b2b in canberra june 2011 (issue 61)
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B2B in Canberra June 2011 (issue 61)TRANSCRIPT
FACEBOOK AND FAMILY LAW
HELPING CANBERRA BUSINESSES
Farrar Gesini & Dunn’s Ann Northcote shares her experiences
Andrew Nesbitt from Beames & Associates has this goal in mind
CANBERRA’S BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAGAZINE JUNE 2011 61b2bincanberra.com.au
$4.95 inc. GST
ISSN 1833-8232
9
771833 823005
01
BRAIN EXERCISE - THE NEW CAFFEINEYellow Edge’s Andy Gregory explains the theory
MOVING YESTERDAY INTO TODAYMoving into the modern world with the NLA
EFFECTIVE DISASTER RECOVERYBoaz Fischer from CommsNet Group has a plan
100+ years of legal services in the Canberra region.
What is this? 1997?Print, scan, copy, fax?
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Go to fujixerox.com.auor call our ACT team on 13 14 12Xerox and the sphere of connectivity design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
C O N T E N T S
UPFRONT06 What your copier can do for you in 2011 CIT leads the charge with a course in Carbon Accounting
OPINION08 Facebook and family law: a recipe for disaster Giving consideration to the risks and benefi ts of new technology can be vital
PROFILE09 Andrew Nesbitt, chartered accountant and senior manager at Beames & Associates
FEATURE12 6 Goals for Increased Business Performance Goal 2 – Improve your gross goal percentage
COVER STORY13 Elringtons 100+ years of legal services in the Canberra Region
PUBLISHER’S NOTEA week is a long time in politics ...So is 10 years. In the past month we have seen Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister for 10 years, step down and call it quits from the ACT Legislative Assembly. I would like to join with others in the Canberra community and thank Jon for his public service during this time. Politicians get a bad rap in this country and are under constant scrutiny (and so they should be in a democracy). I don’t think most people are aware of how hard most of our representatives work and the toll it takes on them and their families. Yes, no-one forces then to do it - but rather them than me. Congratulations to new Chief Minister Katy Gallagher. Succession in politics is the preferred method at all times ... and this seems to have been a very smooth and well timed transition. On a sad note I would like to add my condolences on the passing of Jim Murphy - a statesman in the Canberra community who will be remembered and missed.
TIM BENSONPublisher 13 COVER
STORY
ELRINGTONS100+ years of legal services in the Canberra region
LEGAL NOTICEMan Bites Dog Public Relations (‘MBD’) owns the copyright in this publication. Except for any fair dealing as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth), no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of MBD. MBD has been careful in preparing this publication, however: it is not able to, and does not warrant that the publication is free from errors and omissions; and it is not able to verify, and has not verifi ed the accuracy of the information and opinions contained or expressed in, or which may be conveyed to readers by any advertisement or other publication content. MBD advises that it accepts all contributed material and advertisements contained in this publication in good faith, and relies on various warranties and permissions provided to it by the persons who contribute material and/or place advertisements. Those warranties and permissions include that neither the material and/or advertisements are misleading, deceptive or defamatory, and that their use, adaptation or publication does not infringe the rights of any third party, or any relevant laws. Further, MBD notifi es readers that it does not, nor should it be understood to endorse, adopt, approve or otherwise associate MBD with any representations made in contributions and/or advertisements contained in the publication. MBD makes no representation or warranty as to the qualifi cations of any contributor or advertiser or persons associated with them, and advises readers that they must rely solely on their own enquiries in relation to such qualifi cations, and be satisfi ed from those enquiries that persons with whom they deal as a result of reading any material or advertisement have the necessary licences and professional qualifi cations relating to the goods and services offered. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MBD excludes all liabilities in contract, tort (including negligence) and/or statute for loss, damage, costs and expenses of any kind to any person arising directly or indirectly from any material or advertisement contained in this publication, whether arising from an error, omission, misrepresentation or any other cause.
LEGAL NOTICEMan Bites Dog Public Relations (‘MBD’) owns the copyright in this publication. Except for any fair dealing as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth), no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of MBD. MBD has been careful in preparing this publication, however: it is not able to, and does not warrant that the publication is free from errors and omissions; and it is not able to verify, and has not verifi ed the accuracy of the information and opinions contained or expressed in, or which may be conveyed to readers by any advertisement or other publication content. MBD advises that it accepts all contributed material and advertise-ments contained in this publication in good faith, and relies on various warranties and permissions provided to it by the persons who contribute material and/or place advertisements. Those warranties and permissions include that neither the material and/or advertisements are misleading, deceptive or defamatory, and that their use, adaptation or publication does not infringe the rights of any third party, or any relevant laws. Further, MBD notifi es readers that it does not, nor should it be understood to endorse, adopt, approve or otherwise associate MBD with any representations made in contributions and/or advertisements contained in the publication. MBD makes no representation or warranty as to the qualifi cations of any contributor or advertiser or persons associated with them, and advises readers that they must rely solely on their own enquiries in relation to such qualifi cations, and be satisfi ed from those enquiries that persons with whom they deal as a result of reading any material or advertisement have the necessary licences and professional qualifi cations relating to the goods and services offered. To the maximum extent permitted by law, MBD excludes all liabilities in contract, tort (including negligence) and/or statute for loss, damage, costs and expenses of any kind to any person arising directly or indirectly from any material or advertisement contained in this publication, whether arising from an error, omission, misrepresentation or any other cause.
ISSN 1833-8232
PUBLISHER I EDITORTim Benson [email protected] 6161 2751
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIESTim Benson 0402 900 [email protected]
PUBLISHED BYMan Bites Dog Public Relations ABN 30 932 483 322PO Box 4106 Ainslie ACT 2602 t 02 6161 2751 f 02 6262 [email protected] b2bincanberra.com.au
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Photography: Andrew Sikorski Cover Photography: Andrew Sikorski
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C O N T E N T S
19 ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS20 ACCOUNTING Directors may become personally liable for unpaid superannuation from 1 July 2011 By RSM Bird Cameron
ACCOUNTING SERVICES Redeeming your business interest due to an involuntary event By Hillross Wealth Management Centre Canberra
21 BUSINESS LAW Positive cash flow and director’s liabilities: how can one affect the other? By Elringtons Lawyer
BUSINESS COACHING To know your customer is to serve your customer... and your business By 10X
22 COMMERCIAL LAW Testamentary guardian By Trinity Law
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE China and India- more than mining opportunities By Australian Institute of Company Directors
24 ESTATE PLANNING Financial agreements and estate planning By Certus Law
26 INFORMATION SECURITY Developing disaster recovery plan effectively By CommsNet Group
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Trademark examiner adverse reports not necessarily fatal to your application By Aruna Trade Mark Attorneys
28 PERFORMANCE ARCHITECTS Brain exercise - the new caffeine? By Yellow Edge Performance Architects
REAL ESTATE Price your home to Sell(eck) By Maria Selleck Properties
30 RISK INSURANCE How much life insurance is enough? By Capital Wealth
WEBSITES Apple vs Mango- take your pickle By Synapse Worldwide
30 G2B: GOVERNMENT TO BUSINESS New funding for local early stage ventures By ACT Government Economic Development
A2B: ASSOCIATIONS TO BUSINESS 33 CANBERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL: A balanced and responsible budget
34 ACT EXPORTERS NETWORK: The results are in: everything you wanted to know about Canberra’s international business activity
ACT & REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY: In 1697 Harold Wilson said “A week is a long time in politics”
BUSINESS NETWORKING36 B2B @ CBC ACT Budget Breakfast 37 B2B @ CBC Federal Budget Breakfast 38 B2B @ RSM Cameron Bird Business Seminar 6
38 B2B @ Bradley Allen Construction
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J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A6
U P F R O N T
What your copier can do for you in 2011
CIT leads the charge with a course in Carbon AccountingJust six months after the ACT
Legislative Assembly passed legislation for the introduction of the most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets in the country, the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) has released Canberra’s first accredited course in carbon accounting.
The short course will give employees the skills to be able to produce an accurate account of their organisation’s carbon emissions, which is a vital first step towards seeing emissions reduced by 40% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, based on 1990 levels, which are the targets set down in the ACT’s Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010.
On completing the Statement of Attainment for a course in Carbon Accounting participants will understand the history of the formation of carbon on this planet; will know how to calculate a carbon footprint accessing all manner of international sustainable guidelines and practices and will be able to prepare a carbon report for management detailing
essential methods and recognised practices to monitor and reduce energy consumption.
The short course, the only accredited carbon accounting course in the ACT (and one of only a few Australia-wide) will be offered for the first time at CIT in June 2011 and will be delivered over three full days.
Ms Velinka Vecchi, from the Centre for Business at CIT who is one of the teachers delivering this course, explains who the course is for and how it can benefit an organisation:
“This course is aimed at participants from a range of industries, government agencies and interest groups – not just finance and business. Anyone interested in sustainable practices or who would benefit from an additional qualification to their name would benefit from this course. Every organisation produces carbon so this will be a valuable skill set wherever you work.”
“The resources and tools that participants will have access to and the guidelines and practices they will learn are all internationally recognised. Supplying these resources and information helps to
raise the level of awareness and education with regard to sustainability in the future.”
“CIT is proud to be leading the way in environmental and sustainable education by delivering this course. We are very excited to get the ball rolling with this course and to be able to empower people with the knowledge to make a difference to their own environments.” For more information on the Statement of Attainment for a course in Carbon Accounting visit the CIT website cit.edu.au
We call them ‘copiers’, but the devices that sit in every corporate and home office are now capable of much more than printing, copying, scanning and faxing. Many business owners are unaware of how their copier can improve their office processes. In addition to this, the wide range of capabilities on offer means the decisions on how and what to use a copier for can be overwhelming.
So how can business owners decide what copier to purchase? Scott Jackson, National Manager, Office Solutions Business at Fuji Xerox Australia, suggests:
1. Review costs of printing and imagingConsider how copiers might reduce printing costs and make your processes more efficient. Businesses can opt for the latest energy-efficient copiers, or create usage limits for staff, such as for colour printing. Additionally, today’s copiers mean you have one device that does everything, rather than multiple devices each consuming energy, and occupying office floor-space.
The Canberra Institute of Technology found that switching to efficient Fuji Xerox copiers reduced their printing costs by 47 per cent in the first year. They were better able to track how much each department printed and better allocate resources.
2. Save staff time – does it automate manual processes?Beyond printing and copying, how do you want your copier to manage documents, reduce paper, or simplify workflow?
Evaluate document workflow software is available directly from the vendor. These solutions can automate manual processes, such as tracking where a document is (seeing if a recipient received a fax, or alerting the sender if not) or scanning a file to your document management system directly from the copier. By automating you allow staff to focus on their core job functions, and spend less time on tasks like scanning and tracking documents.
For more information on copiers and their capabilities, talk to a consultant and explain your business objectives, such as
more efficient archiving or a reduction in waste. This will allow them to recommend the right solutions for you and possibly tailor solutions to your specific needs.
3. Review your environmental goalsFor companies prioritising ‘greener’ practices and corporate responsibility, switching to environmentally responsible copiers could help meet these goals. Companies can save paper, reduce electricity consumption, or automate storage to ease the burden on data servers.Property company Stockland, for example, consolidated their device fleet and achieved a 50 per cent reduction in energy use. Scott Jackson is the National Manager, Office Solutions Business at Fuji Xerox Australia.
F E AT U R E
Moving yesterday into today
It’s one thing to be a treasury of Australia’s wealth of documentary resources, but the National Library of Australia has always believed it’s just as vital that Australians can readily access
them. It’s why we’ve made digitising our collections a priority over recent years – so anyone can access our collections online, from anywhere in the world. We’ve already digitised all of the items to be displayed in the new state-of-the-art Treasures Gallery, set to open to the public on 8 October 2011. � is monumental achievement will allow people who aren’t able to physically visit the Library to explore our most iconic and remarkable collection items online.
Today, you can search our catalogue, view over 162 000 collection items, and use the Library’s website as a gateway to the collections of other national and international libraries – all with the click of a mouse. However, we’re aiming even higher – to make the National Library of Australia’s entire collection as easy to access as doing a Google search, so more and more Australians can enjoy the landmark pieces in our nation’s history. Tomorrow’s news
Our Australian Newspapers Digitisation Program is all about bringing the lead stories of yesteryear back to life. We’ve developed cutting-edge systems that
allow us to not only digitise newspaper content, but make it fully keyword-searchable – so you can search for the people and stories you’re interested in.� anks to generous community support, we now converted more than 5 million newspaper pagesconsisting of over 50 million stories to fully searchable articles online.An Exciting New Chapter � e National Library of Australia has long played a vital role as the principal collector and carer of our nation’s stories, history and creative legacy. We’re world leaders in documenting who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re heading – and making it all available to you. It’s a big task, one we’re privileged to undertake, and proud to be moving in exciting new directions.
If you believe in the importance of preserving our creative and cultural heritage, you can show your support by donating to the National Library of Australia Fund, and help us write an exciting new chapter in our story.Generous support from our many donors in 2010 helped us continue our endeavours in preserving and providing access to the Library’s wonderful collections. For the fi rst time we were able digitise items in our Asian Collections, including 80 exquisite Japanese woodblock prints from the 19th century to 20th century depicting legends, Kabuki plays and actors from the Edo period. We were able to fl atten and repair two navigation charts annotated by famed French navigator Louis de Freycinet during his 1817-1820 voyage; and we treated the iconic Hunter sketchbook. It is your support that will ensure these important projects continue to be carried out. Donations to the National Library Fund in 2011 will give us the opportunity to digitise more of our wonderful collection, as well as preserve some true creative masterpieces. To learn more about opportunities to support the Library visit www.nla.gov.au/supportus or contact the Development Offi ce on 02 6262 1141 or email [email protected]
Write yourself into our story
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20360
THE NEWSPAPER
OF THE
FEDERAL CAPITAL
CITY.
U." í>*v%\
PUBLISHED
EVERY N/¡
THURSDAY.
PRICE, 3d.
EMPIRE PARLIAMENTARIANS' VISIT
FIRST MEETING IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE
SPEAKER'S CHAIR CEREMONY
CANBERRA A REALITY TO THE PEOPLE
Canberra has, within the span of a week, been brought closer to reality with the
people of the Commonwealth of Australia, whom ii is destined nobly to serve.
Monday, October 11, 1926, will be known as one of the great days of Aus'traban history. It will be remembered as the day on which a
gift of imperial significancewas handed to the Parliament of Australia, as the day on which .a distinguished gatheringof Empire statesmen visited Canberra, as'the day when members of the Government andParliament of the Commonwealth gathered at Canberra in numbers previously not
attained, and as the day when the' first official gathering took place in the new Housesof Parliament.
~
-1
To the hundreds who witnessed the c:rcmony, and to the tens of thousands whoheard it by radio, came as never before, the reality of Canberra, and a message thatCanberra had no longer to be vindicated; it is now by ailerue "Australians to be exaltedand revered. *
.
.
NATÜRGsmiled in Canberra on
Monday and embellished -with
her Inimitable art tlio handlwoüc
of man in *Uie creation of the
Tederal Capital City A more
Ideal Hotting: foi Hie e\ent of
national impoi tance which was enacted
within the stately piecincts of our
Houses of Paillamcnt could scaicelv
have been desired It was a happy
augury for the future vth'ch Austral a
has to face favoured with a natlonul
capital cty so richly endowed hynature so admuably conceived in de-
sign ami so faithfully executed In the
hands of Its administi alors and buildeis
A fair bight greeted the eyes of the
ïWtors who alighted fiom their special
tra n early on Monday morning Pi om
the Cnnbeira railway station ttío out
skirts of the city itself were immedl
atcly visible with here and there a
Blimpso beyond of the city itself In
thb radiant and -warm Canberra spring
morning the visitors were conveyed toHotel Canberra where bom.» o* th« true
beauty of the garden city of Canberra
«as unfolded
Around the hotel some 65 000 tulip
plants held up to the invigoratingsun and air of this elevated situation
delicate petals of every hue fiom the
pale buttercup to the deepest brown
from the most gentle pink to the most
compelling crimson with every variationof beauty of which tin tulip is pocu
llarly capable Large expanses of Ireland
SIR LITTLETON GROOM OCCUPIES' THE SPEAKER'S CHAIR
THE ùPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ACKNOWLEDGING THE GIFT OFTHE DRITISH VISITORS.
Poples afforded a pleasant backgroundto the hostel, in its setting of green
'awns and flowergardens, which en-
compass its every pavilion.
Lifting their eyes from the enchant-ment of their Immediate surroundings,he visitors beheld on every hand thenspiring spectacle of a wonderful city
11h\maklnff- It was In this envir-onment that they strolled towards themassive structure of Federal P.irlia
",Houso. Burmounting whose white
W» a great Union Jack nuttorcd side»y Bide with the Commonwealth flag.
h"ri hrVGbeen a merc coincidence
«at the British flag spread its colors
dLmf ?CT ,mn>odiately above the«?amber In which the historic cerom° <i>' was to talte place.
THE OFFICIAL WELCOMEacL^VÍ6'18 or Parliament House,ti» £ ° ° nür awal^d the arrival of
troZl wfas<1COmnosed ot t,,e «Tt four
Sr thpCanberm 'Boy Bo(?ut3
Commi comm° n<l of the District
ÄMl0ner' Dr- Alcom- »heir at
Mo *"Waä."0tt0 pas3 »^noticed, and
HouL f.enle,rlnBthe portal8 ° f the
2 of ÎL a,',lUl8 ° f SollBbury and
Jth/Jf818woro welcomed officially
uenu of the Australian Branch of
Il,l.llllilll1ilini!illll'l!lll!!lll'l!
MR. SPEAKER
Sir Littleton Groom
the Emplie Parliamentary Association,
Sir Littleton Gloom, KCMG, KC,
Speaker of the House of Repiósenta
tives, and benator Newlands, C B E,President of the Senate ..
Immediately aftei the inspection oî
the Boy Scout troopj, Dr Alcorn, Dlp
tiict Scout Commlsslonei foi the Fedeial Capjtal Teiritpiy, cxpicssed lils
pleasure ot the vlsit'of. Ll^c ^íar'q'iiiS*'cf
Sallsbut y anti members of the delega-tion, to which In reply <tho Marquis"stated on behalf of the delegation thathe was pleased to see the boy scout
movement at Canberrp
"There Is no 'other t_^/irement In theworld," ho said, "which has moio ele-ments of good for the futuie, than theboy scout -movement You boys must
not think it la a little thing to be as-
sociated with the scouts T^atci in
your lives you will look back and tlien
you will know tho íesults of what it
means Thoic is nothing in thawoildmore noble than service but the ser-
vice must not be compulsoi y, It mustbe given freely That is What the boyscout mo\emcnt teaches, ser\ice to
King, Count! y and God, and it is thegi catest movement for social improve-ment to-day."
PARLIAMENT INSPECTEDInside the halls of Parliament Itself,
an inspection of the building commenc-ed. The finishing touches to the build-ing still involve considerable labor, butsufficient progress has lichen made tothe Interior decorations and furnlshrings to convey* a complete Idea'of thefinished state. In .places tlio pa*quetflooring had been comploter]; In othersthe floor coverings wet o laid; withinthe legislative chambers the furnish-ings were complete save for the finalelaborate floor coverings which are Inprocess of manufacture abroad. In theKing's Hall, where the floor was as
yet uncoveicd, lay the great case con-
taining the bronze statue of His Ma-jesty, King George V., while the emptyniches round the hall awaited the ad-vent of the rcmembi anees of greatAustralians which are to fill them.
Advantage was taken of the gather-ing In the King's Hall for the ChiefCommissioner (Mr. J. H. Butters) toindicate briefly to the"visltors the lay-out of Parliament House and the gene-ral design of the city of Canberra,
After morning tea had been servedIn the luncheon hall, an interestingtree planting ceremony was carried outIn tlio courtyard of Parliament. The
Marquis of Salisbury and Hie Arthur
/Henderson ' planted two Lombard, pop-lar'trees on behalf of the visitors and
immediately thereafter the assemblage
proceeded into the chamber of the
House' of Representatives.Here, draped under n Union Jack
'and Commonwealth -Flag the historic
Speaker's Chair stood in readiness foi
the Impressive ceremony which was lojfollow.
the; ceremonyWhen the assembla^. .iad boen seat-
ed within the Chamber of the House of
Rcpiesonlatiyes, Sir Littleton Groom,
.Speaker of the House" of Representa-tives! and one oí the Presidents of the
Australian branch of the Empire Par-
liamentary Association, rose to speak
"On behalf of tlio members of the
Australian branch of the Empire Par-
liamentary Association,", ho said,' "1
extend a hearty welcome to the dele-
gation from the > various branches of
the association fiom the United King-«dom and o til cr pails of the Empire on
t)ip .occasion of this, theliv-ylsit to the
FeueVaPuäiiTtaP df 'trie! Commonwealth*''¡Tlils^ia the second occasion upon
which this Federal Territory has beenhonoured by the. presence of Members
of the Brancll of the United Kingdom.
Wo trust that, this vi< will long re-
main one of the most pleasant recol-lections of their tour in the Common-
wealth.'^ It will remain with us as one
of 'the treasured historic memories ofCanberra.'
', "It is desirable that there should bea formal.introduction, of the speakersin'connection with the interesting cere
inony we arc gathered to witness here
to-dày. It is my privilege to performthis conventional duty. It is willi"
great pleasure that I introduce' the
Mai qui' of Salisbury. (Applause). Hebeais a name honored in the anna)3 ofthe Briti&h Emplie, and we can truth-fully say that he has addedvluslre tothe great name."
