THE Institute of Public Accountants will be holding its National Congress from November 23 to 25.
Venue is the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne.
The official opening address on Thursday, November 24, will be by IPA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Conway.
Keynote speakers at the IPA National Congress include:
David Morrison AO, Australian of the Year
Steve Price, Media Commentator
Richard Grimes, President, International Federation of Accountants
Kevin Sheedy, AFL Legend
Other presenters include:
Dr Michael Schaper (Deputy Chair, ACCC); Matthew Drennan (Group Head of Research, IOOF); Sandra Ragg (Assistant Director Cyber Policy, Office of the Prime Minister); Amanda Falconer (Talking Brand); Susan Young (principal, Susan young Tax Training); Sam Allert (Reckon); and many more.
Further details of the conference program can be found at:
THE PAYMENT practices of big businesses and governments across the country will be put under the microscope by Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Kate Carnell during an inquiry aimed at weeding-out patterns of behaviour that are undermining the financial viability of small businesses and putting pressure on the entire economy.
The ‘Payment Times and Practices’ Inquiry is the first self-initiated inquiry undertaken by the ASBFEO. It will be led by the ASBFEO in partnership with state-based Small Business Commissioners in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, and will be carried out in association with the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) and the Australian Institute of Credit Management (AICM).
The Inquiry will also seek input from federal and state/territory governments and their agencies.
Anecdotally, small businesses are reporting that some large businesses are taking longer than ever to pay their bills; this Inquiry aims to establish an accurate picture of the trends that have emerged in recent years surrounding the commercial arrangements between large and small businesses, as well as governments and small enterprises.
The Inquiry will assess the impacts these trends are having and will identify practical solutions – including possible regulatory and market-based responses – that can be implemented quickly and effectively to help address identified problem areas.
The Inquiry will seek input from businesses and other industry stakeholders through submissions, an online survey as well as through public consultations, with the final report expected in March 2017.
One of the number one issues impacting small business productivity here in Australia is unfair payment practices – specifically late payments – with some research suggesting Australia lags well behind the rest of the world when it comes to paying invoices on time.
Cash flow is king to small business; late payments can be the difference between success and insolvency so it’s vital these sorts of unfair payment practices are stamped-out to ensure small businesses can reach their full potential, and in doing so, continue to contribute substantially to the overall health of the national economy.
Inquiry Terms of Reference are available at www.asbfeo.gov.au/inquiries. Small businesses who would like to have their say can do so at the above website or by phoning 1300 650 460.
THE natural resources sector must promote its economic credentials, innovation, vital link to everyday products and social licence to operate, says outgoing Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche at its 2016 Annual Lunch today.
Addressing almost 700 people on his last day in the peak body’s top job, Mr Roche said the natural resources sector’s contribution was being taken for granted.
‘No industry sector is more fundamental to the future of Queensland than resources. Everything that is not grown comes from the natural resources sector,’ Mr Roche told the audience.
‘There is no viable substitute for coking coal in the production of blast furnace steel.
‘There is no ‘Uber’ process waiting in the wings and steel use per capita is one of the hallmarks of an advanced economy.
‘In fact all of our commodities – our alumina and bauxite, copper, gas, gold, lead, mineral sands, silver and zinc, will remain in demand while ever people want to enjoy the many facets of their everyday lives.’
Mr Roche said it was no secret that the sector had moved onto a new chapter - moving out of a record period of capital expenditure – to a phase where operational expenditure dominated.
‘However, parts of the sector are experiencing better commodity prices. Who would have thought thermal coal would be over $110/tonne and coking coal over $300/tonne, while zinc and copper are also on the comeback trail,’ Mr Roche said.
‘As the QRC Resourcing Innovation campaign illustrates, these commodities, and more, are vital components in renewable energy and related infrastructure and everything from smartphones, fridges and public transport, just to name a few.
‘Ironically, the green activists who constantly denigrate the natural resources sector, are more than happy to use all of the products for which the sector provides the vital ingredients.
Mr Roche noted that QRC has the good fortune to have the country’s longest serving Federal resources minister, Ian Macfarlane, as his successor.
‘I wish Ian him the best of luck for his time at the helm of the QRC.’
Michael Roche's speech is available at qrc.org.au/media-centre/speeches-presentations/
AUSTRALIA’s resource industry employer group, AMMA, has called for future closures of coal-fired power stations to be properly planned, notified well in advance and based on facts and informed discussion to avoid risking Australia’s long-term energy security and leaving people jobless.
The advice was provided to a Senate Environment and Communications References Committee inquiring into the long-term transition from coal-fired power stations to renewable energies, including policy mechanisms to speed up the process and mitigating the economic and community impacts.
“Australia requires genuine and constructive policy discussions on our energy future, including on the emergence of renewable sources and ensuring we meet our international obligations such as those agreed in Paris,” says AMMA head of policy Scott Barklamb.
“However, discussions on future power generation in Australia must also be firmly grounded in facts. For instance, while there will be a considerable shift in investment towards renewables over the next 25 years, the World Energy Council projects fossil fuels will remain the dominant producer of electricity until at least 2050.
“Industry, employees and communities need greater certainty on future transitions and the energy mix Australia will pursue across future decades.”
AMMA has called for a National Energy Transition Plan be developed, including harmonised renewable energy targets, that ensures affordable, reliable and secure energy and delivers measured transitions that are as fair as possible for employees, communities and the industry.
“While government will have an important role in promoting and incentivising new sustainable energy technologies, its first priority must be maintaining access for Australian industries and communities to affordable and proven reliable energy sources,” Mr Barklamb continues.
“We are also concerned about naïve optimism that the renewable energy industry can seamlessly pick-up all jobs lost from coal fired power stations. Unfortunately, there is minimal geographical commonality between Australia’s current coal fired power stations and where our potential for renewable energy will emerge.
“Even if former coal-fired power station employees had perfectly transferable skills and experience, most would have to relocate to find employment. We’ve seen through the commodity price and investment boom that Australians have a low appetite for relocation.
“It is also unlikely that the renewables industry will require a similarly labour intensive operational workforce as existing coal fired power generation.
“The key challenge for governments will be implementing energy transitions predictably and transparently, while minimising losses of existing jobs, maintaining energy security and positioning Australia’s energy sector as an attractive and globally competitive place to invest and do business.”
The Committee’s interim report is due by 28 November 2016, with a final report by 1 February 2017.
Click here to read AMMA’s submission. Click here for more information on the inquiry.
AUSTRALIAN companies are being given the chance to win work on the multi-billion dollar LAND 400 Phase 2 armoured vehicle program during a series of workshops to be held nationwide.
The workshops were launched in Melbourne today by Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne and aim to give local businesses an opportunity to showcase themselves and join the significant supply chain.
Minister Pyne said maximising Australian defence industry involvement to create and sustain jobs and spur economic growth is at the centre of the Government’s plans for the groundbreaking project.
“LAND 400 gives us the opportunity to modernise our military and boost domestic manufacturing which will create and sustain jobs in Australia,” Minister Pyne said.
“We have actively encouraged Australian industry participation – particularly in assembly, systems design, integration, testing and evaluation as well as sustainment.
“More than 400 eligible Australian companies have registered to present their capabilities to BAE Systems Australia and Rheinmetall, the two companies shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the tender evaluation process.
“This is the chance for suppliers to get their slice of a very big pie,” Minister Pyne said.
The workshops will travel to all Australian states and territories, finishing in Hobart.
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