.

“It is an honour to host Senator Xenophon at the Vodafone National Small Business Summit. Nick is a fervent supporter of Australian small businesses and creating an effective government and economic environment to support growth,” said Mr Strong.

Xenophon will join senior politicians and industry leaders to discuss key issues facing small business in Australia, including banking payments, cyber security, the digital economy, regulation red-tape and more at the Summit. Key speakers include:

-    The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Leader of the Opposition
-    The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy
-    The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Federal Minister for Small Business
-    The Hon. Philip Dalidakis MP, Victorian Minister for Small Business
-    Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
-    Anna Bligh, CEO, Australian Bankers Association
-    Dan Lloyd, Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Affairs Director, Vodafone
-    Richard Flanagan, Head of Business Marketing, Google Australia and New Zealand
-    Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive, Business Council Australia 

Registrations are open for the Vodafone National Small Business Summit. For more information please visit: www.cosboansbs.com.au

To celebrate the commencement of the Summit, Small Business owners are invited to attend the Small Business Start-Up Reception from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday, 23 August 2017. The event will provide an opportunity for owners to hear from Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA and network with industry leaders and key decision makers. A panel on the evening will highlight the next generation of employers and innovators and discuss what more our education system can do to support entrepreneurship.

#NSBS17

www.cosboansbs.com.au

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THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) have issued a submission to the Department of the Treasury’s Black Economy Taskforce regarding the retail industry’s leading role in fighting the black economy.

This Taskforce is focused on developing a strategy to uncover and stop the black economy in Australia by encouraging a move towards cash alternatives, improved policing and regulation. The current existence of the black economy undermines legitimate businesses in the retail sector.

The ARA’s Black Economy submission highlights the retail industry’s proactive role in tackling the black economy.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retailers across the country are using innovative and consumer friendly payment options to eradicate illegitimate and unfair business practices.

“We are extremely pleased to see the retail sector leading the way in tackling the black economy through innovation and proactive measures,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“The introduction of mobile payment systems, cashless payroll systems and electronic payment systems are all examples of how the retail industry has developed solutions to assist in eliminating illicit trade.”

The ARA called on the Black Economy Taskforce to embrace new technologies including mobile wallets and mobile payments to provide open access to retailers and consumers. 

“Greater participation in mobile wallets and mobile payments by merchants and service providers will lead to greater convenience for consumers while reducing under the counter transactions,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“These new payment technologies can provide a wide range of benefits which will significantly reduce black economy transactions and improve cashflow efficiencies for retailers.”

To view the ARA’s submission to the Department of the Treasury’s Black Economy Taskforce, please click here.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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THE Parliament’s Northern Australia Committee will visit Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Saturday 16 September to Friday 22 September to hold public hearings as part of its Inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch MP said ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular with Australian and international visitors and the potential is there to develop existing tourism operations and create new experiences on the Indian Ocean Territories.

“Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have recently been voted as having some of the best beaches in Australia, with their pristine coral reefs, and largely unspoilt national parks,” Mr Entsch said.

“Increasing tourism to the islands will also boost jobs and create a positive impact on the local economy,” he said.

The Committee will hear evidence from a range of tourism stakeholders, and hold an open microphone session where interested people can make a five minute statement about tourism issues.

Public Hearing Programs:
Monday, 18 September: Christmas Island Court House, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (open microphone session from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm).
Wednesday, 20 September: Home Island, Council Chamber, Shire Offices, 8.30 am to 11.30 am (open microphone session from 11.00 am to 11.30 am).
Thursday, 21 September: West Island, Community Resources Centre, 8.00 am to 12.30 pm (open microphone session from 12 noon to 12.30 pm).

For more information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the hearing program, submissions and terms of reference visit: www.aph.gov.au/jscna.

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