MINISTER for Employment, Senator Michaelia Cash said the underlying trend of the Australian labour market continues to demonstrate encouraging resilience, despite facing international headwinds and share market turmoil.

Figures released today show seasonally adjusted employment stands at 298,300 (or 2.6 per cent) higher than it was this time last year and well above the decade average of 1.8 per cent.

“There is still considerable underlying strength in the labour market. The overall trend and the statistics show the Australian labour market is holding up well,” Minister Cash said.

“Participation has increased slightly to 65.2 per cent, employment is higher than it was this time last year and we are seeing positive signs in relation to job vacancy figures.”

“Since being elected in September 2013, the Coalition Government has overseen the creation of 421,400 jobs, representing an increase of 3.7 per cent.”

Compared with January 2015, today’s ABS data shows over the past year;

• Total employment has risen by 298,300 (or 2.6 per cent)

• Full-time employment has increased by 157,800 (or 2.0 per cent), to stand at 8,185,800.

• Part-time employment increased by 140,500 (or 3.9 per cent), to stand at a record high of 3,708,700.

• Female employment has risen by 163,200 (or 3.1 per cent)

• Female full-time employment has risen by 93,000 (or 3.3 per cent) to stand at 2,943,600

• Male employment increased by 135,200 (or 2.2 per cent), to a record high of 6,399,900.

• Total unemployment has declined by 22,300 (or 2.8 per cent), with the unemployment rate declining by 0.3 percentage points

• The female unemployment rate has decreased by 0.3 percentage points

• The participation rate has risen from 64.7 per cent to 65.2 per cent

Minister Cash said in the last 12 months the Australian economy has created 298,300 under the Coalition Government – this compares with the last 12 months of the former Gillard-Rudd Labor Government where jobs growth was less than one third this rate.

“In trend terms it is important to remember that the unemployment rate is still 5.8 per cent and both full-time employment and part-time employment are at a record high,” Minister Cash said.

“Clearly there is more work to be done but the trajectory of jobs growth in Australia is still very positive.”

“The Government has a comprehensive jobs plan and we will continue to focus on increasing workforce participation, investing in vital infrastructure, finalising and implementing historic free trade agreements and assisting the unemployed back into the workforce through the new jobactive employment services programme.”

“The Government’s strategy to see the unemployment rate reduce will yield results as we implement our policies in 2016 and beyond.”

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QUEENSLAND Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, to reduce by up to 50 percent, the expenditure that explorers are required to make under their minerals exploration permits.

"This initiative will provide much needed relief to mineral explorers across the state in places like Cape York, Mount Isa and operations west of Townsville and Cairns," QRC chief executive Michael Roche said.

"This is an example of how government can partner with industry to provide incentive and some breathing space in tough times without providing a handout or subsidies. QRC also welcomes the fact that the Minister is investigating  extending this policy to coal explorers whose circumstances  are really no different to that of mineral explorers.

"We look forward to having the opportunity to discuss with the Premier and the Cabinet Jobs Committee, a wider partnership plan to provide breathing space for the resources sector or, as the Minister told the Parliament today: 'Giving time for the market to recover'.

"As QRC foreshadowed last week, jobs losses are an inevitable fact of the current severe cyclical downturn in commodity prices but there are areas where Government can partner with industry to alleviate the costs of doing business in Queensland to ensure we remain globally competitive and investment in existing and new projects continues," Mr Roche said.

"The Minister is correct that there is still a lot of interest in resource assets in Queensland. The decision by Anglo American to offer more of its Queensland coal assets for sale is based on a company strategy of repairing its balance sheet and we have no doubt those assets will find new owners.

www.qrc.org.au

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The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will commence its process of examining the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) on behalf of the Parliament at a public hearing on Monday in Canberra.

Acting Chair of JSCOT, the Hon Kelvin Thomson MP, said the TPP has been promoted as the world’s most significant trade and investment agreement, with the signatories making up 40 per cent of the world’s GDP, and needed to be considered carefully.

