A CYBER Security Conference and future-focused StartUp Conference rounded out the three days of Asia Pacific’s largest business technology exhibition, CeBIT Australia which was held at ICC Sydney this week.

Angus Taylor, Federal Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security opened the Cyber Security Conference, warning that organised crime has previous impacts on our society with 2 percent of Australian GDP linked to organised crime and the rates are increasing, with one in 50 economic actions related to crime, and most of them not originating from Australia.

Between 2016 and 2017 there was a 30 percent increase in global security breaches across the world, with an average of 130 breaches per company, he reported.

The solution, Minister Taylor remarked, is to focus the efforts on specific activities and work towards four major goals; to sharpen the focus on cyber infrastructure, to develop a system of national security where the government and private sector work together, to form legislation specifically for cybercrime, and to raise awareness amongst SMEs and the public on the real threats we are facing.

Budding tech entrepreneurs attended F’Up Night, on Wednesday 16 May, which featured three founders of tech businesses sharing the major mistakes they made along the way and what they learned from them.

Other highlights of CeBIT included:

• Be.You, showcased their free BU Personal Style app that recommends your best colours, style to suit your body shape and through curated content can recommend how to tweak your wardrobe
• TRAVLR, creators of the Bali Bible, showcased their app on the Amadeus stand, which enables travellers to use a single platform from start-to-end for all their travel directory needs
• Design + Industry, a technology engineering consultancy on the NSW Government stand, have designed smart rechargeable wheels that can be applied across a range of industries to create effortless mobilisation
• Rhythmotronusing XronoMorph software, exhibiting with Western Sydney University, demonstrated an interactive robotic drumming-machine, housed in a re-purposed piano
• The launch of Everywhere Venues, which compiles business, community and sporting venues for ease of hire to the public

First time exhibitor 8x8 joined CeBIT Australia this year due to the focus on innovation. Brendan Maree, VP for Asia Pacific, said people were coming to CeBIT to see what is new to keep developing their competitive advantage.

"We've met lots of people who are looking for cloud technologies, so we have met the right type of people here for our business, and that has driven some really good opportunities for us," said Mr Maree.

PitchFest 2018, saw ten StartUps go head-to-head in a ‘shark-tank’ style competition, where a panel of four entrepreneurs judge the winning company.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said the quality of finalists for PitchFest was outstanding, which demonstrates how the StartUp sector is creating innovative solutions to improve all sectors of the economy.

Ping Data took out the top prize of PitchFest, winning a prize package valued at over $20,000; comprising of a fully-paid exhibition stand at CeBIT Australia 2019, three Square Contactless and Chip Readers from Vodafone, a Norton Small Business-10, which protects 10 devices for 12 months, a $10,000 USD Alibaba Cloud credit valid for one year, three months free co-working space at Tank Stream Labs in Sydney, a one-year membership to TIE Sydney, and ongoing support and mentorship. 

"Ping Data has been assisted by the NSW Government-backed Jobs for NSW to develop its technology and was one of nine NSW finalists for PitchFest, so this is a great result for our technology sector," said Mr Barilaro.

Harvey Stockbridge, managing director, Hannover Fairs – organisers of CeBIT Australia, said CeBIT Australia 2018 has been a remarkable success.

“We’ve been able to reveal a variety of powerhouse companies and StartUps, both domestically and internationally at CeBIT, and we are thrilled with the new connections and business opportunities that have already been ignited here.

“CeBIT plays a vital role in bringing together investment, talent and ideas under one roof, with a platform designed to engage.

“Many of the initial conversations taking place at CeBIT will translate into exciting new businesses, jobs and solutions that we will all benefit from,” said Mr Stockbridge.

www.cebit.com.au

ends

HALOGEN lights will disappear from Australian retail stores in the next 12-24 months as the world moves to LED lights, Australia’s peak lighting industry body announced today.

Lighting Council Australia has warmly welcomed the recent COAG Energy Council Minister’s meeting, which endorsed a new regulatory approach for next-generation LED lighting in Australia.

