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Company tax cuts top SME wishlist

SME GROWTH INDEX research released today shows that, when asked what SME priority the new Federal Parliament should focus on, company tax cuts was the top response.

SME Growth Index research is conducted independently by banking analysts East & Partners, on behalf of national working capital funder Scottish Pacific. The owners, CEOs or senior financial staff of 1257 SMEs across all states and key industries, with annual revenues of $A1-20 million.

Scottish Pacific CEO Peter Langham said company tax cuts topped the wish, nominated by 27 percent of business owners as the initiative that should have top priority.

The Federal Government’s moves last month to further expand the instant asset write-off should please respondents, as almost 24 percent said this should be their focus.

One in five SMEs want the newly elected government to prioritise cutting red tape by reducing their administrative and regulatory burden.

Mr Langham said SMEs were far more concerned about government action on things they see affecting their business on a day-to-day basis, rather than big picture projects such as the NBN or small business funding initiatives.

“Over the past six years, the SME Growth Index has repeatedly highlighted that company tax cuts and a reduced regulatory burden are the most pressing reforms SMEs are crying out for. Nothing has changed this round,” Mr Langham said.

“The Index has recorded a three year high in SMEs expecting to grow in the first half of 2019, despite the uncertainty surrounding the property market, Royal Commission aftermath and pre-election period.

“Simplifying the complex tax system and cutting red tape, and on a state basis getting rid of payroll tax, would have the biggest daily impact for Australia’s small to medium business sector.

“These are the everyday impact items that will energise SMEs, encourage business investment and drive growth and innovation,” he said.

Mr Langham said Federal Government efforts to simplify BAS must be starting to hit the mark – in this latest research, only one in 10 SMEs named further BAS simplification as their top priority, down from one in four when this question was last asked 18 months ago.

Only 7 percent thought reducing SME energy costs should be the main focus for the new parliament.

“Despite significant publicity around the announcement of a $2 billion SME lending fund, not even 3 percent of respondents felt that implementing this fund should be the top priority,” Mr Langham said.

“The research also found that very few SMEs thought the first order of business for any new Federal Government should be extending legislation to ease late payment times, working on SME infrastructure such as the NBN or funding national cybersecurity education for small businesses.”

Most SMEs weren’t seeking the extension of legislation designed to ease late payment times and to mandate participation in the Australian Supplier Payment Code, despite much public debate about ever-lengthening supplier payment times.

Just over 2 percent of business owners named it as their preferred top post-election priority.

Dedicated SME infrastructure such as fast tracking the NBN (less than 2%) and cybersecurity (1%) are seen by business owners as lower on the agenda for a new government relative to tax cuts and cutting red tape.

This is despite a recent Chubb and YouGov survey, Too Small to Fail? Australia SME Cyber Preparedness Report, that found 71 percent of SMEs have experienced a cyber-attack or error in the past 12 months and 45 percent of SME owners are not confident that their employees who have access to sensitive data are fully aware of their data privacy responsibilities.

 

About Scottish Pacific

Scottish Pacific is Australasia’s largest specialist working capital provider, helping thousands of business owners with the working capital they need to succeed. Scottish Pacific lends to small, medium and large businesses with revenues ranging from $500,000 to $1 billion. www.scottishpacific.com

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Academy applauds funding to boost gender equity in STEM

THE Australian Academy of Science has applauded the announcement by the Federal Government to invest $3.4 million to improve science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) equity in Australia and boost the participation of girls and women in STEM careers.

Academy president, Professor John Shine said the $1.8 million commitment to extend the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) — a partnership between the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering — was particularly significant.

“SAGE is the only transformative gender equity program of its kind in Australia designed to achieve sustained change via ongoing evaluation and a national accreditation framework,” Prof. Shine said. 

SAGE was set up to pilot the UK’s Athena SWAN Charter and accreditation framework in Australia. Fifteen Australian institutions were recognised for their efforts to improve gender equity, receiving the inaugural Athena SWAN Bronze Awards from SAGE in December last year.