"
i
MR. BALDWIN'S MESSAGE.The Marquis of Salisbury, who was
greeted on'rising with loud» applause,said that tt was with no small amountof diffidence that Jie responded to thevery warm invitation that had beenexpressed, but before saying anythingfurther he, should read a letter fromtljo Prime Minister of England (MrStanley Baldwin), which he entrustedto the Marquis before we left England
The letter waa then read as follows"On the occasion of the visit of theParliamentary Association for the pur;pose of the presentation of .the Speak-er's Chair, I wIhIi to convey to my col-leagues In the Parliament of Australia,and representatives of the whole of theEmpire gathered together for the firstmeeting hold in the new ^ParliamentHouse, the best wishes of myself andmy Uovei riment. I feel that this flrs,tmeeting In the neV house if of his-torical 'character, not only because ofthe^ presentation of the chair, which Ihope'Will'be. a Bymbol Qf good will ofthe/ members of /
the -Parliament atWestminster for the members of theParliament of t)ie Commonwealth, butbecause' of the Valuable exchange of
I Ideas «which should i esulttrpm the in
®lu> íftatmir (Sift
MEMORIES OF WESTMINSTER AND
H.AI.S. "VICTORY," SYMBOLIC OP
EMPIRE UNITY.
foi mal discussions among members of
all parties in all the Parliament«."
(Applause). /
_"I feel tha,t in speaking on behalf of
.he United Kingdom - ParliamentaryVssoclation, In the presentation of theSpeaker's Chair I under take an. almost
imbljrnous task. The Chair has come
¿rom the House of Representatives. I
?>m nof a representative. I belong to
ino Upper House, which does not sitn a representativo' capacity in the old'and, and many may have'been called
apon to apeak on behalf of the House
of Commons who aro more fitted than-ne. But'I have been for over -IO yearsIn Parliament, and tor 17 years of that
period. I was a member of the Houseof Commons. *'"?
"This is indeed a moat notable' oc-
casion, for in presenting thjs chair we
cover the scope of'English history .from
the beginning to the^end. It iy^-glftto a modern Parliament representing a
sominunily that has a great historybefore it,' and it is a "gift from theHouse -of Commons .and the Houseof Lords,, whose frbdta stretch back tothr> distant-j>a* t.->
~j
'* '
..
chair Is compliscd^npeaks or somê^&i1'the"gieates"t^momcnts.'1of British his*tory.' Y oil) will bo reminded of a igloi'ious period when a great herb" of" the
sea-that sep.' which -. over ^so manythousands of miles unites Great Britainmil Australia-added lustre . to theBritish arras. You w11 lalso be re-minded of the building representing inthe highest degree^the triumph of Bri-tish ai t, standing1 in the historic cityjf Wcstmluster, >anu"the scoiíe'of .maní'great events in our aiirtals, ;and is Ints mateilal and in Its associations thepersonification of 'the
'
institutions of,the old country, y J i
*,{...'
"They say," "con/tinned the Marquis,"that demqciacyjs", on "Its trial. , Theysay the icprescntatlvrij.institutions are
no longer fitted, for thc.ago-.in whichwe live. It-is possible' that representa-tive institutions are no.donger fittedfor the.agc im whlch\ we live. it Ispossible that representative .-institu-tions as wo Know, thom do no,t suitjther
xcountries. .They aie^a British
nvcntlon.' They aro. a concrete repre-sentation
(of the British conception of
rovoinmcnt. Tliey lit us a.» ..the «skinIts the human being. They'grftw with/ui
growth and aro adopted, by oin
children. They aie English 'of thednglh.li-British""of the British (loudapplause). I am not surprised when Ihour that, foreigners 'cannot manageHiern. They aro a splendid example ofthe genius.df our race. Every memberjl Parliament iccogmscd that it is notonly the standing orders and rules ofthe house that; govern,'tis, -but a" greattiadltional practice, an'd 'the. whole
'
is
subject' £o 'the Influence of what iscalled the feeling of the house. It're-presents public 'opinion. The opinionsof (he electors'and the,members »wete
further governed by a spirit'ot loyaltyto the Institution to which we bolongand in a spirit of consideration for theminority ol'our members. ,
- (Continued on Page' 7)
THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY
I,The Marquis of Salisbury planting a poplar tree InParliament Courtyard. . '
^
BUSH FIRES
MENACE NORTH COAST
Some Narrow Escapes
SYDNEY, Thursday
Serious bush fires, are reported by
many North Coast towns.,- Settlers in
the burning areas are making heroic
efforts to conquer, the flames, but tele-
phonic and telegraphic communication
has been cut off in 'the majority of
districts north from Port Macquarie..Most of the country between Port
Macquarie and Soivth" Grafton appears
to be ablaze. Large numbers of cat-
tle have been burned to'death. The1
di y country affords excellent fuel, for
ilics, which are being drive1« further
by heavy winds.
Motorists had narrow escapes yes
toiday when their cars were burned in
the bush fire area, between Casino and
Lawrence.'
(
. Brisbane reports serious bush fires.n Southeíñ Queensland. Three farms
were completely burnt out yesterday
'n the Broofleld district, but the actual
homesteads were saved Brisbane it-
self is sui rounded by a ring of bush
flrca, and the atmosphere is heavily
3hargcd with smoke '
GUP VISITORS TO PAY.
Melbourne, Thursday.
Just as the "cup" rush is settingin, the metropolitan hotelkeepcrs have
agreed to íaise their tariff. The ever
increasing cost of living principally to
female employees is given as the reas-
on. In some cases the mihlmum full
board rate will be increased, ln_ others
bed and breakfast rate and again a la
carte w.lth probability also of a rise
in charge for drink served . in the
lounge.
PARLIAMENTARIANS' FIRST GATHERING AT NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Members oï the ¡Senate and House of Representatives after the Ceremony
ACTON POST OFFICE
WEIGHING MACHINECOMING
Automatic ponny-in-tho-slot weighing
machines «ill be installed for the use
of the public at a numbei of post
offices throughout the Commonwealth,and Acton Post Office, Canbetia, is one
of those selected An agi cement has
been enteied into between tlio Common-wealth and the Austialaslan Automatic
Weighing Machine Co, Ltd, grantingto the company the right to erect
weighing machines upon such post
office premises as may be deciced upon
by the Postmaster-General (Mr Gib-son) The company will pay to theCommonwealth a quaitei of the grosstaking of the weighing machines, or
lental at the tate of £5 a vear for eachmachine, whichever amOunt_ is the
gieatei
QUEANBEYAN HOSPITAL
At the School of Arts, Queanbeyan,on Thursday night last, the HospitalCommittee held their usual monthlymeeting. Mr. S. J. Ryan presided.
Mr. J. Ridley forwarded £2/15/- andalso a quantity of eggs as a donationfrom the Queanbeyan public schoolchildren.
The children of the public schoolat Sutton also forwarded, through Mr.James Dickson, the sum of £1/11/-,together with a donation of butter andeggs.
"
'
.
Rev.. S. J. West reported on be-half of the visiting committee that thework was progressing well at the hos-pital.
The Friendly Societies, who in Aprillast, organised a combined sports, for-warded a balance sheet which showedthat the profits due the hospitalamounted to £72. >
The committee decided to call ten-ders in connection with linking up thehospital with the water mains.
The secretary of the Warrigal Foot-ball Club wrote enclosing a cheque for£ 14, being the committee's share of theHospital Cup game. The committeedecided to forward their thanks forthe club's services so readily andcheerfully given.
It was resolved, on the motion oflessrs Woodward and Hardman, on be-half of the committee, to thank allwho assisted during the recent carni-val and sports. The president (Mr. S.J. Ryan) in 'supporting the motionsaid .that it was due to the services so
willingly rendered that these func-tions were so successful.
RâPID CITY DEVELOPMENT
BIG MOVE AT CIVIC CENTRE
RUSH TO SECURE SHOPS
A strong demand has set in for trading sites
at Civic Centre and a number of shops have been let.
which are at present either in course of construction, or
not commenced. Owners are in a position to let for
five years from date of completion.
One of the most interesting develop-
ments has been the sale of two leases
held by two of the banks on No. 1 Sub-
division of Civic Centre. The Govern-
ment Savings Bank has tlisposed of
lease No. G facing Road Al"ïo Messrs.
Oakley and Parkes, of Melbourne,
while the Commercial Bank of Aus-
tralia, Ltd.,- has disposed of Lease No.
5, which is separated from No. 6 bya 20 feet right of way, to Mr. O'Dwyer,
of. Caulfield, Melbourne. Both these
bank3 had previously secured sites on
No. 2 subdivision of Civic Centre and
embraced the opportunity offering of
sQsj^ring a profit on'the leases held in
No.' 1 subdivision."~ ? **?
Leases No. 2 and 26, which -were
taken up - y'
Hudson's'
Eumenthol
Chemical Co. (Australia) Ltd., of Syd-
ney, have been purchased by Canberra
Shops Ltd., which "will proceed im-
mediately with the erection of premises
thereon. The remaining leases held
by this company are to be developedwithin the next few weeks.
Block 3, a valuable corner site at
the corner of City Circuit and North
bou rne Avenue in No. 1 subdivis ion,
has been secured by Messrs. Fink and
Plottel, of Melbourne, who propose to
erect three 20 feet shops on the lease
facing Northbourne Avenue. The four
leases Nos. 9, 10, 11 and 12 which were
purchased recently by Senator Elliott,
are to' have shops erected upon them
forthwith.
There has been an unprecedented
demand for shops in this locality and
the enquiry has quite eclipsed any-
thing experienced in this direction at
the Eastlake shopping centre, indicat-
ing the value which is being set on
leases in the Civic Centre of the city.
Nine shops which are building and
to be built on Civic Centre have al-
ready been let for a period of five
years from the date of completion.
BIG WOOL CLIP
Turpa Station in the Temora disctrict has completed this year's shear-ing campaign, having had shorn 100,000 sheep, producing 2,500 bales ofwool, being the heaviest clip for manyyears past. The wool wa3 sound, andwell conditioned.
QUEANBEYAN HOSPITAL
Queen Competition
Although It is yet too soon to fore-shadow the result of the Queen Com-petition, it is understood that the vot- '
lug for each competitor during the past I
week' has been very keen,. and that |the Hospital Fund will benefit ma£eriallyby the nett results.
"
->
CANBERRA STATION
Railway Improvements
.Improvements are being carried out
at Canberra Railway Station both on
the passenger and goods sides to copewith the increasing trame.
The present passenger platform is
being extended to a length of 600 feetand on completion of this work it iaproposed to construct new rall stationoffices on the enlarged platform. The
goods' equipment Is also being broughtmore Into line with requirements bythe installation of a ten-ton crane andthe foundations for the crane are now
under way. «
COfT OF BRITISH STRIKE
London, October 12.
Mr. J. H. Thomas, speaking at theLabour Conference to-day, gave some
startling figures as to what the coalstrike was costing trades unions. Hesaid that since May 45,000 railwaymenhad- been out of work while 200,000were only working two days a week.In the Transport Workers' Union 80,000 men had been out of employment¡while 100,000 had been working: parttime. He said- that this union hadspent a million .sterling in the interestsof .the miners and was now half a mil-lion sterling in debt.. Mr Thomasmade these statements in reply to aresolution to impose a compulsory levyon other unions and to put embargo on
imported coal. "You know you can'tdo "either, so don't play the hypocrite,"he exclaimed.
OBITUARY
Lady EdithvL. Bridges, widow of thelate Major General Sir. W. T. Bridges,died suddenly ort Wednesday morningat 1 p.m., at her residence, Walsh-st,South Yarra, at the ago of 64 years.She had been an invalid for someyears, but until recently had been anactive worker .on behalf of returnedsoldiers. The cofiui will leave Mel-bourne on Friday night, and be placedin the Church of St. John the Bap-tists, Canberra, and the burial will bein the graveyard there. Canon Wardwill be the ofllciatlng clergyman, and a.Watch Service will be hold aF the[Church on Saturday morning.
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Write yourself into our story
National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20360
THE NEWSPAPER
OF THE
FEDERAL CAPITAL
CITY.
U." í>*v%\
PUBLISHED
EVERY N/¡
THURSDAY.
PRICE, 3d.
EMPIRE PARLIAMENTARIANS' VISIT
FIRST MEETING IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE
SPEAKER'S CHAIR CEREMONY
CANBERRA A REALITY TO THE PEOPLE
Canberra has, within the span of a week, been brought closer to reality with the
people of the Commonwealth of Australia, whom ii is destined nobly to serve.
Monday, October 11, 1926, will be known as one of the great days of Aus'traban history. It will be remembered as the day on which a
gift of imperial significancewas handed to the Parliament of Australia, as the day on which .a distinguished gatheringof Empire statesmen visited Canberra, as'the day when members of the Government andParliament of the Commonwealth gathered at Canberra in numbers previously not
attained, and as the day when the' first official gathering took place in the new Housesof Parliament.
~
-1
To the hundreds who witnessed the c:rcmony, and to the tens of thousands whoheard it by radio, came as never before, the reality of Canberra, and a message thatCanberra had no longer to be vindicated; it is now by ailerue "Australians to be exaltedand revered. *
.
.
NATÜRGsmiled in Canberra on
Monday and embellished -with
her Inimitable art tlio handlwoüc
of man in *Uie creation of the
Tederal Capital City A more
Ideal Hotting: foi Hie e\ent of
national impoi tance which was enacted
within the stately piecincts of our
Houses of Paillamcnt could scaicelv
have been desired It was a happy
augury for the future vth'ch Austral a
has to face favoured with a natlonul
capital cty so richly endowed hynature so admuably conceived in de-
sign ami so faithfully executed In the
hands of Its administi alors and buildeis
A fair bight greeted the eyes of the
ïWtors who alighted fiom their special
tra n early on Monday morning Pi om
the Cnnbeira railway station ttío out
skirts of the city itself were immedl
atcly visible with here and there a
Blimpso beyond of the city itself In
thb radiant and -warm Canberra spring
morning the visitors were conveyed toHotel Canberra where bom.» o* th« true
beauty of the garden city of Canberra
«as unfolded
Around the hotel some 65 000 tulip
plants held up to the invigoratingsun and air of this elevated situation
delicate petals of every hue fiom the
pale buttercup to the deepest brown
from the most gentle pink to the most
compelling crimson with every variationof beauty of which tin tulip is pocu
llarly capable Large expanses of Ireland
SIR LITTLETON GROOM OCCUPIES' THE SPEAKER'S CHAIR
THE ùPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ACKNOWLEDGING THE GIFT OFTHE DRITISH VISITORS.
Poples afforded a pleasant backgroundto the hostel, in its setting of green
'awns and flowergardens, which en-
compass its every pavilion.
Lifting their eyes from the enchant-ment of their Immediate surroundings,he visitors beheld on every hand thenspiring spectacle of a wonderful city
11h\maklnff- It was In this envir-onment that they strolled towards themassive structure of Federal P.irlia
",Houso. Burmounting whose white
W» a great Union Jack nuttorcd side»y Bide with the Commonwealth flag.
h"ri hrVGbeen a merc coincidence
«at the British flag spread its colors
dLmf ?CT ,mn>odiately above the«?amber In which the historic cerom° <i>' was to talte place.
THE OFFICIAL WELCOMEacL^VÍ6'18 or Parliament House,ti» £ ° ° nür awal^d the arrival of
troZl wfas<1COmnosed ot t,,e «Tt four
Sr thpCanberm 'Boy Bo(?ut3
Commi comm° n<l of the District
ÄMl0ner' Dr- Alcom- »heir at
Mo *"Waä."0tt0 pas3 »^noticed, and
HouL f.enle,rlnBthe portal8 ° f the
2 of ÎL a,',lUl8 ° f SollBbury and
Jth/Jf818woro welcomed officially
uenu of the Australian Branch of
Il,l.llllilll1ilini!illll'l!lll!!lll'l!
MR. SPEAKER
Sir Littleton Groom
the Emplie Parliamentary Association,
Sir Littleton Gloom, KCMG, KC,
Speaker of the House of Repiósenta
tives, and benator Newlands, C B E,President of the Senate ..
Immediately aftei the inspection oî
the Boy Scout troopj, Dr Alcorn, Dlp
tiict Scout Commlsslonei foi the Fedeial Capjtal Teiritpiy, cxpicssed lils
pleasure ot the vlsit'of. Ll^c ^íar'q'iiiS*'cf
Sallsbut y anti members of the delega-tion, to which In reply <tho Marquis"stated on behalf of the delegation thathe was pleased to see the boy scout
movement at Canberrp
"There Is no 'other t_^/irement In theworld," ho said, "which has moio ele-ments of good for the futuie, than theboy scout -movement You boys must
not think it la a little thing to be as-
sociated with the scouts T^atci in
your lives you will look back and tlien
you will know tho íesults of what it
means Thoic is nothing in thawoildmore noble than service but the ser-
vice must not be compulsoi y, It mustbe given freely That is What the boyscout mo\emcnt teaches, ser\ice to
King, Count! y and God, and it is thegi catest movement for social improve-ment to-day."
PARLIAMENT INSPECTEDInside the halls of Parliament Itself,
an inspection of the building commenc-ed. The finishing touches to the build-ing still involve considerable labor, butsufficient progress has lichen made tothe Interior decorations and furnlshrings to convey* a complete Idea'of thefinished state. In .places tlio pa*quetflooring had been comploter]; In othersthe floor coverings wet o laid; withinthe legislative chambers the furnish-ings were complete save for the finalelaborate floor coverings which are Inprocess of manufacture abroad. In theKing's Hall, where the floor was as
yet uncoveicd, lay the great case con-
taining the bronze statue of His Ma-jesty, King George V., while the emptyniches round the hall awaited the ad-vent of the rcmembi anees of greatAustralians which are to fill them.
Advantage was taken of the gather-ing In the King's Hall for the ChiefCommissioner (Mr. J. H. Butters) toindicate briefly to the"visltors the lay-out of Parliament House and the gene-ral design of the city of Canberra,
After morning tea had been servedIn the luncheon hall, an interestingtree planting ceremony was carried outIn tlio courtyard of Parliament. The
Marquis of Salisbury and Hie Arthur
/Henderson ' planted two Lombard, pop-lar'trees on behalf of the visitors and
immediately thereafter the assemblage
proceeded into the chamber of the
House' of Representatives.Here, draped under n Union Jack
'and Commonwealth -Flag the historic
Speaker's Chair stood in readiness foi
the Impressive ceremony which was lojfollow.
the; ceremonyWhen the assembla^. .iad boen seat-
ed within the Chamber of the House of
Rcpiesonlatiyes, Sir Littleton Groom,
.Speaker of the House" of Representa-tives! and one oí the Presidents of the
Australian branch of the Empire Par-
liamentary Association, rose to speak
"On behalf of tlio members of the
Australian branch of the Empire Par-
liamentary Association,", ho said,' "1
extend a hearty welcome to the dele-
gation from the > various branches of
the association fiom the United King-«dom and o til cr pails of the Empire on
t)ip .occasion of this, theliv-ylsit to the
FeueVaPuäiiTtaP df 'trie! Commonwealth*''¡Tlils^ia the second occasion upon
which this Federal Territory has beenhonoured by the. presence of Members
of the Brancll of the United Kingdom.
Wo trust that, this vi< will long re-
main one of the most pleasant recol-lections of their tour in the Common-
wealth.'^ It will remain with us as one
of 'the treasured historic memories ofCanberra.'
', "It is desirable that there should bea formal.introduction, of the speakersin'connection with the interesting cere
inony we arc gathered to witness here
to-dày. It is my privilege to performthis conventional duty. It is willi"
great pleasure that I introduce' the
Mai qui' of Salisbury. (Applause). Hebeais a name honored in the anna)3 ofthe Briti&h Emplie, and we can truth-fully say that he has addedvluslre tothe great name."
"
i
MR. BALDWIN'S MESSAGE.The Marquis of Salisbury, who was
greeted on'rising with loud» applause,said that tt was with no small amountof diffidence that Jie responded to thevery warm invitation that had beenexpressed, but before saying anythingfurther he, should read a letter fromtljo Prime Minister of England (MrStanley Baldwin), which he entrustedto the Marquis before we left England
The letter waa then read as follows"On the occasion of the visit of theParliamentary Association for the pur;pose of the presentation of .the Speak-er's Chair, I wIhIi to convey to my col-leagues In the Parliament of Australia,and representatives of the whole of theEmpire gathered together for the firstmeeting hold in the new ^ParliamentHouse, the best wishes of myself andmy Uovei riment. I feel that this flrs,tmeeting In the neV house if of his-torical 'character, not only because ofthe^ presentation of the chair, which Ihope'Will'be. a Bymbol Qf good will ofthe/ members of /
the -Parliament atWestminster for the members of theParliament of t)ie Commonwealth, butbecause' of the Valuable exchange of
I Ideas «which should i esulttrpm the in
®lu> íftatmir (Sift
MEMORIES OF WESTMINSTER AND
H.AI.S. "VICTORY," SYMBOLIC OP
EMPIRE UNITY.
foi mal discussions among members of
all parties in all the Parliament«."
(Applause). /
_"I feel tha,t in speaking on behalf of
.he United Kingdom - ParliamentaryVssoclation, In the presentation of theSpeaker's Chair I under take an. almost
imbljrnous task. The Chair has come
¿rom the House of Representatives. I
?>m nof a representative. I belong to
ino Upper House, which does not sitn a representativo' capacity in the old'and, and many may have'been called
apon to apeak on behalf of the House
of Commons who aro more fitted than-ne. But'I have been for over -IO yearsIn Parliament, and tor 17 years of that
period. I was a member of the Houseof Commons. *'"?
"This is indeed a moat notable' oc-
casion, for in presenting thjs chair we
cover the scope of'English history .from
the beginning to the^end. It iy^-glftto a modern Parliament representing a
sominunily that has a great historybefore it,' and it is a "gift from theHouse -of Commons .and the Houseof Lords,, whose frbdta stretch back tothr> distant-j>a* t.->
~j
'* '
..
chair Is compliscd^npeaks or somê^&i1'the"gieates"t^momcnts.'1of British his*tory.' Y oil) will bo reminded of a igloi'ious period when a great herb" of" the
sea-that sep.' which -. over ^so manythousands of miles unites Great Britainmil Australia-added lustre . to theBritish arras. You w11 lalso be re-minded of the building representing inthe highest degree^the triumph of Bri-tish ai t, standing1 in the historic cityjf Wcstmluster, >anu"the scoiíe'of .maní'great events in our aiirtals, ;and is Ints mateilal and in Its associations thepersonification of 'the
'
institutions of,the old country, y J i
*,{...'