The lighting industry, which provides 4500 manufacturing jobs across Australia in a highly competitive global market, had been facing a significant increase in compliance costs arising from a Commonwealth Department of Environment proposal to be made under federal law.

“The earlier proposal would have been a disaster," Lighting Council Australia CEO Richard Mulcahy said.

“An additional $80 million worth of red tape would have raised consumer prices and have seen job losses in one of Australia’s few remaining viable manufacturing industries.”

The dispute was the subject of an intervention by Minister Frydenberg after significant industry representations.

“Minister Frydenberg saw that there was a problem with the proposal and instructed his Department to rework the policy on the basis of real industry consultation.  The end proposal, which was endorsed by COAG recently, was a very reasonable compromise that will align Australian regulations with those applied overseas.

“Minister Frydenberg should be applauded for his leadership. We are also extremely grateful for the support provided by Prime Minister Turnbull on this issue.

“Additionally, Minister Frydenberg has taken a significant step in reducing Australians’ home electricity bills”, explained Mr Mulcahy in reference to the agreed ban on halogen lights which is expected to save Australian consumers $1 billion over the next decade.

“Halogen lamps use between three and five times as much electricity as new generation LED technology.  As an industry committed to strong environmental outcomes, we’re pleased to play a major role in taking pressure off household and business budgets.”

The Minister will be opening Lighting Council Australia’s office at Suite 5, 191 Riversdale Rd, Hawthorn at 10:30am this morning.

ends

QUEENSLAND’s resources industry has reaffirmed its support for efforts to prevent family and domestic violence with the launch of the Palaszczuk Government’s #bystander campaign.

Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said workplaces were on the front line of the fight against domestic violence and she was thrilled with the work being done across the resources industry to make a difference.

“Having major industry bodies like the Queensland Resources Council backing our domestic violence bystander campaign is important, and it shows great leadership," Ms Farmer said.

“We have long said fighting domestic violence is everybody’s business.

“Support from the Queensland Resources Council and from major employers like Rio Tinto is an important part of ending this scourge on our community for good.”

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the industry welcomed the continued implementation of the recommendations of Dame Quentin Bryce’s Not Now, Not Ever report and the launch of the bystander campaign.

“As the representative body for an industry that supports one in eight Queensland jobs, the QRC has been active with its members to ensure we 'do something' ourselves. I have directed that our 2016 family and domestic violence toolkit for our Members be updated to reflect the new campaign,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“QRC is prepared to be engaged with the Government on any future initiatives to prevent family and domestic violence.

“I am proud that our industry is not only working to prevent family and domestic violence within Queensland, but around the country and the world.

Last month, at the prestigious Resources Awards for Women, conducted by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and voluntary group Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ), Rachel Durdin of Rio Tinto was named Gender Diversity Champion.

Based in Brisbane, Rachel has led Rio Tinto’s response to family and domestic violence including Rio Tinto’s decision to pursue White Ribbon Workplace accreditation and contributed to the development of Rio Tinto Australia’s guidance note addressing protections for individuals at risk of or experiencing family and domestic violence, which includes new leave arrangements, flexible working arrangements, family rooms, should employees need to attend work with children, emergency accommodation and financial assistance.

Mr Macfarlane said upon receiving the Award, Ms Durdin made the powerful statement that “We want an industry free of fatalities and we want a community free of violence”.

www.qrc.org.au

ends

THIS week, CeBIT Australia will showcase the latest innovative global technology changing the way we do business. Explore the future of driverless transport, the latest in rugged mobile technologies able to endure even the harshest of elements, an ultra-modern escape room experience, and more all on the exhibition showfloor, from 15-17 May at ICC Sydney.

The incredibly human-like FaceMe chatbots are designed to respond to customer service needs with empathy and personalisation. They look like humans and are equipped with the ability to change their facial expressions in line with the context of the conversation. Showcasing the 'next wave of digital employees', the highly-interactive chatbots are powered through a sophisticated AI platform, soon to be rolled-out across service-based establishments such as banks.

