THE Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) has congratulated the Abbott government and in particular Senator Eric Abetz, for listening to the concerns of small business and revising the proposal, featured in the budget, for job seekers to apply for 40 jobs per month down to 20 per month. 

Peter Strong, Chief Executive of COSBOA said that this change shows that the government has listened and responded to concerns of the small business community. 

“We’re very happy with the decision to change the number of applications job seekers need to complete. Due to the number of small businesses and the important role they play in our economy, it is important that the needs and concerns of small business are heard and considered in all national and state policy decisions,” Mr Strong said.

Despite this win today, COSBOA has also expressed great concern with a proposal from the ACTU for the mandatory conversion of casual workers into permanent positions.

“Casual workers choose to work as casuals for a variety of reasons and this decision should remain with them and the business owner. If a worker wants to be a casual, as it gives them more flexibility or a 25% loading on top of normal wages, then they should be free to do so,” Mr Strong said.

“There is also the real issue that small business owners are often reliant upon short-term contracts, seasonal variations in business or are at the mercy of Coles and Woolworths, and don’t have the certainty to employ  on a permanent basis; so it would be hard for them to give assurance  to their employees”.

“Small business in particular should not have all the problems associated with permanent employment thrust upon them, to do that would put businesses at risk and make employers think twice about employing staff. If we want more permanent employees we need to remove the fear of unfair dismissal from employers’ minds and make the paperwork easier,” continued Mr Strong.

http://www.cosboa.org.au/

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LORD MAYOR Graham Quirk will tonight officially welcome delegates to Brisbane for the Australian International Education Conference – the largest international education conference in the Southern Hemisphere.

“More than 1300 international education practitioners, teaching staff, researchers, policy makers are in Brisbane to learn about major industry trends and network with Australian and international colleagues,” Cr Quirk said.

“The Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) represents an economic impact for the city of more than $2.8 million, but its real value is far greater.

“The AIEC is one of the world’s top three international education conferences and the fact it will be held in Brisbane reinforces our growing global reputation for excellence in education delivery.

“International education is one of Brisbane’s biggest export industries with 75,000 student enrolments annually generating $2.8 billion in course fees and other spending.

“The Australian Government’s Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) says education will be a standout export earner for Australia over the next six years, alongside tourism and agriculture.

“In July EFIC predicted that international student numbers are set to surge 30 per cent by 2020. Brisbane will be the first choice for many because of our world-class educational offerings, sub-tropical climate, affordability, community spirit and reputation for being a multi-cultural hub of creativity and innovation.”

Cr Quirk said that earlier this year Brisbane was ranked by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index in the top 15 per cent of cities worldwide for nurturing innovation.

“The 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index ranked Brisbane well above average for international students, describing us as a ‘global student city’ with an educated population,” he said.

The Australian International Education Conference is on at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Speakers include Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb, Walkley Award-winning journalist and ABC News presenter Virginia Trioli and Dan Gregory, CEO of The Impossible Institute.

The conference runs from 7-10 October. For more information visit http://aiec.idp.com/

www.brisbanemarketing.com.au

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has welcomed the announcement of 'Back to Work' -- Labor’s plan to create 100,000 jobs. 

"The plan has an important and timely focus on tackling youth unemployment, prioritising infrastructure investment, driving new industry growth and bringing more business to Victoria," Mr Stone said.

"The Back to Work Act: this is a step in the right direction as it acknowledges the important role payroll tax relief can play in generating new jobs. 

"The Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel: the early identification and prioritisation of major infrastructure projects is vital to ensuring there is a long-term, independent focus on job-creating infrastructure. 

"The Future Industries Fund: this recognises the significant potential that Victoria can leverage from the competitive strengths that exist in our leading manufacturing and fast growing service sectors. 

"The Regional Jobs Fund: the $200 million boost to job-creating projects in regional Victoria and incentives to realise new export opportunities is positive. 

