The Queensland Government has introduced key legislation to Parliament that will enable infrastructure charging reforms to commence from July 1.

New infrastructure charge limits may help boost Qld construction industry.

Standard maximum infrastructure charges will be set at $28,000 for a home with three or more bedrooms, and $20,000 for one and two-bedroom homes.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Paul Lucas said the Bligh Government had worked hard to get the charges right to help stimulate the building industry, create jobs and improve housing affordability.

"These maximum charges were reached following the recommendations of the independent Infrastructure Charges Taskforce," Mr Lucas said.

"With more than a third of all Queensland jobs are in the building and construction industries, so it's important to get the balance right.

"The latest report from the Housing Industry Association shows new home sales soared by 11.1 percent in Queensland in March, well ahead of the national increase of 4.3 percent.

"We need to keep focused to ensure this growth continues to deliver more jobs and houses and increase housing affordability.

"Introducing maximum charges is a key way of assisting the recovery of the building industry whilst providing opportunities for Queensland families to purchase their own home."

Mr Lucas said a central element of the reforms was giving local governments flexibility to choose whether they adopt maximum charges or charge lesser amounts for infrastructure.

"This will give councils the ability to choose lower infrastructure charges that are appropriate for their local communities, while stimulating construction activity and competing for investment," he said.

"The State Government was forced to step in to the charges debate to provide simplicity and consistency for local governments and developers who couldn't work this out between themselves.

"This is a maximum charge that has been set and it's important to note local governments are responsible for setting their own local charges.

"If local governments want to subsidise infrastructure charging to stimulate development and jobs they will still be allowed to - in fact I encourage it."

Mr Lucas said the amendments would not fundamentally change the existing planning system, but would simplify the current clutter and confusion around infrastructure charging arrangements.

A key part of the Bill is the establishment of a head of power to make a State Planning Regulatory Provision (SPRP) which will implement the maximum charges across Queensland.

The Infrastructure Charges Taskforce was created to stimulate the building industry, and was a key initiative from the State Government's Growth Management Summit held in March last year.

www.legislation.qld.gov.au/OQPChome.htm

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The Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce will officially launch the annual Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards at a cocktail function at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on Wednesday May 12 at 6pm.

Maroochydore Plaza, Sunshine Coast

The regional awards which recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of the Sunshine Coast business community were first introduced 16 years ago and each year continue to strengthen and prosper.  

In 2009, the awards attracted a quality field and record number of nominations from across the entire Sunshine Coast with more than 150 finalists vying for honours in a diverse range of business sectors.  

In a fitting tribute to the 2009 awards program, 600 guests including the region's business, community and government leaders gathered to celebrate the diversity, innovation and strengths of Sunshine Coast business at an exciting gala presentation dinner.

President of the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce Myles McNamara is confident that this year's awards will again bring out the best in the business. 

"The awards include both business and individual categories and have been designed to uniquely reflect how the Sunshine Coast does business," Mr McNamara  said.

"I encourage Sunshine Coast business owners to either self-nominate or to nominate another business of their choice."

Nominations for the Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards will open on May 12 and information is available on the Chamber's website at www.maroochy.org or by contacting the Chamber directly on 5443 5661.  

The Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce has a fine list of sponsors of the Sunshine Coast Excellence in Business Awards 2010:

Platinum Sponsor:

Sunshine Coast Council

Major Sponsors:

Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Suncorp Bank

Sunshine Coast TAFE

Category Sponsors:

Accounting North

AusIndustry

Sunshine Plaza

Telstra Country Wide

Trade Qld

University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Business

Media Partners:

Hot/Zinc FM

Seven Local News

Sunshine Coast Daily

www.maroochy.org

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Employers of Defence Reservists who claim financial assistance through the Employer Support Payment Scheme will now receive more money, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Mike Kelly announced this week.

Reservist employers on target.

Employer Support Payments (ESPs) rose on July 1from $1123.30 to $1183.10, for every week full-time employee Reservists are away from their civilian jobs, once the qualifying period of two weeks and other eligibility criteria are satisfied.

"The scheme was introduced to provide financial assistance to both employers and self-employed reservists," said Dr Kelly.

"The weekly payment helps offset the costs associated with the absence of Reservist employees who are performing Defence service."

For Reservists in part-time employment, a pro-rata amount of the applicable Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) is calculated based on their weekly working hours.  ESP support is also available to self-employed Reservists whose business provides their main source of income.

In order for an employer to qualify for ESP payments, their Reservist employees must perform Defence service for five or more consecutive days after completing the qualifying period.

Employers can download claim forms at www.defence.gov.au/reserves.  

Defence Reserves Support specialists are available on 1800 803 485 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to help resolve any queries about the claims process.

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The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) has labelled the Federal Government "dishonourable" over a vital word change to the Fair Work Act that shifts the goal posts for small-to-medium business.

COSBOA CEO Jaye Radisich said the  Federal Government has implemented an 11th hour change to the Fair Dismissal Code on June 30, which now applies to small businesses under Federal workplace laws.

"The Federal Government has acted with extreme dishonour in relation to small businesses, and the implementation of the Fair Work Act," said Ms Radisich.

"I was astounded to learn from the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Steve Ciobo MP, that a significant change to the Fair Dismissal Code has been snuck through by the Government on the eve of the new workplace laws applying (July 1)."

"All citizens, including small business owners and managers, deserve to have faith in their government and know that the legislative and regulatory framework of our society has transparency and integrity. On this occasion, that faith has been seriously undermined.

"The Determination released by Senator Arbib in the absence of the Deputy Prime Minister, significantly changes the obligations for small businesses under the Fair Dismissal Code.

"The one word that has been covertly changed in the Code after months of consultation and negotiation, will cause a significant red-tape and procedural burden to small businesses - ultimately causing a real dollar cost," he said.

"Small business owners are fair and reasonable people. They are willing to work within whatever system they're confronted with, but they will not react well to the wool being pulled over their eyes," Ms Radisich said.

The Council of Small Business of Australia said it will take this matter to the Minister for Small Business and the Prime Minister, to seek an urgent re-issuing of the Determination in accordance with what has been agreed to and advertised by the Government to date.

REFERENCES:

Federal Register of Legislative Instruments F2009L02570 - Dated June 24, 2009:

Procedural Matters.

In discussions with an employee in circumstances where dismissal is possible, the employee can have another

person present to assist. However, the other person cannot be a lawyer acting in a professional capacity.

A small business employer will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the Code if the employee makes a claim for unfair dismissal to Fair Work Australia, including evidence that a warning has been given (except in cases of summary dismissal). Evidence may include a completed checklist, copies of written warning(s), a statement of termination or signed witness statements.

Previously agreed Fair Dismissal Code (live as at 4pm, June 30, 2009):

Procedural Matters

In discussions with an employee in circumstances where dismissal is possible, the employee can have another person present to assist. However, the other person cannot be a lawyer acting in a professional capacity. A small business employer may be required to provide evidence of compliance with the Code if the employee makes a claim for unfair dismissal to Fair Work Australia. Evidence may include a completed checklist, copies of written warning(s), a statement of termination or signed witness statements.

www.cosboa.org.au

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