“Australia has taken a leadership role by piloting the Athena SWAN Charter program, with countries such as Canada and the United States now following our example,” Prof. Shine said. 

The Australian Government’s continued support of the SAGE pilot positions Australia well and represents a strategic and forward-thinking investment that will allow the successful pilot to have greater reach and impact, he said.

“The Academy called for a stronger commitment to equity in science as one of its key priorities for the upcoming Federal election, recognising the positive and sustained impact of SAGE,” Prof. Shine said.

“Minister Andrews’ bold vision to have all eligible Australian research institutions being SAGE members and demonstrating their commitment to gender equity is commendable and achievable."

The Academy also welcomed funding for a national digital awareness raising initiative to be supported by Australia’s Women in STEM ambassador, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith.

“Efforts to improve the visibility of girls and women in STEM and showcase the diverse career opportunities available by studying STEM are critically important,” Prof. Shine said.

“In making these announcements, Minister Andrews has recognised that supporting women’s participation in STEM has a positive economic impact.

“Australia needs access to all its available talent regardless of who or where they are, and we must ensure everyone takes action through the Women in STEM Decadal Plan,” Prof. Shine said. 

The plan was developed by the Australian Academy of Science in partnership with the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. It will be launched on Monday evening, April 1, at Parliament House by the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews.

It will identify opportunities to bring about the systemic changes required to achieve gender equity in STEM and will call on leaders across the STEM ecosystem to drive action to achieve this.

See the Academy’s other science priorities for the 2019 federal election.

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The 2019 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards nominations are open

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has announced that submissions for the 2019 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards are open.

This year’s awards will be held on August 15 at Myer Mural Hall, in front of 500 esteemed guests from across the country and will highlight the achievements accomplished by the breadth of talent across the ever-evolving retail landscape.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said he was thrilled to acknowledge the retail leaders who are propelling the industry forward, through Australia’s first and largest national retail awards program.

“The ARA Awards have now celebrated Australia’s leading retailers for over 40 years and throughout this time, we have seen the retail industry enrich the lives of many Australians,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“As the industry continues to grow, the ARA believes it is important to recognise the dedicated retailers who have moulded retail into what is it today, and who continue to contribute to the vibrancy of retail.” 

The ARA is pleased to have major event sponsor, eftpos on board for the sixth consecutive year in a row, with Warwick Ponder, executive manager of Corporate Affairs and Communication expressing his support for Australian retailers.

“For over three decades eftpos has been the leading transaction provider for Australian shoppers and merchants and have revolutionised the way customers pay for goods and services,” Mr Ponder said.

“As retail makes vital contributions to the longevity of the Australian economy, we are proud to sponsor this incredible Awards program and recognise the Australian retailers who are the face of this industry.”

This year’s Awards includes 12 categories showcasing the diverse leaders in Australian retail – from digital retailers to national organisations, exceptional employees and cutting-edge store fit-outs. 

However, one of the most exciting additions to this year’s awards is the 2019 Retail Business Woman of the Year Award, which aims to honour the remarkable female leaders in the retail industry. 

“Through the successful application of our Women in Retail Series, the ARA have been inspired by the incredible stories shared by the strong female leaders working within the industry,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

“With 57.7 percent of retail employees being female, the ARA believe it's important to acknowledge the achievements made by talented female retailers and hopes it will motivate young women across the nation to consider a personal and professionally fulfilling career in retail.” 

The ARA has already received an abundance of nominations and encourages all retailers to submit an entry or nominate an extraordinary retail employee before Friday May 17.

All submissions are free and category details, eligibility and registration forms are available now at www.retail.org.au/2019-ara-retail-awards.