"Work with the World: this builds on Victoria’s success in international engagement with a strong focus on investment attraction and marketing to showcase Victoria’s emerging and growing industries in areas such as medical technology, new energy, food and fibre and international education," Mr Stone said.

"This announcement shows that the major parties are taking note of the priorities in VECCI’s Taking Care of Business election agenda and we look forward to more detail about these initiatives."

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

vecci.org.au 

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PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the seasonally adjusted rise (0.1 percent increase) in monthly retail trade figures (month-on-month) reported today by the ABS followed a 0.4 percent rise in July 2014.

Although year on year retail growth rose 5.1 percent in August 2014 (seasonally adjusted, compared to August 2013) year on year retail growth in July was a much healthier 5.8 percent.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retailers enjoyed only a small increase in sales in August. 

“Consumers spent more on food retailing (0.3%), cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (0.2%) and clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (0.3%) during August. Department stores suffered a decline in sales (-2.9%) as well as household goods retailing (-0.8%). It will be interesting to see whether next month’s figures show a rise in both household goods and department store retailing as we welcome the start of spring. 

“In seasonally adjusted terms the states which displayed rises were Victoria (0.7%), Northern Territory (1.7%) and Western Australia (0.1%), whilst South Australia and Tasmania were relatively unchanged (0.0%). The states which displayed falls were Queensland (-0.6%), New South Wales (-0.1%) and the Australian Capital Territory (-0.4%). 

“It’s no surprise Victoria experienced a jump in sales late August as Melbourne prepared for 2014 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW). Over the years MSFW has showcased hundreds of local and international designers and continues to attract thousands of people into Melbourne’s retail stores. 

“The Australian Retail Index (delivered by BDO and Retail Express) also confirmed the stand-out performers for late August were Fashion & Accessories and Sporting & Recreational Goods - both categories up by over 8%. These results were even better than those seen in the same week in 2013, confirming that retail sales are in a healthier position than they were 12 months ago. 

“While we are hopeful that September figures will continue to highlight positive growth with the change in season encouraging consumers to update their wardrobes, it is imperative that the Federal Government and RBA do all that they can to ensure that retail trade is fully supported. The festive season is also fast approaching and interest rates must remain low in order to support business,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

MONTHLY RETAIL GROWTH (July 2014 – August 2014 seasonally adjusted) 

Food retailing (0.3%),  Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (0.3%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (0.2%), Other retailing (1.6%), Household goods retailing (-0.8%) and Department stores (-2.9%). Total sales (0.1%). 

Northern Territory (1.7%), Victoria (0.7%), Western Australia (0.1%), Tasmania (0.0), South Australia (0.0%), New South Wales (-0.1%), Australian Capital Territory (-0.4%) and Queensland (-0.6%). Total sales (0.1%). 

YEAR-ON-YEAR RETAIL GROWTH (August  2013 – August 2014 seasonally adjusted) 

Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (10.1%), Other retailing (6.0%), Food retailing (5.5%), Household goods retailing (4.2%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (1.4%) and Department stores (-3.1%). Total sales (5.1%). 

New South Wales (8.4%), Tasmania (6.9%), Victoria (6.5%), Northern Territory (2.3%), Queensland (2.0%), South Australia (1.9%), Western Australia (1.3%) and Australian Capital Territory (1.0%). Total sales (5.1%).

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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MACKAY: A program to monitor and improve the health of North Queensland waterways from the rivers to the Reef was launched in Mackay today. 

Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Michael Roche, who was at the launch, said that the QRC was proud to be a financial contributor to get off the ground the Mackay-Whitsunday Healthy Rivers to Reef partnership, which will assess waterway health from Abbot Point to south of Mackay.

‘The health of the Great Barrier Reef and our waterways is of vital importance to our communities, our governments and all the industries that operate alongside, or within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,’ Mr Roche said.

‘This is yet another example of the partnerships that have been formed to improve the water quality in and adjacent to the Reef.

‘Funding has come from a variety of sectors, including from the QRC, to ensure that we have a fact-based and scientific approach to target the biggest threats to the health of North Queensland waterways.