"They say," "con/tinned the Marquis,"that demqciacyjs", on "Its trial. , Theysay the icprescntatlvrij.institutions are
no longer fitted, for thc.ago-.in whichwe live. It-is possible' that representa-tive institutions are no.donger fittedfor the.agc im whlch\ we live. it Ispossible that representative .-institu-tions as wo Know, thom do no,t suitjther
xcountries. .They aie^a British
nvcntlon.' They aro. a concrete repre-sentation
(of the British conception of
rovoinmcnt. Tliey lit us a.» ..the «skinIts the human being. They'grftw with/ui
growth and aro adopted, by oin
children. They aie English 'of thednglh.li-British""of the British (loudapplause). I am not surprised when Ihour that, foreigners 'cannot manageHiern. They aro a splendid example ofthe genius.df our race. Every memberjl Parliament iccogmscd that it is notonly the standing orders and rules ofthe house that; govern,'tis, -but a" greattiadltional practice, an'd 'the. whole
'
is
subject' £o 'the Influence of what iscalled the feeling of the house. It're-presents public 'opinion. The opinionsof (he electors'and the,members »wete
further governed by a spirit'ot loyaltyto the Institution to which we bolongand in a spirit of consideration for theminority ol'our members. ,
- (Continued on Page' 7)
THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY
I,The Marquis of Salisbury planting a poplar tree InParliament Courtyard. . '
^
BUSH FIRES
MENACE NORTH COAST
Some Narrow Escapes
SYDNEY, Thursday
Serious bush fires, are reported by
many North Coast towns.,- Settlers in
the burning areas are making heroic
efforts to conquer, the flames, but tele-
phonic and telegraphic communication
has been cut off in 'the majority of
districts north from Port Macquarie..Most of the country between Port
Macquarie and Soivth" Grafton appears
to be ablaze. Large numbers of cat-
tle have been burned to'death. The1
di y country affords excellent fuel, for
ilics, which are being drive1« further
by heavy winds.
Motorists had narrow escapes yes
toiday when their cars were burned in
the bush fire area, between Casino and
Lawrence.'
(
. Brisbane reports serious bush fires.n Southeíñ Queensland. Three farms
were completely burnt out yesterday
'n the Broofleld district, but the actual
homesteads were saved Brisbane it-
self is sui rounded by a ring of bush
flrca, and the atmosphere is heavily
3hargcd with smoke '
GUP VISITORS TO PAY.
Melbourne, Thursday.
Just as the "cup" rush is settingin, the metropolitan hotelkeepcrs have
agreed to íaise their tariff. The ever
increasing cost of living principally to
female employees is given as the reas-
on. In some cases the mihlmum full
board rate will be increased, ln_ others
bed and breakfast rate and again a la
carte w.lth probability also of a rise
in charge for drink served . in the
lounge.
PARLIAMENTARIANS' FIRST GATHERING AT NEW PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Members oï the ¡Senate and House of Representatives after the Ceremony
ACTON POST OFFICE
WEIGHING MACHINECOMING
Automatic ponny-in-tho-slot weighing
machines «ill be installed for the use
of the public at a numbei of post
offices throughout the Commonwealth,and Acton Post Office, Canbetia, is one
of those selected An agi cement has
been enteied into between tlio Common-wealth and the Austialaslan Automatic
Weighing Machine Co, Ltd, grantingto the company the right to erect
weighing machines upon such post
office premises as may be deciced upon
by the Postmaster-General (Mr Gib-son) The company will pay to theCommonwealth a quaitei of the grosstaking of the weighing machines, or
lental at the tate of £5 a vear for eachmachine, whichever amOunt_ is the
gieatei
QUEANBEYAN HOSPITAL
At the School of Arts, Queanbeyan,on Thursday night last, the HospitalCommittee held their usual monthlymeeting. Mr. S. J. Ryan presided.
Mr. J. Ridley forwarded £2/15/- andalso a quantity of eggs as a donationfrom the Queanbeyan public schoolchildren.
The children of the public schoolat Sutton also forwarded, through Mr.James Dickson, the sum of £1/11/-,together with a donation of butter andeggs.
"
'
.
Rev.. S. J. West reported on be-half of the visiting committee that thework was progressing well at the hos-pital.
The Friendly Societies, who in Aprillast, organised a combined sports, for-warded a balance sheet which showedthat the profits due the hospitalamounted to £72. >
The committee decided to call ten-ders in connection with linking up thehospital with the water mains.
The secretary of the Warrigal Foot-ball Club wrote enclosing a cheque for£ 14, being the committee's share of theHospital Cup game. The committeedecided to forward their thanks forthe club's services so readily andcheerfully given.
It was resolved, on the motion oflessrs Woodward and Hardman, on be-half of the committee, to thank allwho assisted during the recent carni-val and sports. The president (Mr. S.J. Ryan) in 'supporting the motionsaid .that it was due to the services so
willingly rendered that these func-tions were so successful.
RâPID CITY DEVELOPMENT
BIG MOVE AT CIVIC CENTRE
RUSH TO SECURE SHOPS
A strong demand has set in for trading sites
at Civic Centre and a number of shops have been let.
which are at present either in course of construction, or
not commenced. Owners are in a position to let for
five years from date of completion.
One of the most interesting develop-
ments has been the sale of two leases
held by two of the banks on No. 1 Sub-
division of Civic Centre. The Govern-
ment Savings Bank has tlisposed of
lease No. G facing Road Al"ïo Messrs.
Oakley and Parkes, of Melbourne,
while the Commercial Bank of Aus-
tralia, Ltd.,- has disposed of Lease No.
5, which is separated from No. 6 bya 20 feet right of way, to Mr. O'Dwyer,
of. Caulfield, Melbourne. Both these
bank3 had previously secured sites on
No. 2 subdivision of Civic Centre and
embraced the opportunity offering of
sQsj^ring a profit on'the leases held in
No.' 1 subdivision."~ ? **?
Leases No. 2 and 26, which -were
taken up - y'
Hudson's'
Eumenthol
Chemical Co. (Australia) Ltd., of Syd-
ney, have been purchased by Canberra
Shops Ltd., which "will proceed im-
mediately with the erection of premises
thereon. The remaining leases held
by this company are to be developedwithin the next few weeks.
Block 3, a valuable corner site at
the corner of City Circuit and North
bou rne Avenue in No. 1 subdivis ion,
has been secured by Messrs. Fink and
Plottel, of Melbourne, who propose to
erect three 20 feet shops on the lease
facing Northbourne Avenue. The four
leases Nos. 9, 10, 11 and 12 which were
purchased recently by Senator Elliott,
are to' have shops erected upon them
forthwith.
There has been an unprecedented
demand for shops in this locality and
the enquiry has quite eclipsed any-
thing experienced in this direction at
the Eastlake shopping centre, indicat-
ing the value which is being set on
leases in the Civic Centre of the city.
Nine shops which are building and
to be built on Civic Centre have al-
ready been let for a period of five
years from the date of completion.
BIG WOOL CLIP
Turpa Station in the Temora disctrict has completed this year's shear-ing campaign, having had shorn 100,000 sheep, producing 2,500 bales ofwool, being the heaviest clip for manyyears past. The wool wa3 sound, andwell conditioned.
QUEANBEYAN HOSPITAL
Queen Competition
Although It is yet too soon to fore-shadow the result of the Queen Com-petition, it is understood that the vot- '
lug for each competitor during the past I
week' has been very keen,. and that |the Hospital Fund will benefit ma£eriallyby the nett results.
"
->
CANBERRA STATION
Railway Improvements
.Improvements are being carried out
at Canberra Railway Station both on
the passenger and goods sides to copewith the increasing trame.
The present passenger platform is
being extended to a length of 600 feetand on completion of this work it iaproposed to construct new rall stationoffices on the enlarged platform. The
goods' equipment Is also being broughtmore Into line with requirements bythe installation of a ten-ton crane andthe foundations for the crane are now
under way. «
COfT OF BRITISH STRIKE
London, October 12.
Mr. J. H. Thomas, speaking at theLabour Conference to-day, gave some
startling figures as to what the coalstrike was costing trades unions. Hesaid that since May 45,000 railwaymenhad- been out of work while 200,000were only working two days a week.In the Transport Workers' Union 80,000 men had been out of employment¡while 100,000 had been working: parttime. He said- that this union hadspent a million .sterling in the interestsof .the miners and was now half a mil-lion sterling in debt.. Mr Thomasmade these statements in reply to aresolution to impose a compulsory levyon other unions and to put embargo on
imported coal. "You know you can'tdo "either, so don't play the hypocrite,"he exclaimed.
OBITUARY
Lady EdithvL. Bridges, widow of thelate Major General Sir. W. T. Bridges,died suddenly ort Wednesday morningat 1 p.m., at her residence, Walsh-st,South Yarra, at the ago of 64 years.She had been an invalid for someyears, but until recently had been anactive worker .on behalf of returnedsoldiers. The cofiui will leave Mel-bourne on Friday night, and be placedin the Church of St. John the Bap-tists, Canberra, and the burial will bein the graveyard there. Canon Wardwill be the ofllciatlng clergyman, and a.Watch Service will be hold aF the[Church on Saturday morning.
It’s why we’ve made digitising our collections a priority over recent years – so anyone can access our collections online, from anywhere in the world.
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A8
O P I N I O N
‘Tweet’ their frustration about the other’s lack of parenting skills or unwillingness to be reasonable. As family lawyers, we welcome such errors of judgement if made by the other side but lament such decisions by our own client.
In parenting matters, the Court takes into account the extent to which each parent is able to promote and encourage the other parent. Comments like, ‘OMG he is such a loser’ and ‘LOL what an idiot’ are not indicative of positive and co-operative parenting relationships. It can be very difficult to ‘undo’ the damage of posts like that. The ease and speed with which Facebook, Twitter, SMS and e-mail can be accessed mean that correspondence is exchanged rapidly and in times when parents may have a high degree of conflict and acrimony.
Often the party who can compose themselves and resist the urge to criticise the other in the initial period of separation or disagreement finds themselves with a head start.
There are some upsides as well. The other use of Facebook to date is as a vehicle of service. In numerous recent Child Support
disputes, parties who have no fixed address, or may be fleeing a violent partner, were also avid Facebook users. If satisfied that a person is very likely to see the documents, the Court can make Orders that instead of that person being served via Process Server, electronic transmission of the documents or a notification to the Facebook account is sufficient. This is particularly relevant when a party disputes paternity or where one party is ‘hiding’ and avoiding service.
In cases where one party wants to relocate with a child to live interstate or overseas, one significant hindrance previously was that the only method of communication available to the other parent was telephone. For young children, visual communication is considered particularly important. The prevalence and increased mainstream use of webcam and Skype has led Courts to determine that a relationship between a young child and the non-relocating parent can be maintained notwithstanding they will have little face to face contact. As such, it is now possible for some parents of young children to move away from the other parent, when they previously might not have been able to.
The emergence of online communication and its extension to online posts of photos and videos presents both traps and opportunities in family law proceedings. Giving consideration to the risks and benefits of new technology can be vital.
BTW, so u r not stuck in an ‘omg’ situation, c Ann or 1 of the other lawyers at FGD for gr8 advice about Facebook and ur other family law issues. For an Out of Court Solution contact Consensus Family Lawyers, 17-21 University Avenue, Canberra T: 02 6290 9898 or www.cflaw.com.au
Facebook and Family Law: Recipe for Disaster
By Ann Northcote, Director, Farrar Gesini & Dunn Family Lawyers
Not so long ago it might have been the case that the greatest risk associated with a big night out, or a verbal barrage towards
your ex, was the later regret when shown the photos or reminded of what you said the next day. But a ‘dancing on the table’ photo or a reminder about what you said to your ex-partner can be a lot less damaging than giving evidence in the witness box in the Family Court, particularly if you were caring for your children at the time.
However, with an increase towards online and electronic forms of communication, the material can easily become available to a party to family law proceedings. If that person is upset, angry, or intoxicated, new forms of evidence are now being taken seriously in the Family Court. Potential litigants need to be more careful than ever not to do serious prejudice to their case.
A number of recent Family Court decisions have dealt with evidence from Facebook. In one recent decision, the Father sought that the mother and child be returned from New Zealand to Australia. However, because the Father had said to the Mother on Facebook that he agreed the child should live with her, the Court refused the Application.
In another case, the Father was ordered to keep the child at home during contact visits. He took the child to the beach. He was then photographed with the child at the beach, and the photo was immediately uploaded to Facebook. A mutual friend (but evidently a better friend of the mother’s) printed the photo and the Father was later found to have breached those Orders.
It is becoming increasingly common for one or both parties to abuse or denigrate the other using their Facebook ‘status’, or
New forms of evidence are now being taken seriously in the Family Court. Potential litigants need to be more careful than ever not to do serious prejudice to their case.
Giving consideration to the risks and benefits of new technology can be vital.
dissatisfied with the level of service.“We find that people look for a new
accountant when they don’t have a relationship with a trusted business advisor. We pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients and being able to deliver a quality service in a timely manner”, Andrew said.
Andrew says that one of the best things about working at Beames and Associates is being able to work on a wide variety of jobs for a diverse client base. “The majority of my clients are small to medium businesses in Canberra including businesses in retail, IT, professional service firms and medical professionals”.
Andrew says that at Beames & Associates hard work is well rewarded and celebrated in style at quarterly social functions and there are plenty of opportunities for career development.
“The future is limitless for Beames & Associates. We are well positioned for growth and we continue to attract new clients and the best staff in the region,” Andrew said, “As far as my development, I’m working towards becoming a Director at Beames & Associates within the next few years.”
Andrew and the rest of the staff at Beames and Associates are excited about the bright future of the firm. Beames & Associates is a member of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232 – Australia’s largest independently owned network of financial planning accountants and advisers. For more information, on how to plan your financial future, call (02) 6282 9500 or www.beamesandassociates.com.au
“Our services cover both accounting and financial planning and include tax returns, business accounting and compliance, self-managed superannuation funds, business development and growth, wealth accumulation, retirement planning and wealth protection. We really specialise in business advisory services and our work there includes business structuring advice, business coaching and implementing profit improvement plans – basically helping SMEs to grow their business and achieve desired financial outcomes,” Andrew said.
“We are a dynamic firm and want to work with clients that have a desire to achieve the best possible outcome from their business, whatever that may be,” Andrew explained, “We want to work with business owners and help them work on their business, not just in it. We want to be partners with our clients on their path to success.”
Andrew says it’s about working with clients to identify long term goals and then aligning those goals to business results. “We then work closely with clients to identify strategies to assist them in achieving the desired outcome from their business, and in turn, achieve their long term goals such as early retirement, being able to spend more time with the family, travel or buying that dream house”.
Andrew says that businesses can come to Beames & Associates at any stage in the business lifecycle including startups and clients from other accountants that are looking for change. According to Andrew people shift accountants when they become
When Andrew Nesbitt isn’t diving with Great White Sharks in Africa, sky-diving in New Zealand or trekking
in South America, he is a senior manager specialising in tax and business advisory services at Beames & Associates.
Andrew says, “It’s great to go on adventures and my passion for travel and sport keep me focused at work.”
Having lived in Canberra since age eight, Andrew went to Canberra Grammar School and then on to the ANU to complete a BA Commerce Degree.
He started with Beames & Associates in 2002 as an undergraduate.
“When I started I did data entry and tax returns and have progressed to managing a large business advisory services portfolio and several staff,” Andrew said.
During his nine years at Beames & Associates Andrew has seen the firm grow from eight to over 30 staff with the firm now listed on the stock exchange as part of CountPlus, a group of high achieving, premium firms from around Australia.
Andrew says that the philosophy at the Beames & Associates is to establish relationships with clients built on trust and honesty, to be accessible and to give expert advice.
“We pride ourselves in giving expert advice at a ‘big four’ level without the huge price tags,” Andrew said.
Beames & Associates provides many services to businesses and individuals in Canberra.
Chartered Accountant Senior Manager
Beames and AssociatesANDREW NESBITT
P R O F I L E
B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A J U N E 2 011 9
dissatisfied with the level of service.“We find that people look for a new
accountant when they don’t have a relationship with a trusted business advisor. We pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients and being able to deliver a quality service in a timely manner”, Andrew said.
Andrew says that one of the best things about working at Beames and Associates is being able to work on a wide variety of jobs for a diverse client base. “The majority of my clients are small to medium businesses in Canberra including businesses in retail, IT, professional service firms and medical professionals”.
Andrew says that at Beames & Associates hard work is well rewarded and celebrated in style at quarterly social functions and there are plenty of opportunities for career development.
“The future is limitless for Beames & Associates. We are well positioned for growth and we continue to attract new clients and the best staff in the region,” Andrew said, “As far as my development, I’m working towards becoming a Director at Beames & Associates within the next few years.”
Andrew and the rest of the staff at Beames and Associates are excited about the bright future of the firm. Beames & Associates is a member of Count Financial Limited AFSL 227232 – Australia’s largest independently owned network of financial planning accountants and advisers. For more information, on how to plan your financial future, call (02) 6282 9500 or www.beamesandassociates.com.au
“Our services cover both accounting and financial planning and include tax returns, business accounting and compliance, self-managed superannuation funds, business development and growth, wealth accumulation, retirement planning and wealth protection. We really specialise in business advisory services and our work there includes business structuring advice, business coaching and implementing profit improvement plans – basically helping SMEs to grow their business and achieve desired financial outcomes,” Andrew said.
“We are a dynamic firm and want to work with clients that have a desire to achieve the best possible outcome from their business, whatever that may be,” Andrew explained, “We want to work with business owners and help them work on their business, not just in it. We want to be partners with our clients on their path to success.”
Andrew says it’s about working with clients to identify long term goals and then aligning those goals to business results. “We then work closely with clients to identify strategies to assist them in achieving the desired outcome from their business, and in turn, achieve their long term goals such as early retirement, being able to spend more time with the family, travel or buying that dream house”.
Andrew says that businesses can come to Beames & Associates at any stage in the business lifecycle including startups and clients from other accountants that are looking for change. According to Andrew people shift accountants when they become
When Andrew Nesbitt isn’t diving with Great White Sharks in Africa, sky-diving in New Zealand or trekking
in South America, he is a senior manager specialising in tax and business advisory services at Beames & Associates.
Andrew says, “It’s great to go on adventures and my passion for travel and sport keep me focused at work.”
Having lived in Canberra since age eight, Andrew went to Canberra Grammar School and then on to the ANU to complete a BA Commerce Degree.
He started with Beames & Associates in 2002 as an undergraduate.
“When I started I did data entry and tax returns and have progressed to managing a large business advisory services portfolio and several staff,” Andrew said.
During his nine years at Beames & Associates Andrew has seen the firm grow from eight to over 30 staff with the firm now listed on the stock exchange as part of CountPlus, a group of high achieving, premium firms from around Australia.
Andrew says that the philosophy at the Beames & Associates is to establish relationships with clients built on trust and honesty, to be accessible and to give expert advice.
“We pride ourselves in giving expert advice at a ‘big four’ level without the huge price tags,” Andrew said.
Beames & Associates provides many services to businesses and individuals in Canberra.
Chartered Accountant Senior Manager
Beames and AssociatesANDREW NESBITT
P R O F I L E
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A10
Andrew Sykes is Director, Business Solutions at RSM Bird Cameron
For information on business improvements contact our experienced team, 103–105 Northbourne Ave, Canberra.T: 02 6247 5988, www.rsmi.com.au
F E AT U R E
Increasing sales is great. In fact it’s the number one goal of most business, however it’s not enough alone to ensure a growing bottom line. What you need to also focus on is increasing gross profit percentage.
Gross profit percentage is one of the key measures that business should use to assess financial performance. It shows you what percentage of every sale you are earning as profit after allowing for the cost of the product. You then use this gross profit to pay for your overheads – the costs of actually running the business. Higher gross profit will provide you with greater resources to operate your business and lead to a bigger bottom line.
To calculate gross profit you take total sales revenue and subtract total sales costs or cost of goods. If you sell your product for $100 and it costs you $60 to buy wholesale your gross profit is $40. You then divide your gross profit by your gross sales revenue to get your gross profit percentage. Using the example above, you would divide your gross profit of $40 by your revenue of $100, for a 40 percent gross profit.
To increase your gross profit percentage you can use one of three strategies:
Increase gross profit by increasing sales.
This strategy may sound simple but many small businesses fail to follow a strategy to deliberately increase sales. Simple ideas that can prove effective are:• Measure the conversion rates in your business. Start to record customer
enquiries and which ones lead to a sale. It’s great to know that for every 100 enquiries you will get X amount of sales. Once you know this you can then work on increasing it.
• Increase the average sales size. Offer complementary merchandise or bulk buys.
• Seek referrals from existing customers or related businesses.
Manage your margins.
This is where better stock management and buying can improve your bottom line regardless of whether you actually increase sales:• Make sure you do a stock take. If you don’t check you stock, how do you
know it has not going missing. Stock can be stolen by customers and staff. One of the best ways to prevent and manage this is to regularly check it.
• Forecast and plan your inventory more efficiently. Many small businesses suffer lower margins due to spoilage and waste. Work out how much waste you should have in your business and measure against this figure. You may get a surprise.
• Make sure you check all stock that is received. This will ensure that you only pay for stock that is delivered and is in good condition.
Pricing.
A good pricing strategy is key to business performance but it’s one that a lot of businesses lack. You really need to know why you are setting a price and understand if your price is maximising the benefit out of all of the hard work of running your business. Most business base their pricing on how much their product costs. The most profitable however have moved to strategic pricing – pricing on their customers perception of value.
Simple areas to consider are:• Adjust your prices so that they are in line with your
competitors. This may seem obvious but you need to take time out to check what your competition is charging and that you are not too cheap.
• Price some of your stock lines to keep customers coming back. This will be those items of stock that are easy to compare with your competitors. This will keep customers dealing with you and you can then increase your margin on related products that may be a little harder to get.
