The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has welcomed the “inner revolutionary” approach announced by the Government which will look at innovative ways of driving economic growth and productivity.

“The IPA has been advocating for many of the measures hinted in the recent announcements made by the Innovation Minister, the Hon Christopher Pyne so we are keen to continue the dialogue and get the ball moving,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“We are particularly interested in the areas of crowdfunding, venture capital and the support for small business including new start-ups.

“When it comes to venture capital, we have recommended the establishment of a pilot scheme to pool public funds with private sector VC firms exclusively for capital investment projects for small and medium-sized enterprises developing new R&D products or services.

“We recommend that the scheme involve a maximum public exposure of $2 million on an equal basis with private sector VC firms.

“It is a positive sign that the Government is looking to innovation as a key economic driver; which has been a sound platform within the Australian Small Business White Paper and we look forward to more dialogue on this exciting development,” said Mr Conway.

www.publicaccountants.org.au

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THE Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) has announced that Bendigo has been chosen to host the state’s annual tourism industry conference in 2016.

Presented by VTIC, the Victorian Tourism Conference is the annual opportunity for businesses and operators from throughout Victoria’s tourism and events sectors to share experiences and learn from industry leaders.

VTIC Acting Chief Executive Erin Joyce said Bendigo was selected because it shows leadership as a region, works collaboratively to develop rich cultural, artistic and historic tourism experiences, and is a vibrant, high-quality leisure and business tourism destination.

“Bendigo submitted a stand-out proposal to host the event, including the breathtaking new Ulumbarra Theatre as the venue, an innovative concept for the Gala Dinner, well presented pre-event tours and options, and a wide variety of quality accommodation for participants,” said Ms Joyce.

Ms Joyce said she expects that up to 400 delegates from throughout Victoria will attend the two day conference.

City of Greater Bendigo Tourism Manager Kathryn Mackenzie said conferences of this size inject considerable funds into the local economy.

“We are thrilled that Bendigo is being recognised as a leader and innovator in the tourism and events space by winning the chance to host the Victorian Tourism Conference 2016,” she said.

The tourism and events industry is a significant contributor to the visitor economy and is recognised as the seventh pillar of our state’s economy, generating 6 per cent (over 200,000) of Victoria’s jobs.

The conference will be held on 25 – 26 July 2016 at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre.

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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MUCH has been said, written and debated about how gender balance can be better achieved in Australia’s C-suites and boardrooms. But what can women personally do to fast-track their own C-suite aspirations and what can organisations do to support them on this journey?

In a determined bid to give talented and ambitious women and indeed the organisations who employ them the tools and insights needed to achieve this outcome, Governance Institute of Australia has assembled an impressive panel of speakers for a lunchtime event in Sydney on 30 October to discuss these very issues.

The chairman of Transfield Services, Diane Smith-Gander, high-profile member of the Male Champions of Change, Kevin McCann, and company secretary at Origin Energy, Helen Hardy, will give attendees:

• Ø practical insights as to how women can position themselves ahead of the pack for board and C-Suite roles
• Ø ideas to chart their way to the board table covering networking, soft skills and tips for juggling the work-life balance
• Ø proven organisational practices to increase the representation of female non-executive directors and executives
• Ø clarity on the current status of gender diversity in Australia, whether it is regressing, stagnating, or improving and how the Male Champions of Change can support diversity
• Ø insights and practical advice for maximising the key drivers that affect change, and
• Ø ideas to influence cultural change in organisations.

As policy director at Governance Institute and panel moderator, Judith Fox, commented, “Organisations must have the key drivers in place, including culture and initiatives to drive change, but women also need to ensure they have the hard and soft skills to do these jobs and the wherewithal to successfully put themselves forward for these roles.

“This is a ‘must-attend’ event for those committed to achieving gender balance in the workplace,” she concluded.

Event details

What:           Gender balance – the solution is ‘you’

When:          Friday 30 October 2015 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm

Where:         Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, 36 College Street, Sydney

More information about the event can be found at governanceinstitute.com.au/NSWEvents.

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About Governance Institute of Australia

Governance Institute of Australia is the only independent professional association with a sole focus on whole-of-organisation governance. Our education, support and networking opportunities for directors, company secretaries, governance professionals and risk managers are second to none. 

SUBSTANTIAL benefits will flow to a wide range of Australian industries from the implementation of the China Australia Free Trade Agreement, according to the just released Treaties Committee report.

China’s burgeoning middle class and ageing population both present significant potential for Australian businesses and industry. Producers will be able to capitalise on Australia’s reputation for premium quality, clean, green food and their proximity to one of the largest markets in the world, according to the report.  

Committee Chair, Mr Angus Taylor MP said it’s essential that ChAFTA is implemented quickly to help businesses and industry catch up.

“Australia is currently at a disadvantage as some of our major competitors, including New Zealand and Chile, gain ground in the expanding Chinese market,” he said.

Regarding the controversial issues involving Australia’s immigration framework for temporary workers, the report found that current safeguards are adequate, providing that the government organisations responsible for ensuring compliance are sufficiently resourced. The committee’s recommendations focus on ensuring that the relevant departments have the necessary funding to police compliance.

Ongoing concerns with non-tariff barriers were also confirmed, including sanitary and phytosanitary regulations. The committee has recommended that the Department of Agriculture be provided with the resources necessary to enable effective progress in removing these barriers.

Further recommendations target the need to provide information to business and industry about free trade agreements generally and better equip them to take full advantage of the opportunities available.

“We are well aware that only 19 per cent of Australian exporters make use of Australia’s existing free trade agreements. To achieve the promised economic growth, more steps must be taken to increase uptake,” Mr Taylor said.

The committee also released its report into the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The AIIB is being set up to address the expected multi-trillion dollar shortfall for infrastructure spending across Asia in coming years. New infrastructure will drive economic growth and jobs, providing opportunities for Australian trade and business.

Both reports are available on the committee’s website: http://www.aph.gov.au/jsct

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