From ultra-smart robots to smart buildings, Advantech Australia will demonstrate the latest in intelligent smart buildings designed to enhance sustainability and efficiency. In a special CeBIT Australia first, Norton by Symantec will launch its first ever hardware product, the Norton Core Router. Designed to protect all the home's smart devices from cyber threats, the router is ambitious in both design and function and begs to be showcased rather than hidden behind the home TV. Demonstrations of this new product will be held on their stand. The story of Norton Core will be told through an Australian first visual hologram prototype on a 1.4m x 1m display.

Harvey Stockbridge, managing director, Hannover Fairs Australia, said driverless vehicles are always a popular attraction, this year will be no different.

"There's no disputing the rise of driverless vehicles. In fact, some claim that by 2030, most vehicles on Australian roads will be automated. Accordingly, driverless transport will make its mark again on the showfloor of CeBIT Australia. We also have a range of exhibitors bringing with them the latest technology in their industry, from holographic displays, to coding classes and digital employees, there are many avenues looking at the future of business technology," said Mr Stockbridge.

EasyMile and the Australia and New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI) presents the ultimate in-house fleet management solution for transporting up to 15 passengers and travelling up to 45km/h, the EZ10 driverless shuttle challenges the ideas of driverless automation.

A first on the showfloor, Maxo Telecommunications, will give attendees the chance to compete in an interactive escape room experience 'Escape Your Telco'. The highly anticipated Atlassian Code Lab sees classes run each day, where visitors can learn the basics of coding.

"The showfloor of CeBIT Australia is always buzzing with activity and an air of excitement, that's because it really is thrilling to get a taste of what's to come. Some of the innovations on display this year are truly revolutionary.

"It's humbling that so many great innovators of the industry choose CeBIT Australia to show-off their amazing advancements. It's an honour to be able to provide CeBIT Australia as a platform for this purpose," Stockbridge added.

CeBIT Australia 2018 is happening at ICC Sydney next week, with leading international keynotes, conference streams, and two stages on the showfloor, the Innovation stage and the FutureTech stage, covering everything from IoT to machine learning and AI.  

For more information – including an overview of the CeBIT Australia 2018 presentations, speakers and events – visit cebit.com.au 

ends

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s unveiling of a new Tobacco Taskforce to deal with the increasing threat of organised tobacco crime in Australia.

As part of Tuesday’s Federal Budget, the Federal Government announced the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will work together to dismantle illicit tobacco supply chains.

The Government says the increased ability to gather intelligence and disrupt criminal gangs involved in illicit tobacco will be able to raise $3.6 billion in additional revenue over the next four years.

Executive director of the ARA, Russell Zimmerman, said the new Illicit Tobacco Taskforce was significant for retailers across the country. The announcement follows continued advocacy by the ARA to highlight the effects of the Black Economy and illicit trade for retailers.

“It is encouraging to see the Federal Government take a step in the right direction when it comes to fighting organised tobacco crime in this country,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“For some time, we have been calling on a coordinated national strategy to ensure all arms of Government work together to investigate and dismantle the sophisticated criminal syndicates that import, grow and sell illicit tobacco.”

The ARA are concerned the 1.2 million retail workers in Australia are left most vulnerable to crime and abuse as they work on the frontline on a daily basis.

“Illicit tobacco is a serious problem for retailers, as we are seeing a significant increase in forced break-ins from criminals who want to get their hands on tobacco products and sell them on the Black Market,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Young people are also in danger as gangs are importing illicit tobacco from overseas and selling them on the streets to anyone who wants them.”

The ARA recently teamed up with the Australian Lottery and Newsagents’ Association (ALNA), Master Grocers Australia (MGA Independent Retailers) and the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) to support workers in the retail industry and reduce the effects of illicit tobacco on the community.

Mr Zimmerman said the crackdown on illicit tobacco is particularly welcoming following the release of last week’s KPMG report that found illicit tobacco now represented 15 percent of the total tobacco market in Australia, a significant increase from the previous year.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 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 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends

A NORTHERN Queensland business operator has been jailed – and then released pending the outcome of his appeal – as a result of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s first contempt-of-court action.

On Thursday May 10, the Federal Circuit Court sentenced Leigh Alan Jorgensen - the owner-operator of a Cairns company trading as Trek North Tours – to a 12-month jail term and fined him $84,956 for committing contempt of court by contravening a freezing order that applied to funds in his company’s accounts.