• Make sure you price all stock consistently – don’t leave the same item on display with a different price. The customer will always choose the cheapest in this situation.These are some basic strategies to increase your
gross profit percentage and your bottom line. We will be reviewing these and other strategies at our upcoming Increased Business Performance Seminar - email [email protected] for more details.
6 Goals for Increased Business Performance
by Andrew Sykes
Part 2 – Improve your Gross Profi t Percentage
Andrew Sykes is Director, Business Solutions at RSM Bird Cameron
For information on business improvements contact our experienced team, 103–105 Northbourne Ave, Canberra.T: 02 6247 5988, www.rsmi.com.au
F E AT U R E
Increasing sales is great. In fact it’s the number one goal of most business, however it’s not enough alone to ensure a growing bottom line. What you need to also focus on is increasing gross profit percentage.
Gross profit percentage is one of the key measures that business should use to assess financial performance. It shows you what percentage of every sale you are earning as profit after allowing for the cost of the product. You then use this gross profit to pay for your overheads – the costs of actually running the business. Higher gross profit will provide you with greater resources to operate your business and lead to a bigger bottom line.
To calculate gross profit you take total sales revenue and subtract total sales costs or cost of goods. If you sell your product for $100 and it costs you $60 to buy wholesale your gross profit is $40. You then divide your gross profit by your gross sales revenue to get your gross profit percentage. Using the example above, you would divide your gross profit of $40 by your revenue of $100, for a 40 percent gross profit.
To increase your gross profit percentage you can use one of three strategies:
Increase gross profit by increasing sales.
This strategy may sound simple but many small businesses fail to follow a strategy to deliberately increase sales. Simple ideas that can prove effective are:• Measure the conversion rates in your business. Start to record customer
enquiries and which ones lead to a sale. It’s great to know that for every 100 enquiries you will get X amount of sales. Once you know this you can then work on increasing it.
• Increase the average sales size. Offer complementary merchandise or bulk buys.
• Seek referrals from existing customers or related businesses.
Manage your margins.
This is where better stock management and buying can improve your bottom line regardless of whether you actually increase sales:• Make sure you do a stock take. If you don’t check you stock, how do you
know it has not going missing. Stock can be stolen by customers and staff. One of the best ways to prevent and manage this is to regularly check it.
• Forecast and plan your inventory more efficiently. Many small businesses suffer lower margins due to spoilage and waste. Work out how much waste you should have in your business and measure against this figure. You may get a surprise.
• Make sure you check all stock that is received. This will ensure that you only pay for stock that is delivered and is in good condition.
Pricing.
A good pricing strategy is key to business performance but it’s one that a lot of businesses lack. You really need to know why you are setting a price and understand if your price is maximising the benefit out of all of the hard work of running your business. Most business base their pricing on how much their product costs. The most profitable however have moved to strategic pricing – pricing on their customers perception of value.
Simple areas to consider are:• Adjust your prices so that they are in line with your
competitors. This may seem obvious but you need to take time out to check what your competition is charging and that you are not too cheap.
• Price some of your stock lines to keep customers coming back. This will be those items of stock that are easy to compare with your competitors. This will keep customers dealing with you and you can then increase your margin on related products that may be a little harder to get.
• Make sure you price all stock consistently – don’t leave the same item on display with a different price. The customer will always choose the cheapest in this situation.These are some basic strategies to increase your
gross profit percentage and your bottom line. We will be reviewing these and other strategies at our upcoming Increased Business Performance Seminar - email [email protected] for more details.
6 Goals for Increased Business Performance
by Andrew Sykes
Part 2 – Improve your Gross Profi t Percentage
Business services expo 2011national convention centre canBerra 17th and 18th septemBer 2011
sponsorsSponsors benefit from the exposure during Business in Focus month, Floriade and our substantial marketing campaign. Attractive sponsor packages on offer.
Contact us to sponsor the Expo now and enjoy increased exposure in early marketing material.
attendeesAttendees benefit from access to 80 exhibitors tailored specifically to business related services.
One 2 One appointment booking system to receive quality time with exhibitors.
vermillion events managementPO Box 3440 Manuka ACT 2603
Mobile 0402 422 883
www.vermillionevents.com.au
exhibitorsExhibitors benefit from the synergy of the ACT Government’s Business in Focus month and Floriade.
An extensive marketing campaign, tickets to the Canapés and Cocktails Networking event and much more.
Contact us to exhibit or learn more.
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over 100 years of legal services in the Canberra region
To paraphrase Charles Darwin, “those most adaptable to change, are the ones who, through changing times, are best equipped to succeed”.
While it is apparent he was not referring to law firms, there are some very striking parallels.
Law firms have been around for centuries, and elringtons in particular can trace its roots back to 1897. Firms with a history like that, which are still practising today can lay claim to be an adherent of Darwin and are further proof of his theories. Over time, there have been a number of incarnations, with the most recent being the evolution to elringtons from the former business name of Elrington Boardman Allport.
elringtons managing partner, Matthew Bridger, says the name change and the new visual imagery is a ‘secondary concern’ for the firm.“What truly is exciting is the continuous improvement behind the scenes, all of which is directed to the interests and needs of our clients who come from throughout Canberra and Queanbeyan, and the surrounding area. Those interests and needs have changed significantly in recent years so the need to adapt and deliver services accordingly is more relevant now than ever before,” Matthew said.
According to Matthew exciting and energetic
decisions have been made at elringtons. “This was essential in order to deliver long
term benefit to our clients. elringtons plan to deliver their work to clients, to a previously unconsidered standard of service for the profession,” Matthew said.
elringtons is not a specialist, narrow focus law firm, rather it has assembled lawyers and staff of a high caliber into specialised teams
that will provide sound advice to clients in Business Services, Property Conveyancing, Litigation and Personal Injury, Family and Migration law, and Wills and Estate Planning.
“At elringtons each case is unique, each client is unique, and each member of our team is unique,” Matthew stated proudly.
It is that personal side to elringtons that distinguishes them from their competitors.
“Our clients’ best interests are our best interests,” Matthew said, “We believe our
“client first” approach in everything that we do, means that we will be placing our trust in our clients as much as they trust us with their affairs. Let me therefore, make this promise to you on behalf of everyone at elringtons. Every individual in our firm, every action we take, every decision we make will have the very best interests of our clients as their driving force. “
Evolution has had a related impact on the firm’s growth, to the point it required them to relocate to new premises. elringtons can now be found at Level 7, 221 London Circuit, Canberra – the former ACTEWAGL building. Their Queanbeyan office remains at 122 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan, and the Postal address and telephone numbers for both offices remains unchanged.
“Together we’re moving, adapting and constantly evolving,” Matthew said.
Photography: Andrew Sikorski
C O V E R S T O R Y
“Let me therefore, make this promise to you on behalf of everyone at elringtons. Every individual in our fi rm, every action we take, every decision we make will have the very best interests of our clients as their driving force, “ Matthew Bridger, Elringtons Managing Partner
fbm
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continues on page 14
pixeltopaper.com.au
We want to help guide your creative decisions.Not make them for you.
Are you ready to consider a fresh approach to creative design + web services for your business?
Creative graphic design, print & web solutions.
6285 55 02From concept inception to final delivery of your project - we offer
affordable, creative, professional & effective solutions; whilst providing
you with the highest in design, web & customer service standards.
R E S U LT S A N D M O N E Y B A C K G U A R A N T E E *
packages
ALLURE PLATINUM
6 HRS $590
Bergman Supreme Anti-Ageing Treatment,
Coconut Milk and Honey Body Ritual, Luxury
Pedicure, Luxury Manicure and light lunch
ALLURE DIAMOND
3.5 HRS $410
Sothys Collagen Facial, Eye Treatment, French
Body Polish, Hot Lava Shell Massage
ALLURE GOLD
4.5 HRS $380
Bergman Hydrating Treatment, 30 minute Swedish
Massage, Luxury Pedicure and Luxury Manicure
ALLURE SILVER
2 HRS $250
Bergman Classic Facial and Full Body Swedish
Massage
ALLURE BRONZE
2.5 HRS $250
Coconut Milk and Honey Body Ritual and
Sothys Ampoule Facial
ALLURE EMERALD
2.75 HRS $220
Sothys Radiance Infusion Facial and
Luxury Pedicure
ALLURE SAPPHIRE
1.25 HRS $160
Bergman Express Beauty Treatment and 30
minute Swedish Massage
ALLURE PEARL
1 HR $110
Sothys Introductory Facial and 30 minute Swedish
massage
ALLURE MAN
2 HRS $200
Homme Facial and Full Body Swedish Massage
4 / 28 Eyre St Kingston ACT 2604
6162 41 61
allurecanberra.com.au
Monday 9AM – 6PM
Tuesday 9AM – 6PM
Wednesday 9AM – 7PM
Thursday 9AM – 8PM
Friday 9AM – 6PM
Saturday 9AM – 4PM
experience luxury.
HEALTHY TIPS, FUN FACTS, GAMES,
ACTIVITES AND MORE INSIDE!
L O O P & H E A L T H Y H O O P S 4 A C T I V
E K I D S
P R O U D L Y P R E S E N T S
Part One
Our StoresAs Nature Intended 02 6253 0444Belconnen Deli 02 6251 6192Ben’s All Meats 02 6251 2523Beppe’s Tuscan Kitchen 02 6253 0033 Book Passion 02 6251 0116 Bunches@Belconnen 02 6251 6636 Chona’s Souvenirs and Gifts 02 6253 0253
Cooking Co-Ordinates 02 6253 5132 Deli Cravings 02 6251 4056Don’s Café & Catering 02 6251 4848Eco Meats 02 6251 9018Fins Seafood Café 02 6253 1157 1st Choice Liquor 02 6217 8100Fishco Downunder 02 6251 2552
Food Lovers 02 6253 5079Janey Fashion 02 6251 0010Knead Patisserie 02 6162 3200Li’s Hotbake 02 6251 3437 Market Gourmet 02 6251 9002Market Meats at Belconnen 02 6251 1527Mike’s Meats 02 6251 3006Natural Living 02 6251 1557Petbarn 02 6251 5329Tee’s Trading House 02 6251 7740The Chicken Coop 02 6251 1510Tom’s Superfruits 02 6253 4162Wiffens Premium Green 02 6251 2864Ziggy’s 02 6251 3568
real food, real value, real fast. So Fresh!(02) 6251 1680Lathlain Street, Belconnen ACT
WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY8 AM - 6 PMSelected Stores Open 7 Days visit bffm.com.auBENJAMIN WAY
LAITHLAIN STREET
MARKET STREET
IBBOT
T LAN
E
BELC
ONNE
N WAY
B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A J U N E 2 011 13
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elringtons family law team, headed up by partner, Carlos Turini and his team manager, Claire Naidu, approaches every matter with an exciting mix of experience and youthful energy. They and their colleagues work as a team on every matter and that means that their clients get the full range of professional services throughout the course of engaging the firm.
The firm boasts a number of highly skilled court advocates who are able to get their clients the results they seek. They are also persuasive negotiators and achieve settlements with mediation without the need to go to court.
Between them, the family law team has more than 40 years experience in the provision of family law advice. Partner, Carlos Turini, is an accredited family law specialist. Carlos has a reputation for understanding the key issues of a matter quickly and structuring a plan of attack to see the matter through to its successful completion. If you speak to any of Carlos’ clients and colleagues you will see that not only
Carlos Turini, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1069474), and Nanae Yoshiwara, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0964316) are specialist lawyers in the area of migration law including in the more than one hundred classes and sub classes of visas available.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) grants visas to tens of thousands of immigrants each year including permanent, temporary visas and bridging visas. Each category has specific requirements and criteria to be satisfied. On occasions, it is appropriate to lodge more than one visa application at the same time.
Frequently, a strategy needs to be devised regarding the visa application or applications to be lodged in a specific matter. Carlos and Nanae have the knowledge and experience to assist applicants to formulate their plan and lodge their applications.
is he well respected as a lawyer, but, he is also a well respected and well liked individual.
Claire Naidu (formerly Grogan) is also an accredited family law specialist. Claire’s knack for getting great results has seen her elevated quickly through the elringtons ranks where she is now the senior associate and practice leader for the family law team. She brings great enthusiasm and energy to everything she does. Claire takes pride in keeping on top of new family law developments including changes to surrogacy and adoption law.
Shera Zaidan is a compassionate and thoughtful solicitor, who has developed into becoming a formidable advocate – due no doubt to her extensive experience working as a Federal Magistrates Associate over a number of years. This experience has given Shera an insider’s perspective of the court process, as her client you know that her advice about the court process comes from someone in the know.
family law
migration
C O V E R S T O R Y
elringtons is also able to assist those immigrants who wish to come to Canberra and are sponsored by the ACT Government.
The Federal Government responds to changing needs in the Australian economy and publishes an annual list of required occupations. That lists varies from year to year. The ACT Government publishes its own Skill and Business Migration Program each year.
On occasions, it is appropriate to appeal a decision from DIAC either to a tribunal or to the Federal Court. Nanae and Carlos at elringtons are equipped to provide the legal advice and legal representation to those parties.
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Carlos TURINI Craig PAINTERMatthew BRIDGER
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14 J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A
lThe elringtons litigation practice group focuses on the principles of dispute resolution. Their aim has always been and will continue to be to resolve their clients’ disputes in the most cost effective manner and to ensure their clients’ rights are protected.
elringtons has assisted clients in all aspects of litigation, be it enforcement of contract, recovery of debt, defending winding up applications, or employment law. In addition, elringtons have a significant civil litigation practice with a focus on insurance and compensation law.
Craig Painter, a partner at elringtons, believes that the litigation process often results in a winner and loser.
litigation practice“In many circumstances even if you win your primary legal argument,
you may lose financially. At elringtons, our focus on dispute resolution is to ensure that our clients resolve their dispute in the most cost effective and timely manner. Our in depth knowledge of the various jurisdictions in the ACT, NSW and Federal environments gives us the advantage in favour of our clients,” Craig said.
elringtons are a law firm with a wide range of specialist practitioners, and specialist litigation practitioners count high among that group.
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Claire NAIDU Kieran MAYCassandra EMMETT
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bThe Business Services section at elringtons is a professional and experienced team of commercial solicitors, paralegals and support staff.
Under the sage counsel of partner, David Walters, the team delivers.Peter Murphy specialises in property and estate planning, and
has been with elringtons for over 14 years. Cassandra Emmett was a commercial and property law partner in Darwin before joining the elringtons business services team, and Rod Anthes in our Queanbeyan office has practised law in NSW for over 20 years.
Evidence of their capability can be found in the complexity of the dealings relating to the Bungendore wind farms, which was efficiently managed to its finality.
elringtons also have a skilled team of experienced conveyancers who will guide you through the process of your first home purchase, or your latest investment property sale, and the benefit of engaging an experienced law firm to carry out your conveyance means that you have skilled property solicitors on hand to resolve any contractual issues that arise.
business services
elringtons also have advisors who use a holistic approach to estate planning which takes into account your family and business circumstances, your wants and needs, and gives you an outcome that will minimise potential for dispute or challenge and allow for ease of business succession.
elringtons’ approach to advising business clients of Canberra and its surrounds is to ensure that the client’s business structure is sound and appropriate, and that all their boxes are ticked with respect to risk management, business succession and efficiency of processes. elringtons’ practitioners can conduct a “health check” on your business, examining your structure, trust or partnership or company, your leases and employment contracts, your service provider contracts, your processes including quotes and initial agreements to ensure that debtor levels are managed effectively.
David Walters said, “The Business Services team at elringtons can look after all of your business, commercial and property needs – we’re accessible, approachable and professional”
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C O V E R S T O R Y
Contact Elringtons, T: 6206 1300
E: [email protected] elringtons.com.au
f
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elringtons family law team, headed up by partner, Carlos Turini and his team manager, Claire Naidu, approaches every matter with an exciting mix of experience and youthful energy. They and their colleagues work as a team on every matter and that means that their clients get the full range of professional services throughout the course of engaging the firm.
The firm boasts a number of highly skilled court advocates who are able to get their clients the results they seek. They are also persuasive negotiators and achieve settlements with mediation without the need to go to court.
Between them, the family law team has more than 40 years experience in the provision of family law advice. Partner, Carlos Turini, is an accredited family law specialist. Carlos has a reputation for understanding the key issues of a matter quickly and structuring a plan of attack to see the matter through to its successful completion. If you speak to any of Carlos’ clients and colleagues you will see that not only
Carlos Turini, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1069474), and Nanae Yoshiwara, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0964316) are specialist lawyers in the area of migration law including in the more than one hundred classes and sub classes of visas available.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) grants visas to tens of thousands of immigrants each year including permanent, temporary visas and bridging visas. Each category has specific requirements and criteria to be satisfied. On occasions, it is appropriate to lodge more than one visa application at the same time.
Frequently, a strategy needs to be devised regarding the visa application or applications to be lodged in a specific matter. Carlos and Nanae have the knowledge and experience to assist applicants to formulate their plan and lodge their applications.
is he well respected as a lawyer, but, he is also a well respected and well liked individual.
Claire Naidu (formerly Grogan) is also an accredited family law specialist. Claire’s knack for getting great results has seen her elevated quickly through the elringtons ranks where she is now the senior associate and practice leader for the family law team. She brings great enthusiasm and energy to everything she does. Claire takes pride in keeping on top of new family law developments including changes to surrogacy and adoption law.
Shera Zaidan is a compassionate and thoughtful solicitor, who has developed into becoming a formidable advocate – due no doubt to her extensive experience working as a Federal Magistrates Associate over a number of years. This experience has given Shera an insider’s perspective of the court process, as her client you know that her advice about the court process comes from someone in the know.
family law
migration
C O V E R S T O R Y
elringtons is also able to assist those immigrants who wish to come to Canberra and are sponsored by the ACT Government.
The Federal Government responds to changing needs in the Australian economy and publishes an annual list of required occupations. That lists varies from year to year. The ACT Government publishes its own Skill and Business Migration Program each year.
On occasions, it is appropriate to appeal a decision from DIAC either to a tribunal or to the Federal Court. Nanae and Carlos at elringtons are equipped to provide the legal advice and legal representation to those parties.
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l
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Carlos TURINI Craig PAINTERMatthew BRIDGER
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A C T B U D G E T B R E A K FA S T
ACT BUDGET MARKS 10 YEARS
OF ACT LABOR
and the sky is still holding up rather well ...
After hearing ‘the sky is falling’ for the last nine years nothing really changed at the recent Canberra Business Council ACT Budget Breakfast.
Apparently, if we are to believe the Seselja Opposition, we are going to hell in a hand-basket. According to Zed: taxes are up; rates are up; rents are up; water prices are up; electricity prices are up; parking is up; childcare is up … basically according the Leader of the ACT Liberal opposition – we are ruined.
Zed labeled the recent ACT Budget as a ‘battle between the ACT Government’s budget and family budgets all around the ACT’.
In fact according to Zed, “The cost of living is increasing to breaking point, even for families with two incomes,” and “If they (ACT Labor Government) place families under this much pressure when times are good, how much worse will it be for families if times get tough?”
And like a broken record, Opposition Treasury Spokesman, Brendan Smyth MLA, banged on about single lane highways and duplications – Most of the audience seemed to shake their heads and think privately to themselves – ‘This hasn’t seemed to work for ten years Brendan, maybe it’s time to change your tune …’
A breath of fresh air seemed to come from Archie Tsirimokis, managing partner of law firm Meyer Vandenberg in welcoming us all to the CBC ACT Budget Breakfast.
“We have had to balance our Budget, as well as make investments in services and infrastructure for the community in an environment of below trend Commonwealth revenues,” Katy Gallagher MLA
Words: Tim Benson
A C T B U D G E T B R E A K FA S T
In a few words Archie was able to put our ‘cost of living at breaking point’ ACT Budget into some relative global context ranging from Lesotho to Ireland.
Commenting on the recent Irish budget Archie quoted the Irish Finance Minister as saying, ‘it is clear to us all what went wrong in our economy. In the period leading up to the crisis, the construction sector and property prices grew to unsustainable levels. The appetite of the rampant building industry for labour and other resources put upward pressures on our cost structure. As a result, our competitiveness was damaged and we lost market share for our goods and services. A huge expansion in bank borrowing from property and construction related investment was the final and most lethal domestic ingredient in the causes of our crisis’.
Archie went on to comment that, “It seems to me that those considerations are relevant to an ACT economy that has performed exceptionally well to a large extent because of the building and property sectors and sounds a note of caution for us all.”
And what of the Budget itself? Well according to then Treasurer, and now Chief Minister, Katy
Gallagher, the 2011-12 Budget is ‘focused and disciplined’, ‘allows for growth’ and ‘delivers on the Government’s commitment to return the Territory to surplus’.
Katy went on to say that It has been a difficult Budget to finalise and that balancing the financial and social objectives has not been easy.
“We have had to balance our Budget, as well as make investments in services and infrastructure for the community in an environment of below trend Commonwealth revenues,” Katy said.
Katy explained that new spending of $266 million is largely offset by savings of around $217 million over four years and that the Budget continues to progress major investments in the Territory’s
infrastructure to deliver better services to the community, to increase the capacity of our economy, and to support the growth of the city with additional allocations of around $885 million over four years.
And that the Budget includes borrowings of $650 million – $200 million more than the previous forecast.
So how was this all received by the audience? Well most media called the Budget ‘grey’. The ACT Business Council said that it ‘struck the right balance’ and that ‘The ACT Government has unveiled a fiscally responsible Budget’.
When the breakfast came to a close, I headed out into the crisp morning air, glanced heavenwards and felt comforted, that for now, the sky was still in its rightful place.
16 J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A
A C T B U D G E T B R E A K FA S T
ACT BUDGET MARKS 10 YEARS
OF ACT LABOR
and the sky is still holding up rather well ...
After hearing ‘the sky is falling’ for the last nine years nothing really changed at the recent Canberra Business Council ACT Budget Breakfast.
Apparently, if we are to believe the Seselja Opposition, we are going to hell in a hand-basket. According to Zed: taxes are up; rates are up; rents are up; water prices are up; electricity prices are up; parking is up; childcare is up … basically according the Leader of the ACT Liberal opposition – we are ruined.