“The industry is filled with such a rich portfolio of retailers, and the 2019 ARA Retail Awards are the perfect way to pay homage to the passionate retailers who are the backbone of this dynamic and thriving sector,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

“We welcome retailers from all walks of the industry to take up this excellent opportunity and nominate their chosen organisation or exceptional individual who are paving the future of the retail.”

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $320 billion-dollar sector, which employs more than 1.3 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,800 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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ABC: Find out what the Budget means for you

THE 2019 ELECTION year Federal Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, April 2, and the ABC will have extensive coverage on all its platforms.

Coverage begins at 7:30pm (AEDT), as the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg hands down his first Federal Budget live from Canberra on the eve of an election campaign.

From 8pm, our expert team of Leigh Sales, Andrew Probyn, Laura Tingle and Barrie Cassidy will discuss the winners and losers and what the budget means to you, with insights from Greg Jennett and Annabel Crabb.

The Budget Special will include the first interview with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, as well as an interview with Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen.

The coverage and analysis of Budget 2019 continues on ABC NEWS channel from 9pm (AEDT) with extended analysis by Greg Jennett, Andrew Probyn and Emma Alberici, who will be joined by Patricia Karvelas and Ian Verrender.

At 9.30pm (AEDT) Elysse Morgan presents a half hour special of The Business featuring:

  • Mathias Cormann - Finance Minister
  • Jim Chalmers - Shadow Finance Minister
  • Diane Smith-Gander - Australian Business Executive
  • Simon McKeon - Chancellor of Monash University

At 10pm (AEDT), there will be a late-night special edition of The Drum simulcast on ABC and ABC NEWS channel, hosted by Ellen Fanning, talking to leaders of the Australian business community for their reaction to the budget. Joining Ellen Fanning will be:

  • Ketan Joshi – energy, science and technology expert
  • Phil Coorey - Political Editor for the Australian Financial Review
  • Wesley Enoch – artistic director and playwright

ABC will also broadcast Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s Budget Reply speech at 7:30pm (AEDT) on Thursday, April 4, followed by extended coverage and analysis on ABC NEWS channel from 8pm (AEDT).

www.abc.net.au

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All housing tax incentives need to be on the table - Master Builders

“MASTER Builders Australia welcomes the announcement of Labor’s Build to Rent tax concessions that will encourage institutional investment in housing and boost residential building activity,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said. 

“However, Labor’s announcement that its increase of capital gains tax and restrictions on negative gearing will start from January 1, 2020 does nothing to allay concerns about the impact on building activity and the housing supply. 

“Our modelling that shows Labor’s policy will reduce the number of new homes by up to 42,000 and deprive the economy of up to $11.8 billion worth of building activity,” Ms Wawn said. 

“Master Builders Forecasts tell us that we need 62,000 new homes built each year to meet the community’s demand for housing. 

“We need all incentives for investment on the table rather than taking away incentives from one part of the market to prop up another,” Ms Wawn said. 

“This is just robbing Peter to pay Paul."

www.masterbuilders.com.au

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Resources sector outlook is good news for Queensland

STRONG PROJECTIONS for key Queensland resource commodities was good news for the state’s economy, jobs, exports and royalty revenue, Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said.
 
Mr Macfarlane said the Australian Government’s Office of Chief Economist report had forecast strong market conditions for metallurgical and thermal coal, LNG, bauxite, copper and zinc.
 
“A strong and supported Queensland resources sector means a stronger Queensland,” Mr Macfarlane said.
 
“Figures in the latest Resources and Energy quarterly projects growing demand from India and south-east Asia which means even more exports, even more royalty taxes and even more jobs for Queensland.
 
“The resources sector already contributed more than $60 billion of Queensland’s exports, more than $5 billion in royalty taxes, more than 316,000 jobs across the State and will deliver an extra $1 billion in company tax to next week’s Federal Budget due to higher metallurgical coal prices. 

“I am urging Queensland community groups, charities, local councils and other industries to nominate their project and cause for this maroon money through our Maroon Fund (see link below).”