The Court ordered that Jorgensen’s jail term be suspended after he had spent 10 days in jail on the condition of payment of the fine.

Mr Jorgensen sought an urgent stay of the orders in the Federal Court and lodged an appeal against his conviction and sentence. In accordance with her model litigant obligations, the Fair Work Ombudsman agreed to the stay on conditions. On May 11, the Federal Court ordered that his sentence be stayed and Mr Jorgensen be released from jail on conditions, pending the outcome of his appeal.

A Court date has not yet been set for the appeal hearing but an order has been made that it be expedited.

The matter is the first time the Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced a contempt of court action and the first time a jail term has been imposed as a result of the Agency’s actions.

Judge Salvatore Vasta imposed the jail term after finding Jorgensen had committed contempt of court when he contravened a freezing order the Fair Work Ombudsman secured against his company in 2015.

Judge Salvatore Vasta imposed the jail term after finding Mr Jorgensen had committed contempt of court when he contravened a freezing order the Fair Work Ombudsman secured against his company in 2015.

Freezing orders were imposed in the Federal Circuit Court in 2015 preventing any dispersion of Jorgensen’s and his company’s assets until such time as they complied with penalty and back-payment orders resulting from the Fair Work Ombudsman taking legal action against them for underpaying five back-packers on 417 working holiday visas in 2013 and 2014.

The relevant orders from that legal action, imposed by the Federal Circuit Court in June 2015, were for Mr Jorgensen to pay a $12,000 penalty and his company to pay a $55,000 penalty and back-pay the backpackers in full, all by July 17, 2015.

The Fair Work Ombudsman took the step of securing freezing orders against both Jorgensen and his company after both failed to pay the amounts owed by the due date and receiving information that gave rise to concerns that Mr Jorgensen would divert company assets to avoid payment of the penalties and back-pay.

At the time, Mr Jorgensen’s communications with the Fair Work Ombudsman suggested he was prepared to ‘bankrupt’ his company to avoid paying the penalties and back-pay order.

Mr Jorgensen had also previously told Fair Work inspectors investigating the underpayments that the backpackers ‘would not get a cent’ in back-pay.

After the freezing orders were imposed, Mr Jorgensen paid the penalty imposed on him personally into Court, resulting in the freezing order against him being lifted.

However, Mr Jorgensen’s company failed to pay its penalty and failed to back-pay the workers, resulting in the freezing order against his company remaining in place.

The Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action against Mr Jorgensen for contempt of Court last year, alleging that Mr Jorgensen committed the offence of contempt of court in August 2015 when he contravened the freezing order against his company by transferring a total of $41,035 from two frozen accounts into his family trust account.

Judge Vasta found that the Fair Work Ombudsman had presented evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Mr Jorgensen committed the offence.

Pending the outcome of his appeal, the Federal Court has released Mr Jorgensen on conditions including that he surrender his passport, remain in Queensland and report to Police twice a week.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says that the commencement of these proceedings demonstrates that her Agency is prepared to use every tool at its disposal to ensure justice is served.

“We will use every lever open to us to ensure the integrity of the administration of justice and compliance with court orders imposed under the Fair Work Act 2009.

“This includes taking unprecedented new actions available to us across the legal framework such as this one.”

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.

An interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

Information on the website includes the Fair Work Ombudsman’s compliance and enforcement policy.

ends

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said retailers across Australia are preparing for large crowds this weekend as shoppers enter their doors in search of the perfect Mother’s Day gift this Sunday.

With technology transforming every industry, Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA said mums are more mobile than ever and all Australian’s should take this into account when buying their gift this Mother’s Day.

“Technology is creating new ways for consumers to interact with each other, and retailers are now redesigning their products to align with consumer behaviour and modernising the way they market to their consumers on these special occasions,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Although the usual Mother’s Day gifts like slippers, perfume and pajamas are still high on the wish list this year, we are seeing retailers push more electronic gifts to suit the needs of the modern-day mum.”