Zed labeled the recent ACT Budget as a ‘battle between the ACT Government’s budget and family budgets all around the ACT’.
In fact according to Zed, “The cost of living is increasing to breaking point, even for families with two incomes,” and “If they (ACT Labor Government) place families under this much pressure when times are good, how much worse will it be for families if times get tough?”
And like a broken record, Opposition Treasury Spokesman, Brendan Smyth MLA, banged on about single lane highways and duplications – Most of the audience seemed to shake their heads and think privately to themselves – ‘This hasn’t seemed to work for ten years Brendan, maybe it’s time to change your tune …’
A breath of fresh air seemed to come from Archie Tsirimokis, managing partner of law firm Meyer Vandenberg in welcoming us all to the CBC ACT Budget Breakfast.
“We have had to balance our Budget, as well as make investments in services and infrastructure for the community in an environment of below trend Commonwealth revenues,” Katy Gallagher MLA
Words: Tim Benson
A C T B U D G E T B R E A K FA S T
In a few words Archie was able to put our ‘cost of living at breaking point’ ACT Budget into some relative global context ranging from Lesotho to Ireland.
Commenting on the recent Irish budget Archie quoted the Irish Finance Minister as saying, ‘it is clear to us all what went wrong in our economy. In the period leading up to the crisis, the construction sector and property prices grew to unsustainable levels. The appetite of the rampant building industry for labour and other resources put upward pressures on our cost structure. As a result, our competitiveness was damaged and we lost market share for our goods and services. A huge expansion in bank borrowing from property and construction related investment was the final and most lethal domestic ingredient in the causes of our crisis’.
Archie went on to comment that, “It seems to me that those considerations are relevant to an ACT economy that has performed exceptionally well to a large extent because of the building and property sectors and sounds a note of caution for us all.”
And what of the Budget itself? Well according to then Treasurer, and now Chief Minister, Katy
Gallagher, the 2011-12 Budget is ‘focused and disciplined’, ‘allows for growth’ and ‘delivers on the Government’s commitment to return the Territory to surplus’.
Katy went on to say that It has been a difficult Budget to finalise and that balancing the financial and social objectives has not been easy.
“We have had to balance our Budget, as well as make investments in services and infrastructure for the community in an environment of below trend Commonwealth revenues,” Katy said.
Katy explained that new spending of $266 million is largely offset by savings of around $217 million over four years and that the Budget continues to progress major investments in the Territory’s
infrastructure to deliver better services to the community, to increase the capacity of our economy, and to support the growth of the city with additional allocations of around $885 million over four years.
And that the Budget includes borrowings of $650 million – $200 million more than the previous forecast.
So how was this all received by the audience? Well most media called the Budget ‘grey’. The ACT Business Council said that it ‘struck the right balance’ and that ‘The ACT Government has unveiled a fiscally responsible Budget’.
When the breakfast came to a close, I headed out into the crisp morning air, glanced heavenwards and felt comforted, that for now, the sky was still in its rightful place.
5 reasons why you can trust our Turnaround & Insolvency team
1. 75+ years combined experience in the Canberra T&I management team
2. 20 years working ‘hands on’ in the Canberra region
3. 20 dedicated T&I specialists in Canberra
4. 850 staff Firm wide = experts in every field
5. Multi-nationals and Canberra locals turn to us for advice
Chartered AccountantsBird Cameron Partners
RSM Bird Cameron 103-105 Northbourne Avenue
Ph: 02 6247 5988 Fax: 02 6217 0403
www.rsmi.com.au
B2B June T&I v2.indd 1 2/06/2011 11:23:40 AM
B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A J U N E 2 011 19
A D V I C E F R O M B U S I N E S S E X P E R T S
C O N T E N T S
20 ACCOUNTING Directors may become personally liable for unpaid
superannuation from 1 July 2011By Frank Lo Pilato, RSM Bird Cameron Chartered Accountants
20 ACCOUNTING SERVICES Redeeming your business interest due to an
involuntary eventBy Brett Billington, Hillross Wealth Management Centre Canberra
21 BUSINESS LAW Positive cash flow and director’s liabilities:
how can one affect the other?By Craig Painter, Elringtons Lawyers
21 BUSINESS COACHING To know your customer is to serve your customer...
and your business By Frans Walschots, 10X
22 COMMERCIAL LAWTestamentary guardianBy John Irvine, Trinity Law
22 CORPORATE GOVERNANCEChina and India- more than mining opportunitiesBy Phil Butler, Australian Institute of Company Directors
24 ESTATE PLANNINGFinancial agreements and estate planningBy Stephen Bourke, Certus Law
26 INFORMATION SECURITYDeveloping disaster recovery plan effectivelyBy Boaz Fischer, CommsNet Group
26 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTYTrademark examiner adverse reports not necessarily fatal to your application By Shaun Creighton, ARUNA Trade Mark Attorneys.
28 PERFORMANCE ARCHITECTSBrain exercise - the new caffeine? By Andy Gregory, Yellow Edge.
28 REAL ESTATEPrice your home to Sell(eck)By Maria Selleck, Maria Selleck Properties
30 RISK INSURANCEHow much life insurance is enough?By Jeff Proud, Capital Wealth
30 WEBSITESApple vs Mango- take your pickle By Sam Gupta, Synapse Worldwide
5 reasons why you can trust our Turnaround & Insolvency team
1. 75+ years combined experience in the Canberra T&I management team
2. 20 years working ‘hands on’ in the Canberra region
3. 20 dedicated T&I specialists in Canberra
4. 850 staff Firm wide = experts in every field
5. Multi-nationals and Canberra locals turn to us for advice
Chartered AccountantsBird Cameron Partners
RSM Bird Cameron 103-105 Northbourne Avenue
Ph: 02 6247 5988 Fax: 02 6217 0403
www.rsmi.com.au
B2B June T&I v2.indd 1 2/06/2011 11:23:40 AM
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A20
A D V I C E
ACCOUNTING ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Directors may become personally liable for unpaid superannuation from 1 July 2011
Redeeming your business interest due to an involuntary event
by Frank Lo Pilato by Brett Billington
The new Federal Budget has been released under the guise of a tough but fair budget.
One of the areas that the Federal Government has been threatening to strengthen in the past is its taxation laws to counter fraudulent phoenix activity. This Federal Budget seeks to make good on the Governments previous threats.
Whilst it is the Government’s intention to clamp down on fraudulent phoenix activity through these changes, it appears that these changes will have a direct impact upon all directors regardless of whether or not they engage in fraudulent phoenix activity.
The Federal Budget discloses the following changes, to come into effect on 1 July 2011:
The director penalty regime will be extended to superannuation guarantee amounts, making directors personally liable for their company’s failure to pay employee superannuation.
At this stage there is no formal commentary as to how this will be enforced or whether it applies retrospectively to superannuation amounts already unpaid as at 1 July 2011.
The ATO will be given the power to commence recovery against directors under the director penalty regime, without providing a 21 day grace period, for certain unpaid company liabilities that remain unreported after three months of becoming due.
In certain circumstances directors and associates of directors will be prevented from obtaining credits for withheld amounts in their individual tax returns where the company has failed to pay withheld amounts to the ATO.
The Government estimates that these changes will result in an additional $260 million in revenue in fiscal balance terms over the forward estimates period.
There is a related increase in ATO departmental expenses of $22.1 million over the same period. In underlying cash terms, the estimated increase in receipts is $245 million over the forward estimates period.
A detailed mechanical explanation of these changes has not been circulated as yet, but that does not mean they should be dismissed by directors or professional advisors.
The ATO has been provided with the tools and the funding to enforce compliance and they will be inclined to use it.
Many business owners have professional indemnity insurance and insurance cover against damage to physical business assets. However for many businesses the most important business asset - the key people in the business, are unprotected. According to Ross Cameron Research:While 53% of small business owners have heard of “key person” cover, only 6% actually have this cover. While 37% of small business owners have heard of “buy/sell” cover, only 9% actually have it.
What would the conversation be between your family and the remaining business owners if you were to depart due to an involuntary event (death, disability, or serious illness)?
Would your family and remaining business partners agree on the value and the business’s ability to fund your financial interest?
On the other side, if the business or remaining business partners are unable to fund the purchase of the estates share, will the new owner be unexpected and/or an unwelcome active business partner?
Buy/sell business arrangements are used by business owners who want to ensure that upon their departure from the business due to an involuntary event (death, disability, or serious illness):• there is a pre-determined agreed price for their business interest
their business interest transfers smoothly to the surviving business owner(s) the funding is available to fund this transfer.A buy/sell arrangement has two important components to it:
• a disposal mechanism (the buy/sell agreement)• a funding mechanism.
There are a number of funding mechanisms that may be considered (eg external financing, etc). Here the focus is on using insurance proceeds to fund the transfer. That is, using insurance proceeds as consideration for the outgoing owner’s business interest. There are two important considerations when recommending funding via insurance:
avoiding unnecessary income tax or CGT on the policy proceeds that will fund the transfer. The ability to achieve this will depend on how the agreement has been structured and the ownership of the policy
certainty that the proceeds are used for its intended purpose.There are also a number of other issues that need to be addressed if
using funding through insurance:Who will own the insurance policy/iesWho will pay the insurance premiumsWho will receive the proceedsHow often the level of cover should be reviewed.We work with accountants and solicitors to ensure you have the best
possible chance of looking after your family.
Frank is a Director at RSM Bird Cameron and provides advice to clients on all areas of personal and corporate administration.For more information, contact RSM Bird Cameron, 103-105 Northbourne Ave Canberra T:6247 5988 E:[email protected] www.rsmi.com.au
Hillross Wealth Management Centre Canberra – providing professional wealth management services to clients of our alliance partners.
Brett Billington is a financial adviser at Hillross Wealth Management Centre Canberra. Level 7, AMP Building,1 Hobart Place, Canberra City, T: 02 6263 9200, [email protected], www.hillross.com.au
B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A J U N E 2 011 21
A D V I C E
ACCOUNTING ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Directors may become personally liable for unpaid superannuation from 1 July 2011
Redeeming your business interest due to an involuntary event
by Frank Lo Pilato by Brett Billington
The new Federal Budget has been released under the guise of a tough but fair budget.
One of the areas that the Federal Government has been threatening to strengthen in the past is its taxation laws to counter fraudulent phoenix activity. This Federal Budget seeks to make good on the Governments previous threats.
Whilst it is the Government’s intention to clamp down on fraudulent phoenix activity through these changes, it appears that these changes will have a direct impact upon all directors regardless of whether or not they engage in fraudulent phoenix activity.
The Federal Budget discloses the following changes, to come into effect on 1 July 2011:
The director penalty regime will be extended to superannuation guarantee amounts, making directors personally liable for their company’s failure to pay employee superannuation.
At this stage there is no formal commentary as to how this will be enforced or whether it applies retrospectively to superannuation amounts already unpaid as at 1 July 2011.
The ATO will be given the power to commence recovery against directors under the director penalty regime, without providing a 21 day grace period, for certain unpaid company liabilities that remain unreported after three months of becoming due.
In certain circumstances directors and associates of directors will be prevented from obtaining credits for withheld amounts in their individual tax returns where the company has failed to pay withheld amounts to the ATO.
The Government estimates that these changes will result in an additional $260 million in revenue in fiscal balance terms over the forward estimates period.
There is a related increase in ATO departmental expenses of $22.1 million over the same period. In underlying cash terms, the estimated increase in receipts is $245 million over the forward estimates period.
A detailed mechanical explanation of these changes has not been circulated as yet, but that does not mean they should be dismissed by directors or professional advisors.
The ATO has been provided with the tools and the funding to enforce compliance and they will be inclined to use it.
Many business owners have professional indemnity insurance and insurance cover against damage to physical business assets. However for many businesses the most important business asset - the key people in the business, are unprotected. According to Ross Cameron Research:While 53% of small business owners have heard of “key person” cover, only 6% actually have this cover. While 37% of small business owners have heard of “buy/sell” cover, only 9% actually have it.
What would the conversation be between your family and the remaining business owners if you were to depart due to an involuntary event (death, disability, or serious illness)?
Would your family and remaining business partners agree on the value and the business’s ability to fund your financial interest?
On the other side, if the business or remaining business partners are unable to fund the purchase of the estates share, will the new owner be unexpected and/or an unwelcome active business partner?
Buy/sell business arrangements are used by business owners who want to ensure that upon their departure from the business due to an involuntary event (death, disability, or serious illness):• there is a pre-determined agreed price for their business interest
their business interest transfers smoothly to the surviving business owner(s) the funding is available to fund this transfer.A buy/sell arrangement has two important components to it:
• a disposal mechanism (the buy/sell agreement)• a funding mechanism.
There are a number of funding mechanisms that may be considered (eg external financing, etc). Here the focus is on using insurance proceeds to fund the transfer. That is, using insurance proceeds as consideration for the outgoing owner’s business interest. There are two important considerations when recommending funding via insurance:
avoiding unnecessary income tax or CGT on the policy proceeds that will fund the transfer. The ability to achieve this will depend on how the agreement has been structured and the ownership of the policy
certainty that the proceeds are used for its intended purpose.There are also a number of other issues that need to be addressed if
using funding through insurance:Who will own the insurance policy/iesWho will pay the insurance premiumsWho will receive the proceedsHow often the level of cover should be reviewed.We work with accountants and solicitors to ensure you have the best
possible chance of looking after your family.
Frank is a Director at RSM Bird Cameron and provides advice to clients on all areas of personal and corporate administration.For more information, contact RSM Bird Cameron, 103-105 Northbourne Ave Canberra T:6247 5988 E:[email protected] www.rsmi.com.au
Hillross Wealth Management Centre Canberra – providing professional wealth management services to clients of our alliance partners.
Brett Billington is a financial adviser at Hillross Wealth Management Centre Canberra. Level 7, AMP Building,1 Hobart Place, Canberra City, T: 02 6263 9200, [email protected], www.hillross.com.au
A D V I C E
Craig Painter is partner at Elringtons in litigation servicesContact ElringtonsT: (02) 6206 1300, Level 7, 221 London Circuit, Canberra Cityvisit: elringtons.com.au
BUSINESS LAW
Positive cash flow and director’s liabilities: how can one affect the other?
by Craig Painter BUSINESS COACHING
To know your customer is to serve your customer... and your business
by Frans Walschots
Many businesses operate a “splatter gun” approach – trying to sell to anyone and everyone that walks through the door. It may work for Coca-Cola, but rarely for small and medium sized businesses. A better understanding of your target market will equip you with the knowledge to effectively target your market and convert more potential customers into real paying customers.
Believe it or not, a slower economy is the perfect time to get to know your customer. By considering who your ideal customer is now and getting to know them a little better, you’ll be able to refocus your business and product/service offering and marketing efforts so that your business is squarely positioned to attract all of your industry’s “A” class clients as market conditions improve. Questions to uncover about your ideal customers:1. Who are they? 2. What do they buy? 3. Why do they buy?
By considering who your ideal customer is and aligning your business with their needs you’ll be able to provide a higher level of service, reap the rewards of increased customer satisfaction, and relieve yourself of the headache of dealing with those “D” class clients. 10X recommends: 5 easy strategies to align your business with Your ideal customers:• Just ask – What a lot of firms forget is to actually just ask what their
customers think and feel. • Talk and listen – Simply talking and listening to your customers
can make a real difference. This face to face method gives you an instantaneous direct response which is such a valuable piece of market research.
• Interact – The best way to get to know your customers is to connect with them at a level that is familiar to them.
• Adapt – Adjust your strategy immediately from what you find out about your customers. What a customer wants today may be different from last year.
• Direct is best – In a B2B (business-to-business) situation, speaking to the person responsible for buying your product can potentially save you a great deal of time.Your ideal customers are not like just any other paying customer –
they’re the ones that boost your bottom line and leave you with a smile on your face at the end of the day.
Learn more by coming to one of our free Edge events 15 June and 5 July – go to our web page or contact us now on 1300 855 109
There are a number of reasons why, as a director and business owner, you work towards a positive cash flow. This article cannot hope to provide you with all reasons for a positive cash flow but it intends to set out the reasons how a positive cash flow can limit your liability as a director.
The Corporations Act requires all directors to prevent their company from incurring debts that cannot be paid. In short, if a company incurs debts that cannot be paid when they fall due, the company is technically insolvent. The Act provides for personal liability of directors if they allow their company to trade whilst insolvent. In general, before a new debt is incurred a director must consider whether, as a result of that debt, the company may become insolvent. If insolvency is a possibility, there is a positive duty upon a director to not allow the company to trade. This duty also extends to directors who are not involved in the day to day running of the company.
Serious consequences for directors of companies that trade insolvent:1. Civil penalties up to $200,000.00.2. Compensation proceedings which are limitless and may lead to the
director being personally bankrupt. 3. Irrespective of an agreement between the director and creditors,
ASIC may take action to recover damages.4. Criminal charges with fines up to $220,000.00 or imprisonment up to
5 years or both.There are few defences that the director can rely on if insolvent
trading occurs. In a recent landmark Federal Court ruling, the Judge exercised his discretion under the Corporations Act by relieving the director from any penalty following a finding of insolvent trading. The Judge did so on the basis that:1. The director sought advice from a suitable expert about the
position of the company.2. The director took active steps to expand the operation of
the company.3. The business was continuing to increase its earnings.4. When the director was advised that the company’s financial
position was not strengthening he took active steps to engage an insolvency practitioner.Notwithstanding the potential for a defence for directors for
insolvent trading, the recent decision is a one-off and it is unclear whether it will be followed in the future.
For advice on protecting yourself or on director’s obligations please do not hesitate to contact us.
Frans Walschots is the business coach at 10X Canberra South.For more information, please call 02 6295 9800 visit unit 3/71 Leichhardt Street Kingston or www.10x.com.au/canberrasouth
FREE: take a look at our 10X Results Ezine via: www.10X.com.au/news
4. When do they buy? 5. How do they buy? 6. What is it that they expect from you?
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A22
A D V I C E
COMMERCIAL LAW
Testamentary guardian
by John Irvine
Death is a topic that most people would prefer not to think about, however it is prudent to consider the affect your death would have on family and loved ones.
For example, if you have children under the age of 18, who will look after them? Who will love and care for them? Will the carer raise your children the way you would want them to be raised?
These important questions should be considered at the time of writing your Will. Why? Because while you are alive, and of sound mind, you have the power to appoint via your Will a ‘testamentary guardian’. If you don’t appoint a testamentary guardian and there is no surviving parent able to look after the children, the court will need to determine who should look after your children.
While the court will take into account the children’s best interests, it may appoint someone that you would not necessarily have chosen for that role.
A testamentary guardian effectively stands in your shoes and has the same responsibilities for the care, maintenance and education of your children. As such, this should be a person who will raise your children with similar love and care to you (typically a close relative or friend).
However it is important to note that this does not guarantee that your children will live with this person. A testamentary guardian will only have the daily care of your children if there are no surviving parents and there are no Family Law Court orders in place saying who the child is to live with.
If you decide to appoint someone to act as a testamentary guardian of your children, you should always gain that person’s consent first. To assist the testamentary guardian, you can also prepare “Guidelines” setting out the important issues you would like them to consider in caring for your children.
Generally, the Guidelines set out your wishes in relation to your children’s welfare, upbringing, education, religion, lifestyle and even which values they should promote.
Although it is not legally binding, the document can go a long way in assisting a court or tribunal to decide what is in the best interests of the children should adjudication be necessary.
John Irvine is a partner at Trinity Law.Trinity Law is a boutique firm which is focused on providing business and corporate legal services and is motivated by long term business relationships. 2/214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT T: 6163 5050 www.trinitylaw.com.au
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
China and India - more than mining opportunities
by Phil Butler
Having just returned from the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference in Beijing, my head was filled with a dazzling array of information and insights on Australia’s largest trading partner.
China’s growth rate is extraordinary and the fact that the growing middle class will start to consume more goods and services will provide further stimulus to the economy.
The massive movement from rural to the city is starting to slow in percentage terms, however there will still be vast numbers in real terms making the move.
There is no doubt that this adds some real challenges to China, and a couple of days spent in the Beijing smog certainly brought home the environmental issues, however the ongoing economic stimulus this brings is of huge magnitude.
A couple of the speakers made some observations that really resonated and provides some insights into the future challenges and opportunities. It is likely that real wages will grow at about 8% per annum over the next 3 years. This has the potential of spiking inflationary pressure, but also means that the days of cheap labour in China may be over.
It is likely that some manufacturing may move out of China to other cheaper places such as Eastern Europe and other Asian nations. Likewise, the ageing population of China will have impacts as the “bubble” of retiring Chinese need to be looked after by a reduced workforce, and the health impacts that will emerge over the next 10 years.
It is likely that both China and India will provide further opportunities for Australian businesses – and not just in the mining sectors.
The provision of education and health services could be a unique market for Australian entrepreneurs to explore. One of the speakers informed atttendees that India would need about 20,000? additional teachers per year over the next 10 years, and they did not have the “pipeline” to produce anywhere near that amount.
The final words of importance however came from Australian Ambassador, Geoff Raby. Geoff pointed out the importance of developing strong relationships and really getting to know the culture of China. While that can be time consuming and frustrating, in the long run it is essential to make that investment.
Phil Butler is state manager of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ ACT Division. For more information about AICD ‘s course programs and events, T: 02 6248 5954.
A D V I C E
COMMERCIAL LAW
Testamentary guardian
by John Irvine
Death is a topic that most people would prefer not to think about, however it is prudent to consider the affect your death would have on family and loved ones.
For example, if you have children under the age of 18, who will look after them? Who will love and care for them? Will the carer raise your children the way you would want them to be raised?
These important questions should be considered at the time of writing your Will. Why? Because while you are alive, and of sound mind, you have the power to appoint via your Will a ‘testamentary guardian’. If you don’t appoint a testamentary guardian and there is no surviving parent able to look after the children, the court will need to determine who should look after your children.
While the court will take into account the children’s best interests, it may appoint someone that you would not necessarily have chosen for that role.
