THIS July, the Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) will host the premier policy event for small business representatives, government and industry leaders in Brisbane – the Vodafone National Small Business Summit.

Key themes for the 14th Annual Summit include people, policy and power. In an election year, the Summit will ensure that the voice of small business is heard and safeguard this community of more than 3 million small businesses, making sure the needs of small business people are front and centre.

EVENT DETAILS:

WHAT:  Vodafone National Small Business Summit
WHEN: Wednesday 6 - Friday 8 July 2016
WHERE: Hilton Brisbane Hotel
PRICE: Early bird available until 15 June, from just $690
WEBSITE: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/nsbs16/nsbs2016/
HASHTAG: #NSBS16

Delegates will join the event to exchange ideas, shape policy and discuss how the interests of small business are represented in Australia, to ensure economic growth.

This once-a-year event is the best opportunity for leaders in the small business community to connect with decision makers and key influencers, such as the newly created office of the Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman and Fair Work Ombudsman.

Peter Strong, Chief Executive Officer, COSBOA says, “Every year the Summit brings together a community of business and policy experts and key decision makers to confront the key issues impacting small business. This year, I encourage you to get involved: join in the debates; let people know what you think and have an impact on the social fabric and economic future of Australia.”

To register for the Summit, visit http://www.nationalsmallbusinesssummit.com.au

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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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