Mr Macfarlane said it was critical there was stable and predictable policy and royalty tax rates or Queensland will fail to benefit from the improved outlook across key commodities.
 
“The reality is that Queensland is a leading supplier of coal, LNG, bauxite, copper and zinc, but we are not alone,” he said.
 
“Haphazard or anti-investment policy will only allow our competitors to improve their market share, attract new investment, create new jobs and return more taxes to their own governments.”

Maroon Fund nominations.

www.qrc.org.au

 

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ARA acknowledges ANZ, Westpac banks' offer on Least Cost Routing of e-payments

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is pleased to acknowledge Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) along with the Westpac bank and its subsidiaries' decision to allow retailers and merchants a choice on how Tap and Go debit card transactions are processed.

Currently, ANZ charges retailers around 25 cents to process contactless debit card payments through eftpos, while Visa and Mastercard impose a fee of approximately 1 percent of the value on a transaction.

Russell Zimmerman, Executive Director of the ARA said, while the bank’s announcement is sound news for retailers and merchants across Australia, there is still a long way to go before those who have higher value average transaction tickets recognise any marginal reductions in costs.

“Contactless payments were first introduced into Australia 13 years ago and since then major banks have automatically routed contactless debit card transactions through higher-cost processing platforms such as Visa and Mastercard, and the extra costs have been borne by retailers and merchants,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“The bank’s approach is a step forward for retailers and merchants across Australia. However, the ARA is disappointed that the banks have only gone halfway by offering merchants an 'opt-in model' and not supported 'Least Cost Routing' as per the RBA Payments System Board, who have been urging banks to adopt the least cost routing processing platform.

“Although the ANZ bank has stated that it is committed to working towards Least Cost Routing, it is difficult to understand why ANZ was unable to achieve this when Tyro, a small acquirer, was able to accomplish this in about three months,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Furthermore, the ARA is perplexed as to why the National Australia Bank (NAB) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) banks are still silent on this issue. While we understand that both banks will be working towards an offering, we would encourage both banks to offer a Least Cost Routing and not an opt-in model as a matter of urgency.”

While the ANZ website stipulates that merchants must disclose to customers using a sign at the point of sale, that all contactless Multi Network Debit card transactions are to be routed through a domestic ePal network (i.e.eftpos), the ARA is under the impression that this is an unnecessary measure.

“It is the ARA’s understanding -- having had past discussions with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) that the RBA does not require merchants to reveal the way consumers transactions are routed, as it makes no difference to the consumer,” Mr Zimmerman said.

The ARA strongly encourage merchants to consider routing debit transactions via the eftpos network, to secure the vibrancy of the Australian retail industry and the sustainability of the economy. 

“eftpos make significant contributions to the vitality of the Australian economy. Therefore, it is imperative that transaction costs are kept low, to ensure eftpos remains a competitive force within the payments system.”

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $320 billion-dollar sector, which employs more than 1.3 million people. As Australia’s leading retail peak industry body, the ARA is a strong pro-active advocate for Australian retail and works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,800 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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Brexit on the agenda in Canberra

A STABLE transition to a post-Brexit UK for Australian exporters will be discussed on Monday by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

Committee Chair, Russell Broadbent MP, said that Australian businesses exporting to the UK can be assured that work is ongoing to ensure that trade can continue uninterrupted.

"While it is still unclear when or how the UK will leave the EU, we can take steps now to ensure that Australia’s trade routes remain open," Mr Broadbent said.

The two treaties to be discussed will establish a framework for compliance assessment for Australian goods exported to the UK and ensure that the Australian wine industry can continue to export to Australia’s top wine market.