A testamentary guardian effectively stands in your shoes and has the same responsibilities for the care, maintenance and education of your children. As such, this should be a person who will raise your children with similar love and care to you (typically a close relative or friend).
However it is important to note that this does not guarantee that your children will live with this person. A testamentary guardian will only have the daily care of your children if there are no surviving parents and there are no Family Law Court orders in place saying who the child is to live with.
If you decide to appoint someone to act as a testamentary guardian of your children, you should always gain that person’s consent first. To assist the testamentary guardian, you can also prepare “Guidelines” setting out the important issues you would like them to consider in caring for your children.
Generally, the Guidelines set out your wishes in relation to your children’s welfare, upbringing, education, religion, lifestyle and even which values they should promote.
Although it is not legally binding, the document can go a long way in assisting a court or tribunal to decide what is in the best interests of the children should adjudication be necessary.
John Irvine is a partner at Trinity Law.Trinity Law is a boutique firm which is focused on providing business and corporate legal services and is motivated by long term business relationships. 2/214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT T: 6163 5050 www.trinitylaw.com.au
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
China and India - more than mining opportunities
by Phil Butler
Having just returned from the Australian Institute of Company Directors conference in Beijing, my head was filled with a dazzling array of information and insights on Australia’s largest trading partner.
China’s growth rate is extraordinary and the fact that the growing middle class will start to consume more goods and services will provide further stimulus to the economy.
The massive movement from rural to the city is starting to slow in percentage terms, however there will still be vast numbers in real terms making the move.
There is no doubt that this adds some real challenges to China, and a couple of days spent in the Beijing smog certainly brought home the environmental issues, however the ongoing economic stimulus this brings is of huge magnitude.
A couple of the speakers made some observations that really resonated and provides some insights into the future challenges and opportunities. It is likely that real wages will grow at about 8% per annum over the next 3 years. This has the potential of spiking inflationary pressure, but also means that the days of cheap labour in China may be over.
It is likely that some manufacturing may move out of China to other cheaper places such as Eastern Europe and other Asian nations. Likewise, the ageing population of China will have impacts as the “bubble” of retiring Chinese need to be looked after by a reduced workforce, and the health impacts that will emerge over the next 10 years.
It is likely that both China and India will provide further opportunities for Australian businesses – and not just in the mining sectors.
The provision of education and health services could be a unique market for Australian entrepreneurs to explore. One of the speakers informed atttendees that India would need about 20,000? additional teachers per year over the next 10 years, and they did not have the “pipeline” to produce anywhere near that amount.
The final words of importance however came from Australian Ambassador, Geoff Raby. Geoff pointed out the importance of developing strong relationships and really getting to know the culture of China. While that can be time consuming and frustrating, in the long run it is essential to make that investment.
Phil Butler is state manager of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ ACT Division. For more information about AICD ‘s course programs and events, T: 02 6248 5954.
SETTLE FAMILY DISPUTES OUT OF COURTIt’s hard enough when a relationship ends. So the last thing you need is soaring legal costs, protracted, public court proceedings, and your personal affairs being determined by a judge.
Consensus provides a better alternative to the Courts. We use collaboration, arbitration and negotiation between the couple to find open-minded solutions that work.
It’s discrete. It’s fair. And everybody leaves in agreement. For a new style of dispute resolution which puts you back in control, turn to Consensus.
Canberra ACT 2601
T 02 6290 9898 F 02 6257 4382
[email protected] www.cflaw.com.au
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A24
Workplace. Online. Campus.cit.edu.au
WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
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CANBERRA’S FIRST ACCREDITED TRAINING IN CARBON ACCOUNTINGBe among the fi rst in Canberra to gain carbon accounting skills and make a difference in your workplace;
• Gain a Statement of Attainment for a course in Carbon Accounting over three full day workshops; 24 June, 1 July and 22 July.
• Calculate the carbon footprint of your workplace.• Learn internationally recognised practices to reduce and
monitor energy consumption.
APPLY NOW places are limited.
The World Hip Hop Championships are the equivalent to the Dancing Olympics and will be held in Las Vegas at the end of July. Over 48 countries will be
competing in this competition and we would love your support to
help get us there.
Bliss is hoping to raise $10,000.00 and would greatly appreciate any contributions to
help us reach our target.
We are available to perform at corporate functions, fund raising
events, birthdays & weddings and will gladly advertise our sponsors.
Please phone 0422 160 202 for sponsorship enquiries.
BLISS is an all girl hip hop crew from Canberra who are heading to Las Vegas to represent Australia in the World Hip Hop Championships for the second year running.
A D V I C E
ESTATE PLANNINGby Stephen Bourke
So you have found love again and are engaged to be married. We hate to be the bearer of bad tidings however statistically the failure rate for second marriages is higher than first marriages. Further, with second marriages, there is a likelihood of tensions between the second spouse and the children of the first marriage. They are not all like the “Brady Bunch”.
The assets you both brought into the second marriage and which might have been intended for the children of the first marriage will become available for distribution in a potential family law settlement if the recent marriage fails.
It is important that this potential cause of friction between yourself and your new spouse but also between your children (and perhaps even between your spouse’s children) should be alleviated as much as possible.
The best way of ensuring that this friction is minimised is through a well thought out estate plan. In addition, you should also consider a Binding Financial Agreement under the Family Law Act 1975.
Under a Binding Financial Agreement, you and your spouse can agree on how to divide property in the event of separation before marriage (in lay person’s terms a ‘Pre-Nuptial Agreement’), during the marriage or after the marriage. It is now also possible to enter into Financial Agreements prior to entering into, during or even after a de facto relationship.
You could, for example, in a Binding Financial Agreement agree that all assets you had prior to the commencement of the relationship are excluded from any future property settlement in the event that you separate. This will avoid the potential that your children may consider the new spouse to be a “gold digger”.
A Binding Financial Agreement is also useful in circumstances where there is a family business involved, especially if other family members are also involved in that business.
While the Agreement itself only operates upon separation, it is still a valid document in the event if that separation does not occur before death as it may be able to be used as evidence of the intentions between the parties if a family provision claim is made against the estate by the surviving spouse.
If you are part of a blended family or intend to create a blended family, it is critical that you obtain expert legal advice in drafting your estate plan.
Financial agreements and estate planning
Stephen Bourke is a director of the boutique firm, Certus Law, which specialises in superannuation, trusts and estate planning. Visit Certus Law at Level 5, 28 University Avenue, T: 6268 9090, www.certuslaw.com.au
B2B is serving up a highly appetizing ‘Restaurant and Catering’ feature in the July issue of the magazine.
If you operate a business which caters to the culinary desires of the business and government communities and you would like to connect with 15,000 local businesses and every government department, then this feature is for you.
If your business would like to be a part of this feature, or to make further enquiries contact:
Manning Fell Advertising Executive B2B 0459 024 368 [email protected]
Do you have a business that would fi t into our July issue Restaurant and Catering feature?
Workplace. Online. Campus.cit.edu.au
WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
CRIC
OS N
o. 0
0001
K. B
US11
0382
94. M
AY 2
011
CANBERRA’S FIRST ACCREDITED TRAINING IN CARBON ACCOUNTINGBe among the fi rst in Canberra to gain carbon accounting skills and make a difference in your workplace;
• Gain a Statement of Attainment for a course in Carbon Accounting over three full day workshops; 24 June, 1 July and 22 July.
• Calculate the carbon footprint of your workplace.• Learn internationally recognised practices to reduce and
monitor energy consumption.
APPLY NOW places are limited.
The World Hip Hop Championships are the equivalent to the Dancing Olympics and will be held in Las Vegas at the end of July. Over 48 countries will be
competing in this competition and we would love your support to
help get us there.
Bliss is hoping to raise $10,000.00 and would greatly appreciate any contributions to
help us reach our target.
We are available to perform at corporate functions, fund raising
events, birthdays & weddings and will gladly advertise our sponsors.
Please phone 0422 160 202 for sponsorship enquiries.
BLISS is an all girl hip hop crew from Canberra who are heading to Las Vegas to represent Australia in the World Hip Hop Championships for the second year running.
A D V I C E
ESTATE PLANNINGby Stephen Bourke
So you have found love again and are engaged to be married. We hate to be the bearer of bad tidings however statistically the failure rate for second marriages is higher than first marriages. Further, with second marriages, there is a likelihood of tensions between the second spouse and the children of the first marriage. They are not all like the “Brady Bunch”.
The assets you both brought into the second marriage and which might have been intended for the children of the first marriage will become available for distribution in a potential family law settlement if the recent marriage fails.
It is important that this potential cause of friction between yourself and your new spouse but also between your children (and perhaps even between your spouse’s children) should be alleviated as much as possible.
The best way of ensuring that this friction is minimised is through a well thought out estate plan. In addition, you should also consider a Binding Financial Agreement under the Family Law Act 1975.
Under a Binding Financial Agreement, you and your spouse can agree on how to divide property in the event of separation before marriage (in lay person’s terms a ‘Pre-Nuptial Agreement’), during the marriage or after the marriage. It is now also possible to enter into Financial Agreements prior to entering into, during or even after a de facto relationship.
You could, for example, in a Binding Financial Agreement agree that all assets you had prior to the commencement of the relationship are excluded from any future property settlement in the event that you separate. This will avoid the potential that your children may consider the new spouse to be a “gold digger”.
A Binding Financial Agreement is also useful in circumstances where there is a family business involved, especially if other family members are also involved in that business.
While the Agreement itself only operates upon separation, it is still a valid document in the event if that separation does not occur before death as it may be able to be used as evidence of the intentions between the parties if a family provision claim is made against the estate by the surviving spouse.
If you are part of a blended family or intend to create a blended family, it is critical that you obtain expert legal advice in drafting your estate plan.
Financial agreements and estate planning
Stephen Bourke is a director of the boutique firm, Certus Law, which specialises in superannuation, trusts and estate planning. Visit Certus Law at Level 5, 28 University Avenue, T: 6268 9090, www.certuslaw.com.au
B2B is serving up a highly appetizing ‘Restaurant and Catering’ feature in the July issue of the magazine.
If you operate a business which caters to the culinary desires of the business and government communities and you would like to connect with 15,000 local businesses and every government department, then this feature is for you.
If your business would like to be a part of this feature, or to make further enquiries contact:
Manning Fell Advertising Executive B2B 0459 024 368 [email protected]
Do you have a business that would fi t into our July issue Restaurant and Catering feature?
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A26
A D V I C E
INFORMATION SECURITY
Developing disaster recovery plan effectively
by Boaz Fischer
The primary objective of a Disaster Recovery Plan is to enable your organisation to re-establish normal business functions following a disaster causing a loss of IT systems and or data. In order to survive, you must ensure that critical operations and processing can resume normal functions within an acceptable time frame that has been determined as part of a business impact assessment.
It is quite evident that as companies become more dependent on information, the impact of information loss will increase. The role of Business Continuity has often been confused with Disaster recovery
So, what is the difference between a Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity? Disaster Recovery is about recovering the business information or information services while Business Continuity is about providing alternative ways to operate until normal operations and services resume. It could be simply having a copy of your accounts in paper form and calculator all the way a hot standby virtual business in a different city.
The disaster recovery process must be regimented if it is to succeed. A disaster recovery process consists of defining rules, processes and disciplines to ensure that the critical business processes can be restored even in the case of a catastrophic event.
The following are key elements in Disaster Recovery Planning:• Establish responsibility for disaster recovery planning as part of
broader business continuity planning responsibilities. • Develop recovery strategies that support business continuity.• Implement supporting systems and processes.• Test and verify the plan on a regular basis.
Here are the 7 key steps necessary to develop a successful DR Plan:Step 1: Plan and scope your requirementsStep 2: Establish DR planning group & responsibilitiesStep 3: Conduct a risk assessmentStep 4: Conduct a business impact measurementStep 5: Develop escalation, notification and activation planStep 6: Develop recovery strategy processStep 7: Develop DR planIt’s extremely important that you regularly conduct training and
simulation exercise. See how effective your DR plan. See how effective you can recover from a disaster.
Should you require any further information, visit our web site – www.commsnet.com.au. There are many strategic white papers that will offer you great guidance in developing appropriate security resiliency.
Boaz Fischer is the managing director of the CommsNet Group. For more information, contact T: 02 6282 5554 or visit Level 1, 67-69 Dundas Court Phillip, [email protected], www.commsnet.com.au
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Trade mark examiner adverse reports – not necessarily fatal to your application
by Shaun Creighton
After a trade mark application is filed it is examined by a Trade Mark Examiner. All trade mark applicants hope to get a “clear” Examination Report. This enables the application to be advertised as accepted. However, many applicants receive an Examiner’s “adverse report”, leaving some to think the application is “dead in the water” (not automatically true) and others wondering what to do next.
It may be possible to make submissions to IP Australia. Before submissions, applicants often choose to have a review carried out by trade mark attorneys or lawyers specialising in trade mark law. If there are reasonable prospects, the applicant may instruct the professionals to draft and file submissions. The content of submissions varies depending on the objections raised by an Examiner in the adverse report.
So, what objections might an Examiner raise? Objections often stem from section 41 and/or 44 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) (TMA):
Typical objection - lack of distinctiveness (s41, TMA): Here, the Examiner assesses that the mark is incapable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods/services from those of other traders (for example, attempting to register the word BIKE for bicycles). For a s41 objection, suitable submissions generally include:• legal submissions relating to the extent to which the trade mark is
inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods/services;• evidence in the form of statutory declarations attesting to the use
(and depending on facts, the intended use) of the trade mark by the applicant; and
• legal submissions relating to any other relevant circumstances.Typical objection - conflict with certain pre-existing marks (s44,
TMA): Here, the Examiner assesses that the mark is substantially identical or deceptively similar to an earlier registered mark (or application) and registered (or applied for) in respect of similar or closely related goods/services. For a s44 objection, submissions generally include:• legal submissions that the marks in question are not substantially
identical or deceptively similar and/or there are no conflicting goods / services; and/or
• legal submissions and associated evidence to show prior user or honest concurrent use; and/or
• enclosing a letter of consent from the proprietor(s) of the conflicting mark(s).At ARUNA Trade Mark Attorneys we can provide you with a free
of charge and no obligation preliminary assessment of prospects of overcoming an Examiner’s adverse report.
Shaun Creighton is a director of ARUNA Trade Mark Attorneys.Level 3, 54 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra T: 1800 705 680 or 02 6221 9555 www.aruna.com.au
B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A J U N E 2 011 27
A D V I C E
INFORMATION SECURITY
Developing disaster recovery plan effectively
by Boaz Fischer
The primary objective of a Disaster Recovery Plan is to enable your organisation to re-establish normal business functions following a disaster causing a loss of IT systems and or data. In order to survive, you must ensure that critical operations and processing can resume normal functions within an acceptable time frame that has been determined as part of a business impact assessment.
It is quite evident that as companies become more dependent on information, the impact of information loss will increase. The role of Business Continuity has often been confused with Disaster recovery
So, what is the difference between a Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity? Disaster Recovery is about recovering the business information or information services while Business Continuity is about providing alternative ways to operate until normal operations and services resume. It could be simply having a copy of your accounts in paper form and calculator all the way a hot standby virtual business in a different city.
The disaster recovery process must be regimented if it is to succeed. A disaster recovery process consists of defining rules, processes and disciplines to ensure that the critical business processes can be restored even in the case of a catastrophic event.
The following are key elements in Disaster Recovery Planning:• Establish responsibility for disaster recovery planning as part of
broader business continuity planning responsibilities. • Develop recovery strategies that support business continuity.• Implement supporting systems and processes.• Test and verify the plan on a regular basis.
Here are the 7 key steps necessary to develop a successful DR Plan:Step 1: Plan and scope your requirementsStep 2: Establish DR planning group & responsibilitiesStep 3: Conduct a risk assessmentStep 4: Conduct a business impact measurementStep 5: Develop escalation, notification and activation planStep 6: Develop recovery strategy processStep 7: Develop DR planIt’s extremely important that you regularly conduct training and
simulation exercise. See how effective your DR plan. See how effective you can recover from a disaster.
Should you require any further information, visit our web site – www.commsnet.com.au. There are many strategic white papers that will offer you great guidance in developing appropriate security resiliency.
Boaz Fischer is the managing director of the CommsNet Group. For more information, contact T: 02 6282 5554 or visit Level 1, 67-69 Dundas Court Phillip, [email protected], www.commsnet.com.au
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Trade mark examiner adverse reports – not necessarily fatal to your application
by Shaun Creighton
After a trade mark application is filed it is examined by a Trade Mark Examiner. All trade mark applicants hope to get a “clear” Examination Report. This enables the application to be advertised as accepted. However, many applicants receive an Examiner’s “adverse report”, leaving some to think the application is “dead in the water” (not automatically true) and others wondering what to do next.
It may be possible to make submissions to IP Australia. Before submissions, applicants often choose to have a review carried out by trade mark attorneys or lawyers specialising in trade mark law. If there are reasonable prospects, the applicant may instruct the professionals to draft and file submissions. The content of submissions varies depending on the objections raised by an Examiner in the adverse report.
So, what objections might an Examiner raise? Objections often stem from section 41 and/or 44 of the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) (TMA):
Typical objection - lack of distinctiveness (s41, TMA): Here, the Examiner assesses that the mark is incapable of distinguishing the applicant’s goods/services from those of other traders (for example, attempting to register the word BIKE for bicycles). For a s41 objection, suitable submissions generally include:• legal submissions relating to the extent to which the trade mark is
inherently adapted to distinguish the designated goods/services;• evidence in the form of statutory declarations attesting to the use
(and depending on facts, the intended use) of the trade mark by the applicant; and
• legal submissions relating to any other relevant circumstances.Typical objection - conflict with certain pre-existing marks (s44,
TMA): Here, the Examiner assesses that the mark is substantially identical or deceptively similar to an earlier registered mark (or application) and registered (or applied for) in respect of similar or closely related goods/services. For a s44 objection, submissions generally include:• legal submissions that the marks in question are not substantially
identical or deceptively similar and/or there are no conflicting goods / services; and/or
• legal submissions and associated evidence to show prior user or honest concurrent use; and/or
• enclosing a letter of consent from the proprietor(s) of the conflicting mark(s).At ARUNA Trade Mark Attorneys we can provide you with a free
of charge and no obligation preliminary assessment of prospects of overcoming an Examiner’s adverse report.
Shaun Creighton is a director of ARUNA Trade Mark Attorneys.Level 3, 54 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra T: 1800 705 680 or 02 6221 9555 www.aruna.com.au
Foundations of DirectorshipFinance for DirectorsCreating awareness of directorship
Finance for Directors explains and assesses company financials through the eyes of the director. As a director, senior executive or manager, you will gain the necessary skills required to interpret and assess the three main types of financial statements – Balance Sheet, Income Statement (profit and loss) and Cash Flow Statement – to identify what information is required to assess an organisations financial health.
Course detailsDate: Thursday 15 September 2011Time: 8.45am - 4.45pmVenue: Federal Golf Club, Red Hill
For more information or to enrol contact Kylie Folkardt: 1300 764 633 or visit companydirectors.com.au/foundationsofdirectorship
companydirectors.com.au/foundationsofdirectorship
0159
6_11
Personal Service. Professional Results.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
• GeneralBookkeepingweekly,monthlyorquarterly• BASandGSTServices• PayrollandPAYG• MYOB,XeroandQuickenset-up,tailoringandtraining• Preparationoffinancialreportsandstatements• Budgetingandcashflowforecasting• Reliableandon-goingsupport
CertifiedPartnerofMYOBandXero
CallTivanant(Mook)CliffordBASAgent81285000
ph.61000456 www.pva.com.au
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A28
A D V I C E
PERFORMANCE ARCHITECTS
Brain exercise – the new caffeine?
by Andy Gregory
Increased complexity, multi-tasking, information overload, interruptions and coping with uncertainty and constant change in the workplace. It amounts to Cognitive Overload. The brains at work in your organisation are doing some heavy lifting. Lots of it. Perhaps it is showing up in falling productivity, delayed or decreased decision making, absenteeism, presenteeism, disengagement, dissatisfaction, stress and even depression.
In relatively recent times, neuroscientists have discovered that the human brain is in fact plastic and can change and repair itself, but needs to be exercised to be kept in shape. These discoveries in the emerging field of Neuroplasticity have led to the development of Cognitive Brain Training programs which can equip your team to handle this ‘new normal’ in the workplace.
Learning to separate key information from ‘noise’ leading to better decision making capability, faster response times, greater concentration, improved memory, are just some of the benefits of regularly exercising our brains in a deliberate and disciplined way. Failing to do so could be costly for your business.
An effective brain training program should address all five main cognitive domains:• Memory• Attention• Problem-solving• Language• Visual-spatial skills
The program should also be engaged in regularly (three times a week is the recommended minimum); be of a sufficient duration (10-20 minutes per session); and be personalised to an individual’s own level of competence (that is, be challenging but achievable). The brain exercises ideally should be user-friendly, engaging and rewarding so individuals will be motivated to continue participating in the training.
Brain plasticity is a two-way street and we can either drive brain change positively or negatively. Negative change occurs with rigid behaviours and habits. The longer we stay stuck in one particular function or job role the more likely that brain plasticity will decrease. A good brain exercise program helps the mind stay fit and nimble.
We all accept that physical exercise is necessary and indeed vital to thriving in today’s world; it is my belief that in the very near future the same will be said about Brain Exercise.
Andy Gregory is chief executive and a founding director of Yellow Edge. He has extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. [email protected].
REAL ESTATE
Price your home to Sell(eck)
by Maria Selleck
Once you have decided to sell your home, the next logical step is to decide how much to ask for it. An indication of the possible sale price of your home can be obtained fairly quickly by researching sale prices that have recently been achieved in your area for comparable properties. Reputable web-based sites such as Allhomes make this initial research task easier for those unfamiliar with the current real estate trends.
It is important to understand that if your asking price is unrealistically high, potential purchasers may not even bother to consider your home. Like sellers, most purchasers also do their research. Astute purchasers will develop a sense of value for the homes they like but will quickly reject those they perceive to be overpriced, usually before inspecting them.