“The TPP is comprehensive and complex, involving 12 countries and covering a wide range of areas from labour mobility to pharmaceutical patents,” Mr Thomson said.

“The Committee will be taking a thorough look at the TPP to make sure it is in the best interests of Australians and will provide its recommendations as to whether or not we should take binding treaty action.”

Mr Thomson said JSCOT will be conducting a comprehensive consultation process, with the first hearing allowing the Australian Government to present the case for the ratification of the TPP.

“Once this first hearing is complete, it is expected that JSCOT will travel to State capitals and regional Australia to ensure we have a diverse range of views before reporting to the Parliament.” he said.

Public Hearing Details:
Time: 11.10AM – 1.00PM
Date: Monday, 22 February 2016
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra
Live Webcast (Audio only)

Further information, as well as details for those wishing to make a submission in to the inquiry on the TPP, can be found on the JSCOT website. All submissions are due by Friday, 11 March 2016.

Alternatively, interested parties may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (02) 6277 4002.

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COUNCIL of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) today released its Pre Budget Submission, which outlines its recommendations to grow the Australian economy and support small businesses across the country.

COSBOA’s Pre Budget Submission focuses on tax, supporting growth and skills development; the key areas it feels that need an overhaul to help and grow small businesses.

The submission will be part of a presentation by Peter Strong in Sydney this evening at a meeting of the Paddington Branch of the Liberal Party, which is found in the Prime Minister’s seat of Wentworth.

It is the belief of COSBOA that a flexible and less complex tax system is needed and one that is not geared in the favour of big business, which in the past has seen its power and share of the market used to its own advantage.

CEO of COSBOA, Peter Strong, said: “We know that the tax system is a major point of debate and rightly so.  However, we need to make sure that the debate isn’t hijacked by ideologues to the detriment of mainstream Australia.”

In the submission, one of COSBOA’s suggestions is that that small businesses may ‘opt in’ to a system where they decline all deductions that may apply in exchange for a much lower tax rate.

Peter continues: “This is just one example that’s outlined in the report, which would provide businesses with the opportunity to have a less complex tax return. This would reduce costs and the administrative burden on the tax system and create less need to maintain records for tax purposes, which are currently a drain on the resources of small business.

“Essentially the process needs to be simplified, so that small business owners can focus on running and growing their business and their employees, not unnecessary admin. The outcome would be that the Australian economy will grow and communities will benefit from a range of independent providers,” said Mr Strong.

The report also focuses on skills development and describes the current Vocational Education and Training (VET) system as being in a crisis and not delivering quality service in many sectors.

Peter said:  “COSBOA believes in particular that much of the billions of dollars spent in the vocational training sector is wasted and wants to see funds invested into technical and ‘on the job’ training.”

In the submission it suggests how a major solution can be found, with a substantial part of VET and employment services funding directed through industry associations, who would ensure quality and relevant services and training would be delivered.

Peter concluded: “Giving small business associations greater influence over how that money is spent will create greater outcomes without an increase in expenditure.  There is money in the budget that can be better spent through small business.  We believe the ideologues should be put in a room together, the doors locked, the keys thrown away; and then we can get on with reality!”

For more information on COSBOA, visit www.cosboa.org.au.

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THE House of Representatives Agriculture and Industry Committee will conduct a public hearing on Monday for the inquiry into agricultural innovation.

Appearing at the hearing will be representatives from the Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Association, Southern Farming Systems, GrainGrowers, CropLife and the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre.

Committee Chair, Rowan Ramsey MP, said “Industry groups have a vital role to play in supporting the development and adoption of agricultural innovation in Australia.  There is a range of industry groups with much to contribute to this discussion about the future of Australian agriculture. The Committee looks forward to hearing more about the potential for our industry groups to support agricultural innovation.”

