VECCI has welcomed the release of Melcourne's Western Distributor proposal, according to Chief Executive Mark Stone.

"The project has the potential to visibly enhance freight productivity by reducing traffic congestion, decreasing commuter travel times and improving port access," Mr Stone said.

"VECCI has consistently called for a second river crossing. The proposal represents a major step forward in achieving this and improving the movement of freight around Melbourne.

"With the Port of Melbourne’s throughput expected to triple by 2041, improved access to the port provided by this project will be crucial to the state’s longer-term trade and economic performance.

"Together with the government’s planned widening of the CityLink / Tullamarine Freeway, the announcement represents a major step forward in improving Melbourne’s transport network. These projects will save business money, help people get to work on time, improve urban liveability and create thousands of new jobs," Mr Stone said.

"The proposal also demonstrates the important role the private sector has to play in not only funding major projects, but bringing forward new ideas that have the potential to address Victoria’s most pressing infrastructure challenges. VECCI commends Transurban on this great initiative.

"If realised, the proposal would be one of a small number of projects that transform our transport system, delivering enduring economic benefits for generations to come."

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.

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WITH JUSTt over one week until entries close on Friday 8 May, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) encourages all retailers to prepare their submissions for the 2015 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards.

Tickets are selling fast for the retail industry’s most recognised awards event of the year - the ARA Awards Breakfast on Thursday 2 July at the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne – where all award winners will be announced.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman encourages any retailers who are yet to enter to visit the ARA Awards website and submit their entry.

“There is an award category to suit everyone - from our HR superstars, retail graduates and mum-and-dad owner operators, right through to those who have completed an amazing retail store fit-out or those leading the way in retail payment technologies. Of course, we’re also looking for the ‘Retailer of the Year,’ ‘Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Retail Employer of the Year.’

“We have had an overwhelmingly positive response this year from retailers across Australia who have put their hands up and are willing to share their stories. As Australia’s first and largest national retail awards program, the ARA Awards have celebrated Australia’s leading retailers for over 40 years and have become something of an icon in the retail industry.

“The Awards Breakfast, where all winners will be announced, is a valuable networking event for all retailers to attend and enjoy. Attendees will gain valuable insights from this year’s keynote speaker Jodie Fox, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of multichannel sensation Shoes of Prey and have the opportunity to network with retail professionals from across Australia and abroad,” Mr Zimmerman said.

This year, the ARA Awards are again proudly supported by eftpos as the events major sponsor. eftpos Managing Director Bruce Mansfield said he hoped to see a record number of retailers enter the awards and share their inspiring success stories about how they contribute to Australia and the communities in which they operate.

“eftpos is proud to support these awards because they recognise the extraordinary work that is done by the hundreds of thousands of retailers who serve Australian communities every single day,” Mr Mansfield said. 

“Retail is an industry that touches all Australians and contributes to the economies of almost every community across the nation, no matter how small.  It is an exceptionally important industry that impacts all of our daily lives and it is great to have an opportunity to recognise the contribution of these businesses and the people who run them."

ARA Awards Breakfast

When: Thursday 2 July 2015, 7.00am (for 7.30am start) to 10.30am
Where: Grand Hyatt, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ticket prices:
ARA members $60 / guests $80
ARA members table of 10 $500 / guest table of 10 $700
 
The 2015 ARA Awards are open now – visit www.australianretailawards.com.au to enter. Entries close Friday 8 May. To reserve your tickets now email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ARA Award categories:
eftpos Australian Retailer of the Year, BDO Australian Retail Employer of the Year, The Realise Group Australian Independent Retailer of the Year, Pronto Software Australian Retail Innovator of the Year, Expr3ss! Staff Selection Software Australian Retail Graduate of the Year, NORA Australian Multichannel Retailer of the Year, FCB Australian Retail HR Rising Star of the Year, Rest Industry Super Individual Retailer of the Year, Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Retailer of the Year, Shop for Shops Australian Retail Store Fit-out of the Year and MasterCard Australian Retail Payments Leader of the Year.
 
Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.
 

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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