However, remember that the true value of your home will ultimately be determined by the ‘market’ (the purchasers) and of course the energy and skills sets of your agent. If the agent you choose is on the ball, he or she will be able to offer realistic advice on the most likely achievable price.
Two of the biggest mistakes home sellers tend to make when selling their home are selecting an agent solely based on them quoting the highest List Price combined with offering the Lowest Commission because sellers, quite naturally, would much prefer to achieve the highest possible price and pay the least amount of commission. But those two criteria have very little to do with hiring a competent agent and, in many instances, are completely irrelevant. Let’s look at why.
Realistic appraisals, like commission fees, are critical to the whole sales process. Any agent can provide you with a high valuation figure to secure the listing, but their ability to actually obtaining that high price can be quite another matter. Ascertain if the figure provided is as a result of experience, skill and knowledge of the market, or whether you are just being told what they believe you want to hear. Being enticed by a high appraisal is just as risky as negotiating a low fee with an agent. It may well prove to be a false economy, because it won’t necessarily generate the high levels of enthusiasm needed to get the best result. Remember, estate agents work for money, so why not create an incentive to benefit both parties? A full asking price deserves a full fee but you might want to agree a downward sliding scale if offers fall below it. The agent with the lowest commission rate and/or the highest valuation for your home is NOT necessarily the best option so choose wisely
Maria Selleck is the owner/director of Maria Selleck Properties. For more information, contact T: 6162 1234, 30 Bougainville St, Manuka, [email protected], www.mariaselleck.com.au
A D V I C E
PERFORMANCE ARCHITECTS
Brain exercise – the new caffeine?
by Andy Gregory
Increased complexity, multi-tasking, information overload, interruptions and coping with uncertainty and constant change in the workplace. It amounts to Cognitive Overload. The brains at work in your organisation are doing some heavy lifting. Lots of it. Perhaps it is showing up in falling productivity, delayed or decreased decision making, absenteeism, presenteeism, disengagement, dissatisfaction, stress and even depression.
In relatively recent times, neuroscientists have discovered that the human brain is in fact plastic and can change and repair itself, but needs to be exercised to be kept in shape. These discoveries in the emerging field of Neuroplasticity have led to the development of Cognitive Brain Training programs which can equip your team to handle this ‘new normal’ in the workplace.
Learning to separate key information from ‘noise’ leading to better decision making capability, faster response times, greater concentration, improved memory, are just some of the benefits of regularly exercising our brains in a deliberate and disciplined way. Failing to do so could be costly for your business.
An effective brain training program should address all five main cognitive domains:• Memory• Attention• Problem-solving• Language• Visual-spatial skills
The program should also be engaged in regularly (three times a week is the recommended minimum); be of a sufficient duration (10-20 minutes per session); and be personalised to an individual’s own level of competence (that is, be challenging but achievable). The brain exercises ideally should be user-friendly, engaging and rewarding so individuals will be motivated to continue participating in the training.
Brain plasticity is a two-way street and we can either drive brain change positively or negatively. Negative change occurs with rigid behaviours and habits. The longer we stay stuck in one particular function or job role the more likely that brain plasticity will decrease. A good brain exercise program helps the mind stay fit and nimble.
We all accept that physical exercise is necessary and indeed vital to thriving in today’s world; it is my belief that in the very near future the same will be said about Brain Exercise.
Andy Gregory is chief executive and a founding director of Yellow Edge. He has extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. [email protected].
REAL ESTATE
Price your home to Sell(eck)
by Maria Selleck
Once you have decided to sell your home, the next logical step is to decide how much to ask for it. An indication of the possible sale price of your home can be obtained fairly quickly by researching sale prices that have recently been achieved in your area for comparable properties. Reputable web-based sites such as Allhomes make this initial research task easier for those unfamiliar with the current real estate trends.
It is important to understand that if your asking price is unrealistically high, potential purchasers may not even bother to consider your home. Like sellers, most purchasers also do their research. Astute purchasers will develop a sense of value for the homes they like but will quickly reject those they perceive to be overpriced, usually before inspecting them.
However, remember that the true value of your home will ultimately be determined by the ‘market’ (the purchasers) and of course the energy and skills sets of your agent. If the agent you choose is on the ball, he or she will be able to offer realistic advice on the most likely achievable price.
Two of the biggest mistakes home sellers tend to make when selling their home are selecting an agent solely based on them quoting the highest List Price combined with offering the Lowest Commission because sellers, quite naturally, would much prefer to achieve the highest possible price and pay the least amount of commission. But those two criteria have very little to do with hiring a competent agent and, in many instances, are completely irrelevant. Let’s look at why.
Realistic appraisals, like commission fees, are critical to the whole sales process. Any agent can provide you with a high valuation figure to secure the listing, but their ability to actually obtaining that high price can be quite another matter. Ascertain if the figure provided is as a result of experience, skill and knowledge of the market, or whether you are just being told what they believe you want to hear. Being enticed by a high appraisal is just as risky as negotiating a low fee with an agent. It may well prove to be a false economy, because it won’t necessarily generate the high levels of enthusiasm needed to get the best result. Remember, estate agents work for money, so why not create an incentive to benefit both parties? A full asking price deserves a full fee but you might want to agree a downward sliding scale if offers fall below it. The agent with the lowest commission rate and/or the highest valuation for your home is NOT necessarily the best option so choose wisely
Maria Selleck is the owner/director of Maria Selleck Properties. For more information, contact T: 6162 1234, 30 Bougainville St, Manuka, [email protected], www.mariaselleck.com.au
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A D V I C E
Ultimately the answer to that question is a very personal one as it depends on your individual circumstances and importantly the outcomes you want for those you leave behind.
Remember, life insurance is not something you buy for yourself. You buy it to protect the people who rely on you. How much insurance you need is therefore determined by the needs of the people you’re protecting.
If you have a family you’ll want to guarantee that they have somewhere to live. So having enough insurance to pay off your mortgage is an important starting point. Most people would agree that their debts should not outlive them, so ensuring enough insurance to clear any other debts would be a logical next step. But is that enough?
There are other considerations. How long could your family survive without your income without sacrificing their lifestyle? Even though they may now be debt free it still costs money to live. Do you have plans for your children’s education? Remember that someone may now need to be paid to do many of the things that you currently do. Will your partner need to pay for child care or domestic assistance to allow them to go to work, and the list goes on.
The average mortgage is now around $350,000, add to this other loans and many families currently have $500,000 of debt or more. With you gone your family will need invested funds to replace your income. In order to generate $50,000 per year you would need $1,000,000 invested at 5% interest. Add to this the cost of education and other needs and you can start to see how valuable you are!
What if you’re in business with someone else? What would happen to your share of the business if you died? How would your family be assured of receiving full value for your share, particularly if they aren’t involved in running the business? How would your business partner be assured of having the funds to buy out your family if that’s best for all parties? Again, the right amount of life insurance can ensure that no one has to make sacrifices and that those who rely on you are protected from hardship.
A discussion with an experienced life insurance specialist will help you consider your circumstances to determine the right amount of insurance. While it’s not the most exciting conversation you’ll ever have, it may mean everything to the people you care about.
RISK INSURANCE
How much life insurance is enough?
by Jeff Proud
Jeff Proud is a director at Capital Wealth. Contact Jeff on T: 02 6239 1566, 14 Dundas Court Phillip 2606, www.capwealth.com.au
WEBSITES
Apple vs Mango – take your pickle!
by Sam Gupta
Microsoft has decided to bring the fight out into the open by ‘codenaming’ its new mobile phone ‘Mango’. I think this is the first time any phone will give some head-to-head competition to Apple’s iPhone. It has some impressive features and frankly, it shook my loyalty with iPhone a little. Let’s take a look:
Awesome communicationMango has all your conversations stored by the person. Be it SMS, emails, facebook, twitter, online chats, phone calls and even voicemails. When you click on a contact, it displays your conversation-treads in a user-friendly format. It shows if your friend is online at that time and gives you an option to connect with them.You can also put all your email inboxes and calendars, personal as well as work, all in one place, so, you don’t have to check 3 different calendars. Another great feature!
Juicy Apps & 3DIn Mango, apps are seamlessly integrated into the phone. for example you can pin your boarding pass for the next flight from an Airline’s app on your home screen, so that you don’t have to look for it at the time of check-in. The Mango also dutifully handles multi-tasking. For example you can move from one game to another without exhausting your battery life. The Mango also interacts with Microsoft’s XBOX Live.
Smooth mobile web The Mango provides rich interactive search results, an
improvement over the boring old blue links. It then seamlessly connects your results with the most suitable app on your phone. The Mango provides indoor maps for public places, integrated with store directories and current location information.
Cool new featureSeptember last year, I talked about future technologies. Mango has embraced one of them. With Mango, you can now perform a ‘visual search’ using your phone camera for things such as the Books. It will search and find the book on the internet and can also allow you to purchase online.
Now, I can’t really explain some of its great features in few words; you really need to watch a video of this. You can find the video on Synapse Worldwide’s facebook page or by searching ‘Microsoft Mango’ on youtube.
So, that’s Mango! Let me know what you are likely to pick next; Apple or Mango?
Sam Gupta is the managing director of Synapse Worldwide. Sam would love to hear your thoughts on this advice column. Please contact him on 1300 785 230 or [email protected]
Need money for business expansion? Have you thought about raising capital through equity investors?
Contact Viria, registered sponsor for the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board (ASSOB), for an obligation free appraisal.
www.viria.com.au0418 972 438 [email protected]
ASSOB... the proven capital-raising platform
Let your customersbuy
online!
Call 02 6262 3011 for all your website needs.
YOU CAN NOW FOLLOW B2B ON FACEBOOK:
‘B2B in Canberra Magazine’
Find us on
$4.95 inc. GST
NEW REAL ESTATE ADVICE COLUMNMaria Selleck shares her experience in the Canberra market
NEW OFFICES FOR CANBERRA BUSINESSPOINTCan your business benefi t from Canberra BusinessPoint?
HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN TO THE DOCTOR LATELY?Antoniette Gomez from Exhale explains how to tune-up your business
B2B is now on Facebook at ‘B2B in Canberra magazine’. See expanded networking photos and articles.
ISSN 1833-8232
9
771833 823005
01
MARCH 201158
CANBERRA’S BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAGAZINE
IDENTITY THEFT: IS YOUR COMPANY AT RISK?IS YOUR BUSINESS ON FACEBOOK?Stuart Craig from Waste Away can protect your information
Sam Gupta from Synapse Worldwide sells the virtues of Facebook for businessb2bincanberra.com.au
Yellow Edge.Canberra’s people and ideas company
Find out what makes them an inspired success ...
FEATURING
FEBRUARY 201157
CANBERRA’S BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAGAZINEb2bincanberra.com.au
$4.95 inc. GST
FLU VACCINATIONS:Get your 1000% ROI
IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE:BUSINESS PLANNING SERIES PART 6
Business should talk less and listen more. Have you linked pricing to business growth & profi tability?
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:What does it mean for you?DEFEAT YOUR BAD DEBTORSFive easy steps inside
Donate to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal - 1800 219 028
ISSN 1833-8232
9
771833 823005
01
TECHSOLVE ON A MISSION TO SAVE BUSINESS MONEY.
$4.95 inc. GST
ISSN 1833-8232
9
771833 823005
01
BEN AULICH
& ASSOCIATES
8 PAGE FEATURE
ON CONFERENCE,
TRAINING AND
MEETING FACILITIES
NEW 6 PART SERIES
TO INCREASE BUSINESS
PERFORMANCE
Canberra’s only
law fi rm dedicated
to criminal law
EDITI
ON
CANBERRA’S BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAGAZINE
WHEN IT COMES TO
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Is the client always right?
from Paper Monkey
CHOOSING THE
BEST AGENT:
Are real estate agents all the same?
from Maria Selleck
MAY 2011
60
b2bincanberra.com.au
A D V I C E
Ultimately the answer to that question is a very personal one as it depends on your individual circumstances and importantly the outcomes you want for those you leave behind.
Remember, life insurance is not something you buy for yourself. You buy it to protect the people who rely on you. How much insurance you need is therefore determined by the needs of the people you’re protecting.
If you have a family you’ll want to guarantee that they have somewhere to live. So having enough insurance to pay off your mortgage is an important starting point. Most people would agree that their debts should not outlive them, so ensuring enough insurance to clear any other debts would be a logical next step. But is that enough?
There are other considerations. How long could your family survive without your income without sacrificing their lifestyle? Even though they may now be debt free it still costs money to live. Do you have plans for your children’s education? Remember that someone may now need to be paid to do many of the things that you currently do. Will your partner need to pay for child care or domestic assistance to allow them to go to work, and the list goes on.
The average mortgage is now around $350,000, add to this other loans and many families currently have $500,000 of debt or more. With you gone your family will need invested funds to replace your income. In order to generate $50,000 per year you would need $1,000,000 invested at 5% interest. Add to this the cost of education and other needs and you can start to see how valuable you are!
What if you’re in business with someone else? What would happen to your share of the business if you died? How would your family be assured of receiving full value for your share, particularly if they aren’t involved in running the business? How would your business partner be assured of having the funds to buy out your family if that’s best for all parties? Again, the right amount of life insurance can ensure that no one has to make sacrifices and that those who rely on you are protected from hardship.
A discussion with an experienced life insurance specialist will help you consider your circumstances to determine the right amount of insurance. While it’s not the most exciting conversation you’ll ever have, it may mean everything to the people you care about.
RISK INSURANCE
How much life insurance is enough?
by Jeff Proud
Jeff Proud is a director at Capital Wealth. Contact Jeff on T: 02 6239 1566, 14 Dundas Court Phillip 2606, www.capwealth.com.au
WEBSITES
Apple vs Mango – take your pickle!
by Sam Gupta
Microsoft has decided to bring the fight out into the open by ‘codenaming’ its new mobile phone ‘Mango’. I think this is the first time any phone will give some head-to-head competition to Apple’s iPhone. It has some impressive features and frankly, it shook my loyalty with iPhone a little. Let’s take a look:
Awesome communicationMango has all your conversations stored by the person. Be it SMS, emails, facebook, twitter, online chats, phone calls and even voicemails. When you click on a contact, it displays your conversation-treads in a user-friendly format. It shows if your friend is online at that time and gives you an option to connect with them.You can also put all your email inboxes and calendars, personal as well as work, all in one place, so, you don’t have to check 3 different calendars. Another great feature!
Juicy Apps & 3DIn Mango, apps are seamlessly integrated into the phone. for example you can pin your boarding pass for the next flight from an Airline’s app on your home screen, so that you don’t have to look for it at the time of check-in. The Mango also dutifully handles multi-tasking. For example you can move from one game to another without exhausting your battery life. The Mango also interacts with Microsoft’s XBOX Live.
Smooth mobile web The Mango provides rich interactive search results, an
improvement over the boring old blue links. It then seamlessly connects your results with the most suitable app on your phone. The Mango provides indoor maps for public places, integrated with store directories and current location information.
Cool new featureSeptember last year, I talked about future technologies. Mango has embraced one of them. With Mango, you can now perform a ‘visual search’ using your phone camera for things such as the Books. It will search and find the book on the internet and can also allow you to purchase online.
Now, I can’t really explain some of its great features in few words; you really need to watch a video of this. You can find the video on Synapse Worldwide’s facebook page or by searching ‘Microsoft Mango’ on youtube.
So, that’s Mango! Let me know what you are likely to pick next; Apple or Mango?
Sam Gupta is the managing director of Synapse Worldwide. Sam would love to hear your thoughts on this advice column. Please contact him on 1300 785 230 or [email protected]
Need money for business expansion? Have you thought about raising capital through equity investors?
Contact Viria, registered sponsor for the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board (ASSOB), for an obligation free appraisal.
www.viria.com.au0418 972 438 [email protected]
ASSOB... the proven capital-raising platform
Let your customersbuy
online!
Call 02 6262 3011 for all your website needs.
YOU CAN NOW FOLLOW B2B ON FACEBOOK:
‘B2B in Canberra Magazine’
Find us on
$4.95 inc. GST
NEW REAL ESTATE ADVICE COLUMNMaria Selleck shares her experience in the Canberra market
NEW OFFICES FOR CANBERRA BUSINESSPOINTCan your business benefi t from Canberra BusinessPoint?
HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN TO THE DOCTOR LATELY?Antoniette Gomez from Exhale explains how to tune-up your business
B2B is now on Facebook at ‘B2B in Canberra magazine’. See expanded networking photos and articles.
ISSN 1833-8232
9
771833 823005
01
MARCH 201158
CANBERRA’S BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAGAZINE
IDENTITY THEFT: IS YOUR COMPANY AT RISK?IS YOUR BUSINESS ON FACEBOOK?Stuart Craig from Waste Away can protect your information
Sam Gupta from Synapse Worldwide sells the virtues of Facebook for businessb2bincanberra.com.au
Yellow Edge.Canberra’s people and ideas company
Find out what makes them an inspired success ...
FEATURING
FEBRUARY 201157
CANBERRA’S BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAGAZINEb2bincanberra.com.au
$4.95 inc. GST
FLU VACCINATIONS:Get your 1000% ROI
IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE:BUSINESS PLANNING SERIES PART 6
Business should talk less and listen more. Have you linked pricing to business growth & profi tability?
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE:What does it mean for you?DEFEAT YOUR BAD DEBTORSFive easy steps inside
Donate to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal - 1800 219 028
ISSN 1833-8232
9
771833 823005
01
TECHSOLVE ON A MISSION TO SAVE BUSINESS MONEY.
$4.95 inc. GST
ISSN 1833-8232
9
771833 823005
01
BEN AULICH
& ASSOCIATES
8 PAGE FEATURE
ON CONFERENCE,
TRAINING AND
MEETING FACILITIES
NEW 6 PART SERIES
TO INCREASE BUSINESS
PERFORMANCE
Canberra’s only
law fi rm dedicated
to criminal law
EDITI
ON
CANBERRA’S BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT MAGAZINE
WHEN IT COMES TO
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Is the client always right?
from Paper Monkey
CHOOSING THE
BEST AGENT:
Are real estate agents all the same?
from Maria Selleck
MAY 2011
60
b2bincanberra.com.au
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A32
G 2 B G O V E R N M E N T T O B U S I N E S S S
New funding for local early stage ventures
Local research organisations and small ventures can now benefi t from a new $3million fund that supports the development of commercial opportunities
Local research organisations and small ventures can now benefit from a new $3million fund that supports the development of commercial opportunities. The Discovery Translation Fund (DTF) aims to help commercialise new innovations and
technologies and is an initiative of the ACT Government and The Australian National University.
The Fund is focused on reducing the risk of new ideas by assisting with: proof of concept experiments or demonstrations; intellectual property advice; and early stage commercial development activities. This means that new concepts or technologies can be developed to a point where commercial investment is more likely.
Supported projects will be undertaken by ACT-based public sector research institutions, small enterprises with an annual turnover of less than $1million, or individuals. The projects must also demonstrate a benefit to the ACT. Projects by Canberra region based applicants may be considered if they provide a clear benefit to the ACT.
A typical project will receive between $25,000 and $100,000. However in some circumstances, exceptional projects may be granted a larger amount. The Fund will support key ‘proof of concept’ development activities that demonstrate the commercial potential of a discovery. Related activities that contribute to reducing the commercial risk of the idea such as expert consultation and training can also be funded through the DTF. The funded project must lead to clear demonstration of commercial potential and be completed within 12 months.
The Fund was created to help bridge the funding gap between discovery research and the commercial development of new technologies or the establishment of new ventures. Many cutting edge innovations are made in Canberra, but stop once research has concluded, and a discovery made. The challenge then becomes the availability of funds to take this discovery and realise the commercial benefits.
Changes to the global economic situation in recent years have impacted on the private capital market. Many private investment funds have adjusted the level of risk they deem acceptable. This has reduced the availability of funding for high-risk projects, like those in the early stages of developing ideas for commercial application.
The DTF can help progress a discovery through these early stages to a point where commercial success is sufficiently proven so that an injection of capital is considered to be an acceptable risk to investors.
Unlike similar funds, the DTF does not require recipients to provide dollar for dollar investment towards the project. Although a requirement for matched-funding from the recipient or repayment following completion of the project cause funding recipients to assume more of the risk, it also can lead to exceptional ideas with real commercial potential, being left on a shelf due to difficulties in raising the funds or inability to guarantee repayment.
The Discovery Translation Fund also takes a unique approach to the application process. Like many similar funds, an expression of interest (EOI) is required to commence the application process. Once the EOI has been reviewed for a basic match with the Fund guidelines, potential applicants will receive support from a refereeing organisation. The fund makes use of the expertise of the ANU Office of Commercialisation for ANU-based applicants and Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre for other applicants.
The role of these referees is to provide assistance to the applicant to complete a formal application. As well as confirming the applicant can meet the criteria of the fund, there is opportunity to identify and make recommendations and referrals to bridge gaps in the applicant’s business skills. This is an important opportunity that not only leads to high quality applications, but can also provide targeted business advice to help maximise the commercial benefit of funded projects.
By helping to develop the commercial potential of ideas to the point where new technologies and innovations are solid investment opportunities, the Fund is playing an important role in building local business capability and supporting the innovation environment of the ACT.
The Fund has been designed to work alongside other ACT Government programs including InnovationConnect and government advisory services to technology related firms.
The Discovery Translation Fund is managed by ANU Connect Ventures. For more information, visit www.anuconnectventures.com.au.
“Professor Michael Cardew-Hall, CEO of ANU Connect Ventures, launches the Discovery Translation Fund at ANU’s new innovation precinct in Canberra.”
A balanced and responsible budget
The 2011-12 ACT Budget is aimed squarely at getting the ACT back into the black in the wake of the major deficit created during the Global Financial Crisis. The
fact that it does this in a sensible manner, without any cuts to core services, while also maintaining a high level of investment in key areas such as infrastructure and tourism, is a credit to the ACT Government. If the Budget forecasts hold true the ACT should be back in surplus by 2013-14 and will maintain its AAA credit rating.
