VICTORIA'S tourism sector is disappointed that a compromise was not reached to continue with an innovative project in Mornington Peninsula’s Point Nepean site, following the State Government’s decision to walk away from an agreement with the private sector.

“The plan centred on the Quarantine Station part of this National Park and entailed a sustainable development that was sensitive to the local environment. Its focus was to preserve the integrity of the site’s natural and cultural heritage and to create more access for people to experience this wonderful place. However the failure to reach a compromise means the state is delayed in realising the benefits of sustainable tourism,” said Victoria Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“Public private partnerships are vital to the growth and prosperity of our sector. Point Nepean is a significant cultural and heritage site and the private sector was positive about working with government on a great project for Victoria.

“The State Government has turned its back on this Point Nepean development, which has the potential to diminish private sector confidence in investing in Victorian tourism projects.

“Our industry saw this as a litmus test for future developments and there is now concern regarding investment in innovative, job creating new tourism projects in Victoria.” 

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice.

Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

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THE Australian Human Rights Commission is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the Willing to Work: National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination Against Older Australians and Australians with Disability.  Consultation forums will begin early in July.

The purpose of the Inquiry is to learn more about the kinds of barriers preventing capable older people and people with disability from getting access to the jobs they are qualified for.

“This Inquiry is a rare opportunity for every day Australians to share their insights and personal experiences to help us understand the factors that are holding back older workers and people with disability from participating in the work force and to help identify practical ways to improve access and ensure greater participation,” said Age and Disability Commissioner Susan Ryan. Commissioner Ryan, who was last week appointed Ambassador for Mature Age Workers by the Government, says attitudes need to change.

“We are very keen to engage with employers large and small, across all sectors to understand what changes would encourage them to include more older workers and people with disability in their workforces”.

“The onus is now on all of us to rethink how we see older workers and people with disability and the contributions they can make. They have a great wealth of skills, experience and know-how which can not only help the economy but enrich the nation with benefits for all. The right to work for those who want and need it, belongs to everyone. It is my hope that the Inquiry, when complete, will provide a road map for the way forward.”

The submissions period is open until Friday 4 December 2015.To make a submission, please visit our website:www.humanrights.gov.au/willing-work-how-make-submission. Public consultations are being conducted in every capital city and some regional centres, from July to November 2015, with the first taking place in Canberra on July 6 and 7.

For more information on the consultations and a list of consultation locations and dates please visit: www.humanrights.gov.au/willing-work-consultations

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has welcomed the Federal Government’s changes to the taxation of employee share schemes which come into effect today and support start-up businesses to attract talent and grow.

The changes mean that employees who are issued with options will generally be able to defer tax until they convert the options to shares. Previously, employees were obligated to pay tax when those options vest.

"Also, under the changes eligible start-ups can issue options or shares to their employees at a discount, and have that discount exempt (for shares) or further deferred (for options) from income tax," Mr Stone said.

"These measures were called for by VECCI’s Small Business Taskforce in its report, Small business. Big opportunities. They will encourage innovation and productivity which are key to keeping small business competitive."

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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NEW budget changes have been applauded by small businesses and their peak body, Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA), for providing a boost in confidence and optimism as we turn the corner towards the new financial year.

From 1 July 2015, small businesses will see their tax rate fall from the current 30 per cent to 28.5 per cent. The good news continues; with small businesses, which aren’t operated through a company, also getting a tax cut.

In addition, sole traders, or businesses which operate through a partnership, trust or other non-corporate entity will get a 5 per cent discount (in the form of a tax offset throughout the year-end tax return) on the tax payable on their profits, up to a maximum of $1000 per individual.

Yet despite these changes, which can surely only be seen as a silver lining by small businesses, Peter Strong, CEO of Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA), says there is still a way to go with providing equality and support for small business, and advises against complacency.

Mr Strong commented: “We will continue to work with the Treasurer to implement the changes needed to the tax system, which can hopefully be achieved in the tax white paper.

“We will also continue to work with Bruce Billson on changes to contract processes, competition legislation and to help bed down the new Family and Small Business Enterprise Ombudsman’s position.

“The development of a performance framework for federal regulators also provides us with the opportunity to work more closely still with key regulators so that the right compliance is achieved with the least impact on small businesses.”

Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA) hosts the Vodafone National Small Business Summit on 16 and 17 July at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney.

With a high profile line-up of guest speakers and attendees, the Summit brings together policy influencers and government leaders to meet to exchange knowledge on how to influence and make change that will contribute to the growth of small businesses in Australia.

Peter Strong, CEO of Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA) says: “Small business represents the Australian entrepreneurial spirit to allow everyone a ‘fair go’. They are the backbone of the Australian economy - impacting our people, culture, cities and communities – and as business and policy experts the Summit is our opportunity to come to together to confront the issues impacting small business.”

In 2015, small businesses will be invited to attend the inaugural Summit Start Up on Wednesday 15th July; a pre-Summit networking event where the community, culture, and diversity of small businesses will be celebrated. The Summit Start Up will be opened by Hon Bruce Billson, the Federal Small Business Minister.

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

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