Roy Morgan Research surveyed almost 2,000 mothers in 2015 to find out how they engaged with online activities and found mums are more likely to use their smartphone for life admin rather than pure entertainment.  

With this is in mind, the ARA are seeing retailers across the country stock up on Fitbits and Smart Watches this year, as department store Myer believes the highly anticipated Fitbit Versa Smart Watch will be the perfect gift for mums on the go.

Gerry Gerrard, CEO of Interflora, said flowers will still be very popular this Mother’s Day with chrysanthemums, carnations and lilies being the most popular flowers of choice.

“With Interfora’s Mother’s Day Collection offering a wide range of beautiful bouquets and hampers filled with every mum’s favourite treats, we’re expecting Mother’s Day to be as busy for our florists as ever,” Mr Gerrard said.

From bright flowers to sparkling jewellery, the ARA know Mother’s Day is the second largest trading month for the retail jewellery category, after Christmas.

Carson Webb, general manager of Showcase Jewellers said their stores often experience increased diamond business during the Mother’s Day lead-up as no one can ever have too many diamonds.

Mother’s Day is strong in the general jewellery lines, including watches and branded fashion jewellery. The most beautiful, yet simple gift selection for Mum are diamond studs,” Mr Webb said.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 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 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said March trade figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) represent an adequate Easter trade, with a 3.15 percent total growth year-on-year.

Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said although March figures were in line with expected year-on-year retail growth, the ARA would like to see a much stronger growth for retailers already struggling in an uncertain market.

“Although March trade figures are slightly stronger than February’s retail trade, the growth relies highly on food retailing,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We’ve seen the majority of retail categories take a step back in year-on-year growth across the industry.”

Food Retailing grew by 4.17 percent year-on-year which was boosted by Specialised Food (9.84%), Liquor (7.26%) and Supermarkets (3.37%).

“With Easter trade being early, we would have hoped to see strong growth in Department Stores and Clothing, Footwear and Personal accessories,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“However, instead we have lost ground in these categories at a time when they should be thriving.”

Across the country, Victoria (5.48%) and South Australia (4.13%) showed the strongest year-on-year growth of all the states, while the Australian Capital Territory (3.04%), Tasmania (3%), New South Wales (2.84%) and Queensland (2.47%) remained steady.

The Northern Territory (1.79%) has improved month-on-month but showed weak year-on-year growth. Unfortunately, Western Australia (-0.50%) still lags behind the rest of the country with negative figures yet again.

“It was pleasing to see Online Retail remain steady in March, however our major concern is in Newspapers and Books who have fallen -12.74 percent, showing negative figures for three months in a row,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We are hoping to see localised growth across most retail categories come July, with the commencement of GST collection for overseas goods.”

The ARA are hoping tonight’s Budget focuses on personal and company tax cuts to ensure retailers across the country can invest in their businesses and grow employment in the sector.

“We also believe personal tax cuts will be key for the future of retail, as personal income tax cuts will enable consumers to feel confident about their spending and ensure the longevity of Australian retail.”

Monthly Retail Growth (February 2018 - March 2018 seasonally adjusted) 

Food retailing (0.70%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.19%) Household goods retailing (-0.26%), Department stores (-0.52%), Other retailing (-0.56%) and Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (-0.81%).

Australian Capital Territory (1.52%), Victoria (0.23%), South Australia (0.19%), Northern Territory (0.08%), Western Australia (-0.07%), New South Wales (-0.14%), Queensland (-0.23%) and Tasmania (-0.29%).

Total sales (0.00%).

Year-on-Year Retail Growth (March 2017 - March 2018 seasonally adjusted)

Food retailing (4.17%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (3.90%), Household goods retailing (2.96%), Cafés, restaurants and takeaway food services (2.84%), Other retailing (1.55%) and Department stores (0.38%).

Victoria (5.48%), South Australia (4.13%), Australian Capital Territory (3.04%), Tasmania (3.00%), New South Wales (2.84%), Queensland (2.47%), Northern Territory (1.79%) and Western Australia (-0.50%),

Total sales (3.15%). 

About the Australian Retailers Association: 

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is Australia’s largest retail association, representing the country’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 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 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ends