In addition, the Committee will hold a hearing on a number of other treaties, including three air services agreements, an extension to the MH17 treaty with The Netherlands, a treaty permitting family members of Australia’s diplomats in Italy to engage in employment, and an oil stocks contract treaty with Hungary. Details of these treaties are available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details: 11am – 1pm, Monday, April 1, Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra

11am: Work Diplomatic Families - Italy

11.20am: Air Services – Thailand, Timor-Leste, PNG

11.40am: MH17 – Netherlands

12pm: Oil Stocks – Hungary

12.20pm: MRA – UK

12.40pm: Wine - UK

1pm: Close


The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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For four days in April, the eyes of the medical world will focus on Brisbane

BRISBANE is set to welcome almost 2000 Rheumatology practitioners and specialists in April as the appeal of the city as both a leisure and a meetings destination continues to grow.

The 21st Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress, co-hosted by the Australian Rheumatology Association will be held in Brisbane from April 8-11, and some 2000 delegates from across the globe are set to attend. The Congress was held last year in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Brisbane has a standout reputation as a host city, headlined by the highly successful 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit which included 7000 delegates. The APLAR-ARA Congress in April will be one of the largest meetings events for the city in 2019.

To be held at the internationally award-winning Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), the Congress will provide an important global forum for exchange on cutting edge scientific and clinical information, with more than 100 national and international speakers featured over the three-day program, providing world-class research, scientific and medical advances and state-of-the-art industry innovations.

The latest breakthroughs and news in this important field of medicine will be shared direct from BCEC, and, with an estimated 350 million people worldwide diagnosed with arthritis (just one area of rheumatology), it is expected to generate much interest.

Rheumatologists, physicians, researchers, scientists, clinicians, internists, orthopaedic surgeons, clinical immunologists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, paediatricians and researchers from allied disciplines make up the delegate mix, with many attendees bringing family members for the stay in Brisbane.

Hayley McLeod, congress manager from MCI Australia, said there has been an overwhelming response by delegates to attend the event once Brisbane was announced as the host city.

“The appeal of Brisbane as a meetings destination is undeniable," Ms McLeod said. The city’s liveability, transport network, range of world-class hotels and dining options and the support of State and Local Government is extraordinary.

“Of course, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is famed around the world as a leader in meetings facilitation, so these factors, combined with the all-star weather and reputation of the city as one that welcomes visitors with open arms make it unbeatable. And our delegate response is testament to this.”

Ms McLeod said the Congress was set to generate an economic impact of almost $4 million for Brisbane and greater Queensland, according to Brisbane Marketing calculations, as many delegates were arriving early, or staying after the Congress in Brisbane, or travelling to other areas of Queensland.

The six keynote speakers set to lead the Congress represent the very best in the world and include Anne Barton, Professor of Rheumatology and leads the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research at The University of Manchester; Helen Foster, Professor Paediatric Rheumatology at the Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia; John Isaacs, Professor of Clinical Rheumatology at Newcastle University; Helena Marzo-Ortega, Consultant Rheumatologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Eric Morand, Head of Rheumatology at Monash Health, and Yoshiya Tanaka, Professor and Chairman of First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine and Dean of Graduate School of Medical Science, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan.

 

About the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology

The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR), was established in 1963 in Sydney. What began with four founding nations has now increased in scale to include 32 national rheumatology association members. The geographical region covered by APLAR reaches from New Zealand in Oceania to Jordan in the Middle East. The APLAR network of national associations represents 25,000+ rheumatologists.

Australia hosts many research institutes which specifically focus on rheumatic diseases including in Brisbane the Translational Research Institute, the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (Queensland University of Technology), University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, and elsewhere the Institute of Bone and Joint Research (University of Sydney), Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Sydney), Murdoch Children’s Medical Research Institute (Melbourne), Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (Melbourne), and the Hanson Institute and Basil Hetzel Institute (Adelaide).

The large number of rheumatological research institutes reflects a diversity of research excellence including in immunology, genetics, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, tropical medicine, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine. Australian rheumatology has also been early adopters and innovators in provision or remote care through telehealth and other approaches.

