SENATOR for South Australia, Nick Xenophon, has been confirmed to speak at Australia’s premier small business policy event – the Vodafone National Small Business Summit – in Melbourne on 23-25 August 2017.

Hosted by the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA), Xenophon will address delegates on Friday 25 August, sharing his insights on the integral role Government have in reducing bureaucratic obstacles fostering small business growth.

“Small business is Australia’s largest employing sector and a significant contributor to the economy, however owners across the nation are being held back by Government red tape and paper work.

“I look forward to meeting with policy makers and leaders at the Summit, and sharing how the Government can assist small business owners to grow their business, be innovative and agile, rather than having to jump through makeshift obstacles,” commented Xenophon.

Small business leader and advocate, Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA commented on the opportunity to welcome Xenophon to Australia’s premier policy event and share his voice in shaping the future of small business across the nation.

“It is an honour to host Senator Xenophon at the Vodafone National Small Business Summit. Nick is a fervent supporter of Australian small businesses and creating an effective government and economic environment to support growth,” said Mr Strong.

Xenophon will join senior politicians and industry leaders to discuss key issues facing small business in Australia, including banking payments, cyber security, the digital economy, regulation red-tape and more at the Summit. Key speakers include:

-    The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Leader of the Opposition
-    The Hon. Josh Frydenberg MP, Federal Minister for the Environment and Energy
-    The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Federal Minister for Small Business
-    The Hon. Philip Dalidakis MP, Victorian Minister for Small Business
-    Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
-    Anna Bligh, CEO, Australian Bankers Association
-    Dan Lloyd, Chief Strategy Officer and Corporate Affairs Director, Vodafone
-    Richard Flanagan, Head of Business Marketing, Google Australia and New Zealand
-    Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive, Business Council Australia 

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

To celebrate the commencement of the Summit, Small Business owners are invited to attend the Small Business Start-Up Reception from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday, 23 August 2017. The event will provide an opportunity for owners to hear from Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA and network with industry leaders and key decision makers. A panel on the evening will highlight the next generation of employers and innovators and discuss what more our education system can do to support entrepreneurship.

#NSBS17

www.cosboansbs.com.au

ends

THE Parliament’s Northern Australia Committee will visit Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Saturday 16 September to Friday 22 September to hold public hearings as part of its Inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch MP said ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular with Australian and international visitors and the potential is there to develop existing tourism operations and create new experiences on the Indian Ocean Territories.

“Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have recently been voted as having some of the best beaches in Australia, with their pristine coral reefs, and largely unspoilt national parks,” Mr Entsch said.

“Increasing tourism to the islands will also boost jobs and create a positive impact on the local economy,” he said.

The Committee will hear evidence from a range of tourism stakeholders, and hold an open microphone session where interested people can make a five minute statement about tourism issues.

Public Hearing Programs:
Monday, 18 September: Christmas Island Court House, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm (open microphone session from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm).
Wednesday, 20 September: Home Island, Council Chamber, Shire Offices, 8.30 am to 11.30 am (open microphone session from 11.00 am to 11.30 am).
Thursday, 21 September: West Island, Community Resources Centre, 8.00 am to 12.30 pm (open microphone session from 12 noon to 12.30 pm).

For more information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the hearing program, submissions and terms of reference visit: www.aph.gov.au/jscna.

ends

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, which was established in March 2016, has welcomed the findings of an independent legislative review into the office.

Independent reviews are required under the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act.

The first independent review was led by Ms Su McCluskey, with support from a secretariat provided by the Nous Group.

Stakeholder consultations were held with Commonwealth and state/territory agencies whose functions impact small businesses and family enterprises, also with state small business commissioners and industry organisations.

“It is clear that the ASBFEO has undertaken its advocacy function highly effectively and, in doing so, has filled a gap at the Commonwealth level,” the review states.

“The ASBFEO has effectively conducted a range of advocacy activities, including inquiries into important national issues.

“It has progressed its advocacy agenda through its strong relationships with other government agencies at both the Commonwealth and state/territory levels.”

Ombudsman Kate Carnell said she was pleased the review found the ASBFEO has undertaken its assistance function in a similarly effective way to its advocacy.

“I’m pleased the review recognises that the ASBFEO offers ‘significant value for money’ through flow-on benefits to other agencies and jurisdictions,” Ms Carnell said.

“My office is working closely with government departments to implement recommendations regarding early engagement on policy development and legislation that impacts the small business and family enterprise sectors.

“We have also begun implementing recommendations to further raise the profile of the office and establish forums to directly engage with more small businesses.

“Our recent policy forum was the first of many which will bring small business organisations together to develop a common position on issues of mutual interest.”

The review also found that the ASBFEO has assisted small businesses and family enterprises without increasing duplication or jurisdictional shopping.

www.asbfeo.gov.au

Ends

THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has welcomed legislative changes to section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

“The IPA has long advocated change to the misuse of market power provision within the Act and has continually voiced support for the recommendations falling out of the Harper Competition Policy Review,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“We commend the Government for introducing the changes we have been fighting for; changes that will better protect small business in a more equitable, competitive market.

“The amendment will help address anti-competitive conduct and protect the competition process rather than the interests of individual players in the market.  This is particularly important to small business.

“Considering 97 per cent of all Australian businesses is made up of small businesses, this is a huge win.

“This change and other recommendations from the Harper Review which are currently before the House of Representatives will go a long way in forming a fairer playing field for all and will enhance Australia’s capacity to compete globally,” said Mr Conway.

publicaccountants.org.au

ends

THE House of Representatives Committee on Economics will conduct further public hearings with Australia’s four major banks in October as part of its ongoing scrutiny.

