THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has announced its partnership with the St.George Banking Group (St.George Bank, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA) as part of its suite of member benefits.

“We are delighted to form an alliance with such strong and reputable brands in the banking sector,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“Our members can access very competitive home loans or refer clients seeking home loans and mortgage advice to any of the three banks.

“This is a great advantage for our members and their small business clients in particular,” said Mr Conway.

St.George’s Head of Home Lending, Gavan Thompson, said that all of the brands were excited to be aligned with the IPA.

“We feel that our brands fit well with the IPA, particularly with their strong service delivery and community focus.

“Accountants are vital as trusted advisers to their clients and we look forward to being of assistance to them with any home lending needs,” said Mr Thompson.

publicaccountants.org.au

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QUEENSLAND’s attractiveness as an investment destination for mining has dropped out of the global top ten according to a report from Canada’s Fraser Institute highlighted by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the clear message is that global investors have marked Queensland down because of policy uncertainty. 

"Investors don’t like surprises, which is why the sector is always talking about the need for policy certainty," said Mr Macfarlane. 

"The Queensland Government needs to be aware investors are watching every potential change in policy as having a direct impact on the investment profile of the State.

THOUSANDS of anonymous reports from concerned members of the community are assisting the Fair Work Ombudsman to target unlawful practices in workplaces across Australia and deliver outcomes for workers who might otherwise not seek help.

Since the launch of its Anonymous Report tool in mid-2016, the regulator has received more than 20,000 tip-offs alleging potential workplace breaches.

The reports from the public are leading to positive outcomes for vulnerable workers who may be unwilling or unable to reveal their identity and approach the Fair Work Ombudsman.

In one matter, Fair Work inspectors conducted an unannounced visit at a Sydney retail business after receiving an anonymous report alleging employees received as little as $8 per hour, cash in hand.

An audit of the company’s records uncovered evidence of contraventions in relation to pay rates, break entitlements and pay slip requirements.

Inspectors issued the company with a Compliance Notice and a contravention letter, resulting in approximately $50,000 in wages and entitlements being paid back to workers.

The company also increased pay rates to ensure compliance in the future.

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has launched an inquiry into the 2016-17 Defence Major Projects Report.

The JCPAA is a central committee of the Parliament with the power to initiate its own inquiries on the Commonwealth public sector.

The Committee has inquired into the Defence Major Projects Report on an annual basis since 2009 and will continue its oversight of the reporting of major Defence acquisitions through its inquiry into the 2016-17 Major Projects Report.

The total approved budget for the Major Projects included in this report is approximately $62 billion, covering nearly 59 per cent of the budget within the Approved Major Capital Investment Program.

The Committee invites submissions to the inquiry by Friday, 9 March 2018. A public hearing will be held on Friday, 23 March 2018.

Further information about the inquiry can be accessed via the Committee’s website.

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