AUSTRALIAN producers will gain better access to premium overseas markets, with $30.8 million in new funding to help us tackle technical barriers to trade and grow as well as maintain markets through the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.

Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said the funding would help producers realise the opportunities and benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs) recently finalised with three of Australia's largest agricultural trading partners, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

"About two thirds of all Australia's agricultural production, or more than $40 billion a year, is exported overseas each year," Minister Joyce said.

"This export focus underlines agriculture's contribution to our economy—and it is something we want to maintain as well as build to provide greater profits back to the farmgate and to the nation.

"While producers will gain significant benefits from the recently finalised FTAs the white paper consultation underlined that achieving improved market access by negotiating FTAs alone was not enough.

"The $30.8 million will go toward reducing technical barriers to trade in key markets, and to provide five new agriculture counsellors in overseas markets, promoting our products and the robustness of our assurance systems, and helping us to understand what our international customers want.

"Key to enhancing profitability of the sector is negotiating health protocols and treatment regimes to access and maintain markets that do not place unnecessary burden on our producers."

Minister Joyce said the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper was a blueprint for the future of agriculture.

"The Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper fulfils our election commitment to undertake a process that listens to the realities and challenges of life on the land.
 
"I'm encouraged by the level of engagement this has generated and pleased to be delivering a once in a generation plan for agriculture to the Australian community."

The White Paper was informed by comprehensive stakeholder consultation—more than 1000 submissions were received and the government talked face-to-face with more than 1100 people across the country in developing this document.

The White Paper is available at agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au.

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has welcomed the Federal Government’s changes to the taxation of employee share schemes which come into effect today and support start-up businesses to attract talent and grow.

The changes mean that employees who are issued with options will generally be able to defer tax until they convert the options to shares. Previously, employees were obligated to pay tax when those options vest.

"Also, under the changes eligible start-ups can issue options or shares to their employees at a discount, and have that discount exempt (for shares) or further deferred (for options) from income tax," Mr Stone said.

"These measures were called for by VECCI’s Small Business Taskforce in its report, Small business. Big opportunities. They will encourage innovation and productivity which are key to keeping small business competitive."

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

vecci.org.au

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THE Australian Government has acted on concerns raised by farmers about supply chain transparency during the consultation phase of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.

Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, said the white paper would commit $11.4 million to establish an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Commissioner dedicated to agriculture as well as supporting capability at the ACCC concerned with agriculture supply chain issues.

"Many stakeholders were concerned with the lack of transparency in supply chains and the anti competitive distortions that can result—all too often to the detriment of our farmers," Minister Joyce said.

"The new Commissioner, combined with the new dedicated agricultural-focus of the ACCC, will give the ACCC additional agricultural skills and knowledge to address the concerns of farmers.

"These new resources will enable ACCC staff to attend the saleyards or visit farmers to see the market in action and gather necessary evidence.

"On top of these measures the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper will deliver $13.8 million to arm farmers with knowledge and materials on alternative business models like cooperatives and collective bargaining.

"Knowledge is power. A strong supply chain advocate, proactive ACCC investigations and information on alternative business structures will go a long way to reducing farmers' vulnerability to the market power that can be wielded by large processors or retail chains.

"These measures, combined with work this government already has in train through our forthcoming response to the Competition Policy Review; the current review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct; and the establishment of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, show we are serious about ensuring our farmers get a fair deal for their efforts.

"I am proud to deliver measures that go to one of the core themes we heard throughout the 18 month consultation that attracted 1000 submissions and involved face–to–face meetings with 1100 people."

The White Paper is available at agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au.

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THE Australian Human Rights Commission is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the Willing to Work: National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination Against Older Australians and Australians with Disability.  Consultation forums will begin early in July.

The purpose of the Inquiry is to learn more about the kinds of barriers preventing capable older people and people with disability from getting access to the jobs they are qualified for.

“This Inquiry is a rare opportunity for every day Australians to share their insights and personal experiences to help us understand the factors that are holding back older workers and people with disability from participating in the work force and to help identify practical ways to improve access and ensure greater participation,” said Age and Disability Commissioner Susan Ryan. Commissioner Ryan, who was last week appointed Ambassador for Mature Age Workers by the Government, says attitudes need to change.