Event: 21st Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology Congress, co-hosted by the Australian Rheumatology Association (APLAR-ARA 2019)

Event dates: April 8–11, 2019

Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Website: www.aplar2019.com

Congress organiser: MCI Australia, www.mci-group.com

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FSC endorses LCCC inaugural report into life insurance

THE Financial Services Council (FSC) today welcomed the inaugural Industry Data and Compliance Report, prepared by the Life Code Compliance Committee (LCCC) which provides independent oversight and monitoring of the Life Insurance Code of Practice (The Code).

FSC senior policy manager, Nick Kirwan said Australia is the only nation in the world to compile and collect data in this field and the report provides evidence of work being done to strengthen the Life Insurance sector.

“The LCCC report shows life insurers made decisions on 89 per cent of all income related claims and 92 per cent of all lump sum claims within the required timeframes,” Mr Kirwan said.

“APRA data has previously shown the overwhelming majority of all claims received are paid (92 per cent), and now we also know, thanks to this report that those claims were made in a timely manner, helping customers when they need it most.

“We don’t shy away from the fact that there is more to be done. The LCCC’s inaugural report provides an important baseline to measure the industry against in future years, and insights into areas that the industry should focus its attention,” Mr Kirwan said.

“The FSC is pleased to see the high level of support from industry, with all Code subscribers providing data that underpins the LCCC report. The willingness of the sector to be transparent shows how seriously the Life Insurance industry takes the issue of building trust with consumers.”

Following the announcement of a radical overhaul of the Code in November 2018, the FSC has been working with ASIC, consumer advocates, mental health groups, GPs and geneticists to develop the next iteration of The Code, and has proposed more than 30 significant additional protections for consumers to lift standards.

The Life Insurance Code covers every individually assessed and group life insurance cover that can be taken out in Australia today. 

About the Financial Services Council

The Financial Services Council (FSC) has over 100 members representing Australia's retail and wholesale funds management businesses, superannuation funds, life insurers, financial advisory networks and licensed trustee companies. The industry is responsible for investing almost $3 trillion on behalf of more than 14.8 million Australians. The pool of funds under management is larger than Australia’s GDP and the capitalisation of the Australian Securities Exchange and is the fourth largest pool of managed funds in the world. The FSC promotes best practice for the financial services industry by setting mandatory Standards for its members and providing Guidance Notes to assist in operational efficiency. www.fsc.org.au

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Accountants in position to help fill advice gap - IPA

THE Hayne Royal Commission reinforced the importance of trust and seeking appropriate advice from professionals and this sentiment has been echoed by the ATO acknowledging there is a gap between ‘full financial advice and smaller matters’. 

For people looking for a solution to this gap, the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) believes they should be able to get genuine advice and support from their trusted adviser; the accountant.

“The Productivity Commission observed that 48 percent of Australian adults indicated having unmet financial advice needs.  So, obviously there is an advice gap in Australia which needs to be addressed,” IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway said.

“Other research indicates that there is a gap between the fees that most consumers are prepared to pay and the average fees being charged by financial planners, with the majority of consumers being open to having reviews with someone else if it meant a reduction in fees.

“To address these gaps the IPA has developed a revised financial services licensing regime for qualified accountants, which recognises their existing qualifications and experience.

“Members of the three professional accounting bodies are answerable to high levels of professional and ethical standards, subject to ongoing quality assurance evaluations, and must maintain currency of knowledge through committed and continuous professional development and training” Mr Conway said.

About the Institute of Public Accountants

The IPA, formed in 1923, is one of Australia’s three legally recognised professional accounting bodies.  In late 2014, the IPA acquired the Institute of Financial Accountants in the UK and formed the IPA Group, with more than 36,000 members and students in over 80 countries.  The IPA Group is the largest SME focused accountancy organisation in the world. The IPA is a member of the International Federation of Accountants, the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board and the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants.   www.publicaccountants.org.au

 

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