'An annual report card will be produced and cover catchments of the Don, O’Connell, Proserpine, Pioneer and Plane basins, the urban area of Mackay, the ports of Abbot Point, Mackay and Hay Point, marinas and the coastal marine area', Mr Roche said. 

The report card will specifically report on the health of freshwater rivers, wetlands, estuaries, near shore coastal and marine environments.

‘This is the third initiative of its type along the Great Barrier Reef coastline and the QRC is proud to be involved with all of them,’ Mr Roche said.

The other initiatives are Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership and the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health and will complement the Reef 2050 Plan and the annual Reef Water Quality Protection Plan report card.

www.qrc.org.au

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone said VECCI welcomes the announcement that the contract to build the eastern section of the East West Link project has been signed. 

"The signing increases certainty around the project for business and signals the Napthine Government’s commitment to ensuring Victoria remains open for business," Mr Stone said.

"It is positive to see that the eastern section is expected to create 3,700 jobs during construction, which is in excess of the previously forecasted 3,200 jobs. 

"The project has long been supported by VECCI as it will reduce congestion, make the movement of freight more efficient and improve the amenity of Melbourne’s growth areas."

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

vecci.org.au

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QUEENSLAND's peak resources sector body says today’s Commonwealth Government approval of Adani Mining’s North Galilee Basin Rail (NGBR) project brings the creation of more than 10,000 jobs a step closer.

Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council Michael Roche says the approval, which follows the Commonwealth Government's approval of the Carmichael mine, as well as the Queensland Coordinator General's approval of the NGBR in August, is welcome good news, particularly for the people of Central Queensland. 

‘There’s not been much good news of late for our coal sector and its employees, so this is just the sort of news that will be very welcome, particularly in our regional communities,’ said Mr Roche.

‘I congratulate Adani on earning federal approval for this pioneering rail project, which will lead to the creation of vital jobs and confirm the long-term contribution of the coal industry to the state and the nation.

‘The approval of the new 300 kilometre rail project is a boon for Queensland and for the developers, Adani Mining and their partners, Korean industrial giant POSCO.

‘The rail project alone could provide up to 2400 new jobs, connecting the Carmichael Mine, north west of Clermont to the Port of Abbot Point, north of Bowen.

‘Regional communities including Alpha, Clermont, Emerald, Bowen, Moranbah, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville are all expected to benefit from development of the so-far untapped resources in the Galilee Basin.

‘Coal provides more than 40 percent of the world's electricity and is predicted to soon overtake oil as the largest source of primary energy.

‘Despite baseless claims from the anti-coal brigade, the demand for thermal coal is forecast to rise substantially over coming decades with Asia alone requiring extra 46 million tonnes per annum of imported coal according to analysts HDR Salva.’

‘At its peak, the Carmichael Mine is expected to produce 60mtpa – less than one and a half year's forecast demand growth.

‘We have seen activist groups try every trick in the book to disrupt and delay Galilee Basin projects, which not only delays the supply of electricity to the developing world but also economic benefits to Queensland, and regional communities in particular.'

www.qrc.org.au

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VECCI welcomes today’s announcement by the State Government that it will continue to support the Victoria-Jiangsu Business Placement (VJBP) program for the benefit it will bring to Victorian business.

“Stronger ties with China, Victoria’s largest trading partner, represent significant growth opportunities for Victorian business and an avenue to showcase what our great state has to offer,” said VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone. 

“The program also enables cross-border collaboration, at both government and industry levels, through closer relations between Victoria and our sister state of 34 years, Jiangsu Province.”

The VJBP program was formed by VECCI, the Jiangsu Federation of Industry and Commerce (JFIC) and the Jiangsu Economic and Information Technology Commission (JEITC), with the support of the Victorian Government. The program enables Victorian businesses to travel to China to get a first-hand insight into Chinese businesses and promote Victoria as a place to do business.

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

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