“We are very keen to engage with employers large and small, across all sectors to understand what changes would encourage them to include more older workers and people with disability in their workforces”.

“The onus is now on all of us to rethink how we see older workers and people with disability and the contributions they can make. They have a great wealth of skills, experience and know-how which can not only help the economy but enrich the nation with benefits for all. The right to work for those who want and need it, belongs to everyone. It is my hope that the Inquiry, when complete, will provide a road map for the way forward.”

The submissions period is open until Friday 4 December 2015.To make a submission, please visit our website:www.humanrights.gov.au/willing-work-how-make-submission. Public consultations are being conducted in every capital city and some regional centres, from July to November 2015, with the first taking place in Canberra on July 6 and 7.

For more information on the consultations and a list of consultation locations and dates please visit: www.humanrights.gov.au/willing-work-consultations

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CONTINUED growth in Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) May 2015 retail trade figures released today indicate the strength of Australian retail, according to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), with year on year sales growing 4.6 percent to $24.1 billion.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman attributes the growth to a more palatable Federal Budget in May 2015, compared to 2014.

“Consumers appear to have been more confident with the Government’s more conservative budget, and that has played out in the pleasing boost to May 2015 retail trade figures,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“In addition to the more appealing spending conditions, many states have seen an earlier winter in 2015, driving more shoppers into stores for winter essentials such as heating appliances and winter fashions.”

Mr Zimmerman’s observations are backed up by the annual growth of household goods retailing at 9.5 percent, and clothing, personal accessory and footwear retailing, up 8.8 percent.

This is most evident in Canberra, which produced the most buoyant growth for May 2015 of all the states and territories of seven percent. The Northern Territory was the only state to see a decline in annual sales of 1.4 per cent.

“It’s important for retailers to be aware of the annual growth of their industry as opposed to monthly growth, as this is the figure most retail businesses use in their own reporting. Year on year figures provide the most accurate measure of the sector’s performance,” said Mr Zimmerman.

Month on month sales for May 2015 grew by 0.3 percent.

MONTHLY RETAIL GROWTH (April 2015 – May 2015 seasonally adjusted)

Household goods retailing (0.9%), Food retailing (0.7%), Other retailing (0.3%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (-0.2%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-0.8%), and Department stores (-1.4%). Total sales (0.3%).

Australian Capital Territory (0.9%), New South Wales (0.7%), Tasmania (0.6%), Western Australia (0.2%), Queensland (0.2%), South Australia (0%), Northern Territory (0%) and Victoria (-0.1%).Total sales (0.3%).

YEAR-ON-YEAR RETAIL GROWTH (May 2014 – May 2015 seasonally adjusted)

Household goods retailing (9.5%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (8.8%), Food retailing (4%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (3.2%), Department stores (1.6%) and Other retailing (1.4%). Total sales (4.6%).

Australian Capital Territory (7%), New South Wales (6%), South Australia (5.5%), Victoria (5%), Western Australia (3.2%), Tasmania (3.3%), Queensland (3%) and Northern Territory (-1.4%). Total sales (4.6%).

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.
 
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NEW budget changes have been applauded by small businesses and their peak body, Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA), for providing a boost in confidence and optimism as we turn the corner towards the new financial year.

From 1 July 2015, small businesses will see their tax rate fall from the current 30 per cent to 28.5 per cent. The good news continues; with small businesses, which aren’t operated through a company, also getting a tax cut.

In addition, sole traders, or businesses which operate through a partnership, trust or other non-corporate entity will get a 5 per cent discount (in the form of a tax offset throughout the year-end tax return) on the tax payable on their profits, up to a maximum of $1000 per individual.

Yet despite these changes, which can surely only be seen as a silver lining by small businesses, Peter Strong, CEO of Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA), says there is still a way to go with providing equality and support for small business, and advises against complacency.

Mr Strong commented: “We will continue to work with the Treasurer to implement the changes needed to the tax system, which can hopefully be achieved in the tax white paper.

“We will also continue to work with Bruce Billson on changes to contract processes, competition legislation and to help bed down the new Family and Small Business Enterprise Ombudsman’s position.

“The development of a performance framework for federal regulators also provides us with the opportunity to work more closely still with key regulators so that the right compliance is achieved with the least impact on small businesses.”

Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA) hosts the Vodafone National Small Business Summit on 16 and 17 July at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney.

With a high profile line-up of guest speakers and attendees, the Summit brings together policy influencers and government leaders to meet to exchange knowledge on how to influence and make change that will contribute to the growth of small businesses in Australia.

Peter Strong, CEO of Council of Small Businesses of Australia (COSBOA) says: “Small business represents the Australian entrepreneurial spirit to allow everyone a ‘fair go’. They are the backbone of the Australian economy - impacting our people, culture, cities and communities – and as business and policy experts the Summit is our opportunity to come to together to confront the issues impacting small business.”

In 2015, small businesses will be invited to attend the inaugural Summit Start Up on Wednesday 15th July; a pre-Summit networking event where the community, culture, and diversity of small businesses will be celebrated. The Summit Start Up will be opened by Hon Bruce Billson, the Federal Small Business Minister.

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

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VICTORIA'S tourism sector is disappointed that a compromise was not reached to continue with an innovative project in Mornington Peninsula’s Point Nepean site, following the State Government’s decision to walk away from an agreement with the private sector.

“The plan centred on the Quarantine Station part of this National Park and entailed a sustainable development that was sensitive to the local environment. Its focus was to preserve the integrity of the site’s natural and cultural heritage and to create more access for people to experience this wonderful place. However the failure to reach a compromise means the state is delayed in realising the benefits of sustainable tourism,” said Victoria Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

“Public private partnerships are vital to the growth and prosperity of our sector. Point Nepean is a significant cultural and heritage site and the private sector was positive about working with government on a great project for Victoria.

“The State Government has turned its back on this Point Nepean development, which has the potential to diminish private sector confidence in investing in Victorian tourism projects.

“Our industry saw this as a litmus test for future developments and there is now concern regarding investment in innovative, job creating new tourism projects in Victoria.” 

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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NATIONAL resource industry employer group, the Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA), is delighted to advise that two of Australia’s leading human resource professionals have joined its Board of Directors.

AMMA chief executive Steve Knott today welcomed the appointments of Chevron Australia General Manager – Human Resources, Kaye Butler; and Newcrest Mining Limited Executive General Manager – People and Community, Jane Thomas.

“I am pleased to welcome Kaye Butler and Jane Thomas, both recognised as among the top human resources professionals in the country, to AMMA’s Board of Directors. Their leadership and insight will further strengthen the existing AMMA Board and support our vision to ensure Australia’s resource industry is an attractive and competitive place to invest, do business and employ people,” Mr Knott says.

Kaye Butler

Kaye Butler joined Chevron Australia in 2007 and oversees people services for major energy projects including the landmark Gorgon and Wheatstone LNG developments in Western Australia. Prior to joining Chevron Australia, Ms Butler held various senior positions in the resource industry including for global aluminium producer, Alcoa.

Ms Butler says: “It is an honour to join the Board of AMMA, which has consistently been at the forefront of industry reform, especially at a time when the Australian resource industry is at a crossroads and our international competiveness is at risk. I look forward to being a member of a Board that will lead the case for policy reform to address our falling international competitiveness and productivity.”

Jane Thomas

Jane Thomas joined gold miner Newcrest in January this year. For the previous seven years Ms Thomas held the position of Group Head of People and Culture with AGL. Ms Thomas has more than 20 years’ experience in human resources in large organisations, including PepsiCo International, Westpac Banking Corporation and Philips.

Ms Thomas says: “I am passionate about achieving outcomes that ensure the Australian resource industry continues to be an attractive option for people already working in the sector, for enticing new talent to our businesses, and for ensuring companies continue to invest in their people and projects. I look forward to working with the AMMA Board on maximising the opportunities available to us.”

AMMA’s Board of Directors now comprises:

• Graeme Hunt (President) – Managing Director and CEO, Transfield Services
• Richard Owen – Chairman, ExxonMobil Australia
• Richard Weston – Executive Vice-President, Australasia Region, Gold Fields
• Johnpaul Dimech – Chief Executive Officer, Sodexo Australia
• Michael Utsler – Chief Operating Officer, Woodside Energy
• Kaye Butler – General Manager, Human Resources, Chevron
• Jane Thomas – Executive General Manager, People and Community, Newcrest.

www.amma.org.au

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