THE FIRST of a series of community meetings on the impact the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal’s (RSRT) Payments Order had on small businesses was held in Adelaide this morning.

Hosted by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Kate Carnell, the meeting was an opportunity for owner-drivers and their families to contribute to the ASBFEO’s inquiry into the effect the Order had on their operations.

“A number of owner-drivers along with representatives from associated businesses came along and shared their experiences on this important issue for the industry,” Ms Carnell said.

“We were also pleased to welcome representatives from the Transport Workers Union, who after staging a small protest outside the venue, eventually came and joined the meeting.

“While all but one of the union representatives left the meeting early, they did participate in the discussion and, like everyone else, were given time to present their views.

“It’s important to remember, my office works independently of government; our sole purpose is to advocate and assist small business owners around the country.

“Road safety is vitally important for all road users, however the purpose of this particular inquiry is to examine the impact the RSRT’s Payments Order had on the operation of small businesses, before, during and after its implementation.

“This morning for instance we heard from small business truck drivers and others, that the impact the Order had on their livelihood was significant, and in many cases the financial ramifications are ongoing.

“There are other meetings planned around the country, and we look forward to welcoming anyone who would like to attend, to come along, express their views and contribute to this important inquiry,” Ms Carnell said.

Dates for future community meetings are also on the website.

Those wishing to contribute to the inquiry can do so at: www.asbfeo.gov.au/consultation 

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The Victorian Parliamentary report into portable long service leave released today makes a number of alarming findings that would threaten Victorian jobs and put employers under strain from rising costs.

The Victorian Chamber is particularly concerned with the recommendation that the Victorian Government further explore the feasibility of introducing portable long service schemes in the contract cleaning and security industries.

“The Victorian Chamber’s submission to the inquiry argued that there is no merit in extending current arrangements relating to the portability of long service leave entitlements. To do so would threaten Victorian jobs and put Victoria at a disadvantage with other states who offer a more competitive environment for business,” said Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“It’s clear that the committee has ignored the advice of business that such schemes would result in higher costs to employers and the flow-on effect of less jobs will be felt by workers.”

“These schemes increase the cost of employment but deliver no boost to productivity, impose additional administration costs on business, discourage employment and are difficult and expensive to administer.”

Separate reviews currently underway into the Long Service Leave Act and labour hire have also been tasked with looking at changes that would impose significant and unnecessary costs on employers, putting jobs at risk.

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au

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NATIONAL retail spending saw a 3.6 percent growth (year-on-year) in April 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), with food retailing posting a soft figure of 2.4% year on year.

The ARA believes this reported figure can be attributed to the competition between the major supermarkets and the increasing presence of discount retailer Aldi, causing deflation within the supermarket sector.

“With supermarkets accounting for nearly 50% of all retail sales, the soft increase of only 2.16% year-on-year in supermarkets contributed to the low growth of the retail sector of 3.6%” ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman said.

The household goods category represents the highest growth figures at 5.8% (year-on-year), reflecting strength of the housing market and the resulting effect on consumer confidence.

Clothing and footwear has maintained a growth of 4.76% (year-on-year) due to heavy discounting - meaning volumes are up at the expense of margins. New players and competition entering the market has also had a significant effect on growth causing further discounting.

“The figures reported today by the ABS also highlight a number of trends in regards to state specific retail trade,” Mr Zimmerman said.

The large service sector based states (VIC 4.30%, NSW 4.95%) are growing strongly, while the traditional mining states (QLD 1.20%, WA 2.04%) are experiencing low growth as they go through a period of structural adjustment.

Tasmania has shown a particularly impressive growth figure of 5.85% (year-on-year), appearing to be off the back of a strong economy and robust tourism industry.

MONTHLY RETAIL GROWTH (March 2016 – April 2016 seasonally adjusted)

Household goods retailing (0.3%), Other retailing (0.2%), Food retailing (-0.3%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (0.5%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (1.0%) and Department stores (0.4%).

Northern Territory (0.7%), South Australia (0.5%), Australian Capital Territory (0.9%), Victoria (-0.3%), Tasmania (1.0%), Western Australia (0.6%), New South Wales (0.3%) and Queensland (-0.1%).

YEAR-ON-YEAR RETAIL GROWTH (April 2015 – April 2016 seasonally adjusted)

Household goods retailing (5.8%), Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (3.0%), Food retailing (2.4%), Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (4.8%), Other retailing (4.4%) and Department stores (3.6%).

New South Wales (5%), South Australia (3.4%), Tasmania (5.8%), Victoria (4.3%), Australian Capital Territory (6.8%), Western Australia (2.0%), Queensland (1.2%) and Northern Territory (1.6%).

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $300 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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AUSTRALIA'S diverse exhibition and event sector will celebrate its inaugural Global Exhibitions Day at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on Wednesday June 8, 2016, to highlight the impact the exhibition industry has on local economies – igniting innovation, trade and business development.

To mark the occasion an ‘MCEC Global Exhibitions Day Oration’ will be delivered by innovator and futurist, Justin Baird, who will explore how the changing pace in technology, coupled with the global nature of business, means the growth of the economy requires the power of exhibitions.

This free public event, designed to provide attendees with a different perspective on the Australian exhibition industry, is being delivered in partnership with the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and forms part of their wider series of special events to celebrate the inaugural day.

During 2013-14, over 2,000 exhibitions were held across Australia, attracting over 9 million visitors. These exhibitions generated an expenditure of $3.1 billion and contributed a direct economic value of $1.5 billion. 

MCEC’s Chief Executive, Peter King said the creation of a Global Exhibitions Day was significant in acknowledging the important role the exhibition industry plays in fuelling local and national economies.

“Most do not realise how powerful and influential the exhibitions sector is within our wider business events industry. In 2013-14 alone the sector generated over 21,000 jobs for exhibition organisers and exhibitors in Australia.

"Victoria hosts the largest number of exhibitions in Australia, with exhibitions making up 20 percent of MCEC’s total revenue,” Mr King said.

MCEC recently unveiled its plans to expand, adding a new flexible event-space that will bring the venue’s total pillar-less exhibition space to 40,000 square metres. This provides an opportunity for current exhibitions to grow and to further accommodate an ever-increasing conference and exhibition market.

“Within our additional exhibition space we’ll be adding retractable theatre seating for 1,000 people, which provides our exhibition customers greater versatility in staging their events,” Mr King added.

Click here to register for your free ticket to the MCEC Global Exhibitions Day Oration.

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