Canberra Business Council is pleased to see that the ACT Budget does not sacrifice the future of business in the Territory in a race to get back into surplus. The ACT economy has continuously stood out as one of the top-performing economies in Australia throughout this past year, and any short-sighted measures such as increasing taxes or reducing business assistance programs would only place this in jeopardy. In line with the Council’s recommendations, the ACT Government has found $217m in savings over four years through rationalisation of the public sector. These savings, combined with increased revenue and $650m in general government borrowings, mean that the ACT Budget offers $266m in new policy initiatives and $885m in new capital investment over the next four years.
Examining Budget expenditure closely, we can see that it is a targeted investment designed to give maximum bang for the buck. A sizeable portion of the new infrastructure spend will go towards building the Majura Parkway ($144m), a critical transport link which will provide substantial benefits to the entire community. Canberra Business Council is now involved in efforts to secure Federal Government funding to match the ACT Government’s investment, ensuring the success of this vital project.
Tourism and sporting events receive support from the budget in recognition of their major contribution to the economy. Upgrades to Canberra Stadium, funding for the National Arboretum Canberra, assistance to the Canberra Convention Bureau, development funding for the proposed Australia Forum, a Blockbuster Fund to attract major exhibitions, and the building of the Centenary
Trail are all designed to improve the National Capital as a place to visit and a centrepiece for the nation.
Important business development programs are also well funded. The Innovation Connect (ICON) Program receives $1.6m, the Skilled and Business Migration Program is allocated $1.1 million, and the Education Services’ Export Sector Strategy gets $200,000 for example. Combined with an accelerated land release program designed to deliver 18,500 new residential sites over four years, these measures will assist businesses in developing and commercialising innovative products, and help address chronic skills shortages by making Canberra a more affordable place to live.
The Council does have reservations regarding two aspects of the ACT Budget. Almost half of the new capital investment announced will go towards building a new government office building in civic. Although development of this $432m office building won’t begin until 2013-14, it is important for the ACT Government to keep in mind that the ACT already has a very high office vacancy rate.
The Budget promises no new taxes, however a new Lease Variation Charge (LVC) will be implemented as of 1 July 2011, replacing the Change of Use Charge. Though transitional arrangements are in place to lessen the initial impact of the LVC, ultimately it will substantially increase the amount of revenue the ACT Government reaps from this tax. Canberra Business Council remains opposed to this charge, particularly in its new and heftier form.
Despite these concerns, the ACT Budget walks a balanced path in providing essential services, investing in the Territory’s future, and returning the ACT back to surplus within a reasonable period. It’s impressive to note that for a relatively small jurisdiction, ACT Government expenditure will exceed $4 billion in 2011-12, and the ACT remains one of Australia’s leading economies. There are risks to our continued prosperity, but the Council is confident these can be managed by business and government in partnership. T 6247 4199E info@canberrabusinesscouncil.com.auwww.canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au
Examining Budget expenditure closely, we can see that it is a targeted investment designed to give maximum bang for the buck.
A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S A 2 B
C H R I S FA U L K S
CHEIF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AFFILIATED WITH
UPCOMING EVENTS
21 June 2011Canberra BusinessPoint Workshop – Business Fundamentals
TIME 8.30am – 4.30pmVENUE Canberra BusinessPoint, 216 Northbourne Ave, BraddonCOST $85
12 July 2011ACT Chief Minister’s Business LuncheonGuest Speaker: Katy Gallagher
TIME 12.30pm -2.00pmVENUE Hyatt HotelCOST $77 Member $99 Non-Members
Principal MembersACTEW Corporation, ActewAGL, Bank West, Blue Star Printing Group, Canberra International Airport, Cre8ive, Elite Sound & Lighting, Ernst & Young Services Trust, eWAY, Hindmarsh, HolisTech Pty Ltd, ISIS, KPMG (Canberra), Master Builders Association (ACT), Medibank Health Solutions, National Australia Bank Ltd (Turner), National Museum of Australia, NEC Australia Pty Ltd, Staging Connections (ACT),The Village Building Co, Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems Australia, TransACT Communication
J U N E 2 011 B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A34
For more information on the ACT Exporters’ Network visit actexportersnetwork.com, orcontact the Network’s manager, Pam Faulks, on 0400 090 452, [email protected].
A 2 B A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S
PRESIDENT
B R E N TJ U R AT O W I T C H
The ACT Exporters’ Network is proudly sponsored by the ACT Government, Canberra Business Council, the Centre for Customs & Excise Studies and AusIndustry.
As those associated with exporters know, successful exporters need to travel frequently to establish and build relationships in new and existing markets. Survey results show that exporters have an average of 3.5 overseas trips per year to service their markets, being away from home for an average of 38.8 days per year.
Over half of these exporters use travel agents to assist them with their travel arrangements. In particular, respondents valued prompt service and good access to change tickets when overseas; support for connectivity where there are multiple travel legs and a complex itinerary; and advice and expertise.
On top of the extensive travel done by respondents, 40% of exporters who responded to the survey have staff permanently based overseas. This can range from one to 50 staff members, with an average of 13 staff members per exporting business that have staff permanently based overseas.
While Canberra’s exporters have found success across the globe, USA (21%) and UK (12%) were most frequently listed as markets by survey respondents, while the countries of Asia, particularly China, Singapore and Malaysia were also frequently listed.
While those outside the export community are often surprised that Canberra has a strong and vibrant export industry, the results of this survey confirm that not only is this a growing and important part of Canberra’s economy and business culture, but that it is an industry that will continue to grow as its members, particularly those involved with the ACT Exporters’ Network, work together to help each other.
Survey respondents indicated that the benefits of Network activities included hearing of other people’s experiences and meeting other who can share their experiences; getting good ideas on what to do and what not to do; opportunities to link up with government decision makers; moral support; networking with like-minded people and companies; and information and advice. Of all Network activities the Business Breakfasts were listed as most popular with survey respondents.
Thank you to all those who took the time to complete this survey – the information and feedback obtained through this process assists the Network to provide a better service to its members and other stakeholders.
The results are in: everything you
wanted to know about Canberra’s
international business activity ...
A 2 B A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S
ACT Exporters’ Network recently undertook a survey of its members and other stakeholders, receiving almost 60 responses over a four week period.
The aim of the survey was to get a snapshot of international business activity in Canberra and the region, as well as to find out a little more about what members want from the Network, as well as what they can contribute.
Most respondents export goods or services (80%) or provide services to assist exporters (16%), but a small percentage (7%) have not yet entered the export market. These percentages total greater than 100% as some businesses are both exporters as well as providing services to exporters.
Those respondents who provide services for exporters include those that provide software support for electronic tendering and evaluation or mobile payment technology; export marketing planning; in-county knowledge; market research; financial advice and services; grant advice and administration; legal advice and services; and assistance with relationship building.
Results from the survey demonstrated the depth of export experience in Canberra, with 44% of respondents having been involved in international business for over ten years, while other exporters are just starting out, with 13% exporting for less than two years.
With similar variety, while some export businesses devote 100% of resources to exporting, others balance exporting with domestic sales, with an average of 40% from survey respondents.
Despite economic difficulties over the past year, particularly with the strength of the Australian dollar, just over 45% of exporters who answered this question indicated that sales had increased over the past 12 months. This varied amongst companies from 5% to 300%, with an average of 85% increase in export sales.
But not all exporters were able to increase sales over the past 12 months. Some of the barriers to success that rated most highly in the survey included financing international markets; indentifying in -country distributors; managing cash-flow fluctuations; building partnerships and alliances and indentifying prospects and securing customers.
In 1964 Harold Wilson said
“A week is a long time in politics”
The last few weeks have been very busy in politics. In additional to the normal events in our community, we had the Hawke review of the ACT public service, the ACT
Budget, Jon Stanhope’s retirement as Chief Minister and the Federal Budget.
Prior to the ACT budget there was concern about how tough this budget would be. The need to return to surplus following the global financial crisis was key, and the impact the GFC was still having on the ACT government’s share of GST was of concern. Being a small jurisdiction, the ACT had already taken most of the benefits from the fiscal stimulus of the Building the Education Revolution.
In the end, most of this concern was misplaced. We received a responsible budget from the ACT government. Fortunately, we were “saved” by a significant and unexpected tax payment owing from a major media company. Improvements to transport infrastructure were funded, housing affordability assisted by more land releases and more infrastructure, and municipal services received additional funding. Healthcare received substantial funding and education, arts and heritage and even street trees, were beneficiaries.
Of direct interest to business was funding for tourism including the blockbuster cooperative fund to add to the great success of the National Gallery’s Paris exhibition, promotion of the Centenary of Canberra , funding for the Canberra Convention Bureau, the National Multicultural Festival, an upgrade of Commonwealth Park to support Floriade, funding to identify new markets for inbound flights and international flights to Canberra, and the 2015 Asian Cup and Stromlo Forest Park. Most importantly was $10m over 4 years to help boost business innovation and skills, to attract skilled employees from interstate and overseas and to attract international students to study in Canberra.
The Federal Budget saw announcements of a 16,000 increase in skilled migrants for the regions, $3b in training enhancements including 130,000 new training places, a focus on apprenticeships and a focus on getting people off welfare and into work. There is also some further encouragement for seniors to work a little longer if they wish. With our unemployment rate so low and our skills needs in so much demand,
we have a very good climate to focus on these issues.There are some tax changes that will impact on
business. Changes to the FBT allowance on motor vehicles will not be welcomed by small business and neither will the elimination of the entrepreneurs offset. But this will be somewhat offset by the $5,000 depreciation write off. Some changes to the capital gains tax regime will further complicate matters.
I believe that both the ACT budget and the Federal budget, work together to address some of our greatest needs at present. We are facing a significant skills shortage and a population shortage as our baby-boomers head for retirement. These budget measures will certainly not solve our skills problems, but they will help.
Jon Stanhope’s announcement of his retirement as Chief Minister, after nearly 10 years in the role was a surprise to many. I was expecting he would wish to be Chief Minister for the Centenary of Canberra in 2013. However, 10 years is a very significant contribution to make to the people of Canberra. I join with many in Canberra for thanking Jon for his leadership and his great commitment and contribution to Canberra and in wishing him the best in his retirement. There are two aspects in particular of Jon’s Chief Ministership that I will remember. First is his leadership immediately following the Canberra Bush Fires. The Chamber worked very closely with business and government, through the Chief Minister’s community-based Bush Fire Recovery Task Force, in assisting our community deal with the devastation. I am proud of the role we all played during these very difficult times. Secondly is his leadership during the global financial crisis. Jon pulled together government, business and the broader community to enable us to all work together to make the best opportunity out of the difficult times. It’s no accident that Canberra now has the strongest economy in Australia. Jon Stanhope can legitimately claim that as a major legacy.
For more information on the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Education Training Adviser program and how to be involved in any of these initiatives, please contact Jo Powell, Education and Training Adviser on (02) 6283 5200 or [email protected].
A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S A 2 B
D R C H R I S T O P H E RP E T E R S
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Corporate SponsorsACTEWAGL, 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Prime TV, The Canberra Times, The Good Guys Tuggeranong, Duesburys Nexia, Synapse Worldwide, B2B in Canberra.
Associates and AffiliatesRetail Traders Association, Australian Industry Defence Network
Foundation MemberAustralian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
In additional to the normal events in our community, we had the Hawke review of the ACT public
service, the ACT Budget, Jon Stanhope’s retirement as Chief Minister and the Federal Budget...
B 2 B I N C A N B E R R A J U N E 2 011 35
For more information on the ACT Exporters’ Network visit actexportersnetwork.com, orcontact the Network’s manager, Pam Faulks, on 0400 090 452, [email protected].
A 2 B A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S
PRESIDENT
B R E N TJ U R AT O W I T C H
The ACT Exporters’ Network is proudly sponsored by the ACT Government, Canberra Business Council, the Centre for Customs & Excise Studies and AusIndustry.
As those associated with exporters know, successful exporters need to travel frequently to establish and build relationships in new and existing markets. Survey results show that exporters have an average of 3.5 overseas trips per year to service their markets, being away from home for an average of 38.8 days per year.
Over half of these exporters use travel agents to assist them with their travel arrangements. In particular, respondents valued prompt service and good access to change tickets when overseas; support for connectivity where there are multiple travel legs and a complex itinerary; and advice and expertise.
On top of the extensive travel done by respondents, 40% of exporters who responded to the survey have staff permanently based overseas. This can range from one to 50 staff members, with an average of 13 staff members per exporting business that have staff permanently based overseas.
While Canberra’s exporters have found success across the globe, USA (21%) and UK (12%) were most frequently listed as markets by survey respondents, while the countries of Asia, particularly China, Singapore and Malaysia were also frequently listed.
While those outside the export community are often surprised that Canberra has a strong and vibrant export industry, the results of this survey confirm that not only is this a growing and important part of Canberra’s economy and business culture, but that it is an industry that will continue to grow as its members, particularly those involved with the ACT Exporters’ Network, work together to help each other.
Survey respondents indicated that the benefits of Network activities included hearing of other people’s experiences and meeting other who can share their experiences; getting good ideas on what to do and what not to do; opportunities to link up with government decision makers; moral support; networking with like-minded people and companies; and information and advice. Of all Network activities the Business Breakfasts were listed as most popular with survey respondents.
Thank you to all those who took the time to complete this survey – the information and feedback obtained through this process assists the Network to provide a better service to its members and other stakeholders.
The results are in: everything you
wanted to know about Canberra’s
international business activity ...
A 2 B A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S
ACT Exporters’ Network recently undertook a survey of its members and other stakeholders, receiving almost 60 responses over a four week period.
The aim of the survey was to get a snapshot of international business activity in Canberra and the region, as well as to find out a little more about what members want from the Network, as well as what they can contribute.
Most respondents export goods or services (80%) or provide services to assist exporters (16%), but a small percentage (7%) have not yet entered the export market. These percentages total greater than 100% as some businesses are both exporters as well as providing services to exporters.
Those respondents who provide services for exporters include those that provide software support for electronic tendering and evaluation or mobile payment technology; export marketing planning; in-county knowledge; market research; financial advice and services; grant advice and administration; legal advice and services; and assistance with relationship building.
Results from the survey demonstrated the depth of export experience in Canberra, with 44% of respondents having been involved in international business for over ten years, while other exporters are just starting out, with 13% exporting for less than two years.
With similar variety, while some export businesses devote 100% of resources to exporting, others balance exporting with domestic sales, with an average of 40% from survey respondents.
Despite economic difficulties over the past year, particularly with the strength of the Australian dollar, just over 45% of exporters who answered this question indicated that sales had increased over the past 12 months. This varied amongst companies from 5% to 300%, with an average of 85% increase in export sales.
But not all exporters were able to increase sales over the past 12 months. Some of the barriers to success that rated most highly in the survey included financing international markets; indentifying in -country distributors; managing cash-flow fluctuations; building partnerships and alliances and indentifying prospects and securing customers.
In 1964 Harold Wilson said
“A week is a long time in politics”
The last few weeks have been very busy in politics. In additional to the normal events in our community, we had the Hawke review of the ACT public service, the ACT
Budget, Jon Stanhope’s retirement as Chief Minister and the Federal Budget.
Prior to the ACT budget there was concern about how tough this budget would be. The need to return to surplus following the global financial crisis was key, and the impact the GFC was still having on the ACT government’s share of GST was of concern. Being a small jurisdiction, the ACT had already taken most of the benefits from the fiscal stimulus of the Building the Education Revolution.
In the end, most of this concern was misplaced. We received a responsible budget from the ACT government. Fortunately, we were “saved” by a significant and unexpected tax payment owing from a major media company. Improvements to transport infrastructure were funded, housing affordability assisted by more land releases and more infrastructure, and municipal services received additional funding. Healthcare received substantial funding and education, arts and heritage and even street trees, were beneficiaries.
Of direct interest to business was funding for tourism including the blockbuster cooperative fund to add to the great success of the National Gallery’s Paris exhibition, promotion of the Centenary of Canberra , funding for the Canberra Convention Bureau, the National Multicultural Festival, an upgrade of Commonwealth Park to support Floriade, funding to identify new markets for inbound flights and international flights to Canberra, and the 2015 Asian Cup and Stromlo Forest Park. Most importantly was $10m over 4 years to help boost business innovation and skills, to attract skilled employees from interstate and overseas and to attract international students to study in Canberra.
The Federal Budget saw announcements of a 16,000 increase in skilled migrants for the regions, $3b in training enhancements including 130,000 new training places, a focus on apprenticeships and a focus on getting people off welfare and into work. There is also some further encouragement for seniors to work a little longer if they wish. With our unemployment rate so low and our skills needs in so much demand,
we have a very good climate to focus on these issues.There are some tax changes that will impact on
business. Changes to the FBT allowance on motor vehicles will not be welcomed by small business and neither will the elimination of the entrepreneurs offset. But this will be somewhat offset by the $5,000 depreciation write off. Some changes to the capital gains tax regime will further complicate matters.
I believe that both the ACT budget and the Federal budget, work together to address some of our greatest needs at present. We are facing a significant skills shortage and a population shortage as our baby-boomers head for retirement. These budget measures will certainly not solve our skills problems, but they will help.
Jon Stanhope’s announcement of his retirement as Chief Minister, after nearly 10 years in the role was a surprise to many. I was expecting he would wish to be Chief Minister for the Centenary of Canberra in 2013. However, 10 years is a very significant contribution to make to the people of Canberra. I join with many in Canberra for thanking Jon for his leadership and his great commitment and contribution to Canberra and in wishing him the best in his retirement. There are two aspects in particular of Jon’s Chief Ministership that I will remember. First is his leadership immediately following the Canberra Bush Fires. The Chamber worked very closely with business and government, through the Chief Minister’s community-based Bush Fire Recovery Task Force, in assisting our community deal with the devastation. I am proud of the role we all played during these very difficult times. Secondly is his leadership during the global financial crisis. Jon pulled together government, business and the broader community to enable us to all work together to make the best opportunity out of the difficult times. It’s no accident that Canberra now has the strongest economy in Australia. Jon Stanhope can legitimately claim that as a major legacy.
For more information on the ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Education Training Adviser program and how to be involved in any of these initiatives, please contact Jo Powell, Education and Training Adviser on (02) 6283 5200 or [email protected].
A S S O C I AT I O N S T O B U S I N E S S A 2 B
D R C H R I S T O P H E RP E T E R S
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Corporate SponsorsACTEWAGL, 104.7 / Mix 106.3, Prime TV, The Canberra Times, The Good Guys Tuggeranong, Duesburys Nexia, Synapse Worldwide, B2B in Canberra.
Associates and AffiliatesRetail Traders Association, Australian Industry Defence Network
Foundation MemberAustralian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
In additional to the normal events in our community, we had the Hawke review of the ACT public
service, the ACT Budget, Jon Stanhope’s retirement as Chief Minister and the Federal Budget...
1. John Miller, Jerry Howard and Sam DeLorenzo 2. Stuart Adam, Tim Overall and Elias 3. Jeff House, Carol Scott, Dita Hunt, David George and Andrew Dib 4. Bob Dowling, Greg Kempton and Lindsay Le Compte 5. Kate Holland, Chris Faulks and Michelle Melbourne 6. David Scott, Paul Hincksman, Barry Spinner, Barry Dawson and Brett McIntyre 7. Peter Norton, Andrew Sikorski, Andy Gregory and John Miller 8. Avi Reber, Ivan Slavich, David Parks and Michael McGoogan 9. Simon Butt, Trewhella and Rob Purdon 10. Valdis Luks, Hamish McNulty, Ian Thomson and Paul Leyton
B2B @ CBC ACT BUDGET BREAKFAST NATIONAL PRESS CLUB
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5
8 9 10
6 7
CBC ACT Budget Breakfast
1. Amanda Bond Karl Pallenden, Rebecca Murphy, Stephen Hundy and Robert Johnson 2. Sarah Palic, Rose Stellino, Todd Wills and Leeanne Turner 3. Stuart Jones, Ian Murray-Jones and Michael Lisser 4. Philip Herzog, Eugene Kalenjuke, Ian Thomspn, Michael Heath, Daryl Read and Shane Bellchambers 5. Denton Bocking, Stuart Beard, Bob Beecher, Michael Holmes, Mark Schenk and Sue Bayly-Jones 6. Nick Lourandos, Jim Sarris, Stuart Hancock and Gurj Bhatti 7. Nunz Losanno, Jingjing Guo, Andrew Fernance and Lan Zhao 8. Stephanie Lynch, Henry Kazar, Kellie Johnston, Greg Brackenreg and Tony Lang 9. Catherine Hellier, Kate Gardner, Peter Murray and Janet Kininmonth 10. Justine Hrrper, Kimberly Baillie, Mark Flint and Berrice Ellis
B2B @ CBC FEDERAL BUDGET BREAKFASTPARLIAMENT HOUSE
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4
10
7
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7 8
9 10
Photography Below: Andrew Sikorski
CBC Federal Budget Breakfast
1. Brian Gunner, Emma Molloyllian Williams and Michael O’Hehir 2. Brendan Pigott, Thiru Kandiah and Basie Banka3. Michael O’Hehir, principal RSM Bird Cameron 4. Ron, Trent and Brad Pedley and Latief Mazema 5. Lindsay Walker, financial planner RSM Bird Cameron6. Robert Williams, Tony Lopilato and Michael Berry 7. Ken Johnston, Judy and Peter Smith 8. Joe Boschert ,Jaohn Haily, Garry Lee and Lindsay Walker
1. Brendon Prout and Miriam Miley-Read 2. Sean O’Neill, Merideth Hunter and Tom Warne-Smith 3. Brendan Smyth MLA, Greg Castle and Scott Harris 4. Kerrie Schoots, Alistair Coe MLA, Des Linehan 5. Andrew Cappie-Wood, Harriet Elvin and Chris Barry 6. Sue Carter, Scott Harris and Amy Liu 7. Jo Powell, Sarah Kendtwell, Jo Madsen and Sam Andrewartha
B2B @ RSM BUSINESS SEMINAR 6
B2B @ ACT BUDGET BRIEFING
ROYAL CANBERRA GOLD CLUB
NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE
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