The hearing will be held in Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra:
Monday, 22 February 2016
4:00PM (approx.) - Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Association (Submissions 47 and 61) and Southern Farming Systems (Submission 61)
4:30PM (approx.) - GrainGrowers (Submission 82)
5:00PM (approx.) - CropLife Australia (Submission 50)
5:30PM (approx.) - Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (Submission 36)
6:00PM (approx.) - Close

The public hearing will be webcast live at: http://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament

Further details about the inquiry, including submissions received and the terms of reference, can be obtained from the Committee’s website at: www.aph.gov.au/agind.

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THE Australian Government is calling for ideas on how to streamline regulation affecting Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors in submissions to a Productivity Commission inquiry.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Senator Anne Ruston, today encouraged interested stakeholders to have their say on how their industry can be better regulated.

“The Productivity Commission has today released an issues paper outlining key issues for the sector—and I certainly hope that this will stimulate further discussion with industry and any interested parties,” Minister Ruston said.

“It is a key commitment of this Government to foster a competitive, transparent and efficient business environment. 

“The inquiry is a commitment of the Agricultural Competitiveness and Developing Northern Australia White Papers, and is yet another demonstration of our commitment to boosting farm gate returns to our primary producers.

“With a gross production value of $2.6 billion, Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture industry is in good shape and continues to grow. We can leverage that growth by cutting down unnecessary and duplicative regulation.

“The goal is to look for opportunities to increase productivity by cutting unnecessary and costly regulation without compromising our high food safety and environmental standards.

“The issues paper looks at areas where opportunity exists to improve—like coordination between jurisdictions, unnecessary overlap and the resulting cumulative impact on business.

“Any business, organisation or individual with an interest in marine fisheries and aquaculture should consider providing a submission to the inquiry.”

The Productivity Commission is due to report back to government by the end of 2016, and submissions on the issues paper are due by 31 March 2016.

The issues paper and details on how to provide a submission are available on the Productivity Commission websitewww.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/fisheries-aquaculture​.

THE Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the release of Infrastructure Australia’s Australian Infrastructure Plan.

“The plan presents a forthright, evidence based, non-political assessment of challenges in the Australian infrastructure landscape and required reforms to address those challenges,” said Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“It is important that Infrastructure Australia’s findings are carefully considered and actioned by governments and are not politicised.”

Infrastructure Australia has identified and prioritised a number of specific Victorian projects that must be progressed by governments, including:

• The Metropolitan Ring Road from Greensborough to the Eastern Freeway
• Melbourne Metro Rail
• A road connection between the West Gate Freeway and the Port of Melbourne
• Improved public transport to Melbourne Airport

“Many of the Victorian projects on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list are closely aligned with the priorities of the Victorian Chamber and represent a clear pathway for future Victorian infrastructure investment.”

"The Victorian Chamber hopes that Infrastructure Australia will work in close partnership with the newly established Infrastructure Victoria and the Victorian Government to drive the continued investment that is needed to meet Victoria’s future infrastructure needs."

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au  

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NATIONAL resource industry employer group AMMA commends Gary Gray on his outstanding political career and his exemplary contributions to the Australian resource industry.

“Gary Gray is highly regarded among resource employers for his consultative and considered approach, particularly when serving as resources minister and special minister for state under the Rudd and Gillard governments,” says AMMA chief executive Steve Knott.
 
“His prior experience as an executive with AMMA member Woodside Petroleum ensured he approached policy decisions with a deep understanding of the industry’s vital contribution to national and state economies, and what it takes for resource organisations to remain competitive in the long term.
 
“AMMA was particularly pleased to work with Gary on various recommendations from the 2010 National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce, where he actively engaged on a range of initiatives to address the industry’s skills requirements.
 
“This included the establishment of the Australian Women in Resources Alliance, a joint industry-government funded scheme to encourage greater diversity of our workforce, and recognising the role of responsible skilled migration programs in securing long-term jobs and economic benefits for all Australians.
 
“The retirement of a federal representative with strong ties to the resource industry and extensive knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our sector will be missed.
 
“AMMA and its members congratulate Gary Gray on the leadership he demonstrated throughout his career and wish him well for the future.”

www.amma.org.au

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