VECCI has welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s announced release of draft legislation to extend unfair contract term protections to small business, according to Chief Executive Mark Stone.

"VECCI’s Small Business Taskforce report, “Small Business. Big Opportunity”, urged the Commonwealth Government to commit to implementing the proposed protections detailed in this scheme and we welcome the progression of this important measure," Mr Stone said.

"Once the protections are implemented, a court will have the power to strike out a term of a small business contract that is considered unfair. 

"The protections will apply to small businesses (employing less than 20 people) for transactions under $100,000, or $250,000 for contracts that last longer than 12 months.

"The changes will support small businesses in their daily operations, but businesses must remain vigilant in conducting due diligence on large contracts.

"VECCI commends the Government for this action."

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

vecci.org.au  

IN acknowledgement of VECCI’s outstanding record of quality service delivery, VECCI Apprenticeships Services (VAS) has secured a new, expanded Federal Government contract to deliver apprenticeship services.

“We take pride in our record of quality in the provision of traineeship and apprenticeship services. We’re delighted to be delivering this crucial program to increase the completion rates of apprentices, as it will be a win for both employers and apprentices,” said VECCI Executive Director and Apprenticeship Support Australia Chairman Denis James.

The announcement means VAS will be part of the newly-formed country-wide Apprenticeship Support Australia organisation which also includes ABAC in NSW, CCIWA Apprenticeships Solutions in WA and Business SA’s Australian Apprenticeships Centre.

The organisation combines 60 years of collective experience in the area to deliver Australia’s premium apprenticeship support service throughout the country from 1 July 2015.

The Australian Government has committed $600 million over three years to the new scheme that is designed to give young Australians the best opportunity to find work through earning and learning opportunities, while facilitating businesses being matched with suitably skilled employees.

The new program will build on the existing apprenticeship model and include:
- Offering job-matching services to connect apprentices and employers.
- Delivering tailored mentoring support to apprentices who need additional help.
- Managing the administration of an apprenticeship and traineeship, including the training contract.
- Administering the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, including employer incentives and trade support loans.
- Assisting individuals to find the right Vocational Education and Training or employment pathway. 

“This new program gives VECCI a wider, national reach with greater opportunity to work with Victorian business and workers to deliver strong results,” said Mr James.

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

vecci.org.au

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VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has welcomed today’s announcement by the State Government that will see the continuation of Avalon Airport’s passenger operations and the expansion of Jetstar’s services at the airport.

"We are delighted that the agreement will see 200 jobs saved, as well as an increase in the number of Jetstar flights from five to seven daily and the introduction of flights to two new domestic destinations," Mr Stone said.

"Avalon Airport supports tourism and business travel in Victoria, particularly to our state’s drawcard tourist destinations such as the Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula.

"The expansion will see the arrival of approximately 700 more visitors in the region each week which will be a positive for the local tourism industry.

"We commend the State Government for working together with Jetstar to reach this outcome and deliver a win for Victorian business."

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

vecci.org.au

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THERE's only one week until CeMAT, the global intralogistics and materials handling event, hits Australia for the first time at Sydney Olympic Park, 5–7 May 2015.

The three day exhibition, conference, workshops and site tours promise to inspire the industry and offer solutions to improve all elements of the supply chain.

Here’s a list of the top 5 things that are not to be missed at CeMAT AUSTRALIA:

1. See the industry’s best on the show floor

With five specialist exhibition zones including Store & Load, Move & Lift and Logistics IT; the 100+ exhibitors will showcase a huge range of products and services, some of which have never before been seen in Australia. Highlight exhibitors include Adaptalift Hyster, SeaBox International, Knapp and Dematic.

2. Learn from those who’ve already implemented game-changing solutions

There are sessions and workshops that offer real world solutions to improve processes, including gathering a solid business case for automation, with speakers from Australia Post, Linfox, NICTA, Coles Australia, Foodstuffs NZ and Speedshield Technologies.

3. See the newest products which will set the industry’s trends for the next year

There will be over 33 product launches and demonstrations at CeMAT including the Albany RR3000 ISO which is set to revolutionise the rigid high-performance door market; the Combilift Walkie Reach which is the only pedestrian reach stacker able to work in an aisle width of 2000mm pallet to pallet; and Hyundai’s latest 9-series electric and diesel forklifts.

4. Get a feel for it with product demonstrations

Adaptalift Hyster will be demonstrating their state of the art fleet management and safety system, ForkTrack so attendees at CeMAT will be able to interact with the system to see how it can improve safety and provide greater fleet visibility.

ZiPline Conveyors will be showcasing the Belted Zero Pressure DC Conveyor that provides zero pressure accumulation of products. The model will show how easy it is to convey small cartons due to the small transition gaps between the belted zones.

The new and innovative Tennant T17 battery-powered ride on scrubber is designed to tackle the harshest of environments whilst reducing the cost to clean, the scrubber will be showing attendees its power, with the largest battery capacity in its class.

5. Win a trip to CeMAT Hannover

CeMAT AUSTRALIA is offering all confirmed visitors who attend, the chance to win a trip to CeMAT Hannover including accommodation, airfare and event pass valued up to $10,000 + GST.

Register now: http://www.cemat.com.au/register-expo-conference/

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