The committee’s First Report was published in November 2016, following on from the initial public hearings in October. The committee affirmed the ten recommendations of its November Report in April 2017 following on from the further public hearings held in March of this year. In the May Budget, the Government broadly adopted nine of the Committee’s ten recommendations.

Recommendations adopted by the Government relating to the banking sector include a one-stop-shop for consumer complaints, a regulated executive accountability regime, and new powers and resources for the ACCC in investigating competition issues in the setting of interest rates.

The committee’s mandate from the Government to review the banking sector is ongoing. The Chair of the committee, Mr David Coleman MP, stated that "these hearings provide an important mechanism to hold the four major banks to account before the Parliament."

The hearings with the banks will be held across two days in October. In finalising the dates for the hearings, the committee took into account the views of AUSTRAC in relation to its current proceedings against the Commonwealth Bank. The allegations against the Commonwealth Bank are extremely serious and the committee notes that a Case Management meeting is scheduled for September 4.

Public hearing details: 
Wednesday, 11 October, 9.15 am to 4:15 pm, Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

9.15am – 12.15pm Westpac
1.15pm – 4.15pm ANZ

Friday, 20 October., 9.15 am to 4.15 pm, Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

9.15am – 12.15pm NAB
1.15pm – 4.15pm CBA

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

 Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

ends

THE Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has tabled its interim report for its inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia.

The Sub-Committee is investigating whether elements of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 could be introduced in Australia, particularly the UK requirement for businesses and organisations to report on how they ensure their global supply chains are free of slavery and human trafficking.

The Sub-Committee’s interim report, Modern slavery in global supply chains, summarises the evidence heard so far on the issue of global supply chain reporting. The report highlights the strong support from businesses, unions and NGOs for the introduction of supply chain reporting requirements for businesses and organisations operating in Australia. The report also highlights support for an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to coordinate and oversee Australia’s response to combatting modern slavery.

The report recommends that the Australian Government consider introducing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia, including supply chain reporting requirements and an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The report also offers in-principle support for a number of proposed elements of a Modern Slavery Act and identifies areas for further consideration in the Sub-Committee’s final report.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub‑Committee, Mr Chris Crewther MP, said the Sub-Committee welcomed the Australian Government’s recent announcement supporting a mandated modern slavery reporting requirement for businesses and organisations operating in Australia, as well as a central repository.

“We have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take the lead on stamping out modern slavery for good, particularly with over 30 million victims in our region.”

“Let us not miss the opportunity to continue taking strong action on this issue. I look forward to working with the Sub-Committee for the remainder of this inquiry to recommend, then see implemented, strong action to eradicate this appalling crime. Modern slavery must stop.”

The Sub-Committee’s inquiry into modern slavery continues and its final report will address the other important issues raised by submitters and witnesses including support for victims, Australia’s visa framework and orphanage trafficking.

The interim report is available from the committee’s website: www.aph.gov.au/modernslavery.

 Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

ends

MINISTER for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne MP, today announced a new research agreement with industry to explore innovative technologies for protecting Australian Defence Force aircraft against missile threats.

Minister Pyne said this five-year agreement with Chemring Australia was signed in Adelaide today as part of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group Partnerships Week, and was a big step towards improving the countermeasures deployed to protect our aircraft.

“Chemring Australia and DST Group will explore capabilities and advanced techniques for the manufacture of high performance countermeasures that hide aircraft from radar detection and deflect heat-seeking missiles,” Minister Pyne said.

“The research will also examine the use of more efficient manufacturing technologies, such as resonant acoustic mixing, and novel concepts for pyrotechnic device. 

“This partnership will allow the development of an advanced flare capability to provide protection against increasingly sophisticated missile systems.

“I welcome these agreements which are designed to give Defence a capability edge. Chemring Australia specialises in the manufacture of countermeasures, sensors, and energetic systems.”

Partnerships Week is an annual external engagement event open to invited representatives from industry, academia, research agencies, Defence and stakeholders from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics community.

DST Group also leads the $730 million Next Generation Technologies Fund which complements the Defence Innovation Hub launched last year, as the core of the new Defence Innovation System outlined in the Defence Industry Policy Statement.

These two signature innovation research and development programs, together with the Centre for Defence Industry Capability, deliver on the Government’s $1.6 billion commitment to grow Australia's defence industry and innovation sector.

ENDS

THE House of Representatives Environment and Energy Committee will hold two public hearings this week for the inquiry into modernising Australia’s electricity grid.

On Thursday, the Committee will hear from researchers from the Australian National University, the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Sydney at a public hearing in Canberra.

On Friday, the Committee will travel to Brisbane to hear from representatives of the agricultural sector, along with ERM Power and the University of Queensland Energy Institute.

The Chair of the Committee, Mr Andrew Broad MP, said the Committee was seeking to gather a range of perspectives on the electricity system. “The hearing in Brisbane is a valuable opportunity for the Committee to hear about the importance of electricity supply in the agricultural sector,” Mr Broad said.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee, Mr Pat Conroy MP, said the Committee was looking forward to hearing from energy researchers about the changing nature of the grid. “The Committee is keen to hear about the latest research into the electricity transmission and distribution system, and about opportunities to modernise the grid,” Mr Conroy said.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee is encouraging members of the community to share their views on the electricity system via an online questionnaire.

Further information about the inquiry, including submissions from organisations appearing at the hearings, is available on the inquiry website.

Canberra public hearing details:
9:45 am to 11:15 am, Thursday, 17 August, Parliament House, Canberra

Brisbane public hearing details:
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Friday, 18 August, Parliament House, Brisbane

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

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

ends