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Svitzer Australia tug crews to vote on industrial action after negotiations stall

THE Fair Work Commission has granted orders allowing a ballot of tug crews employed by Svitzer Australia at dozens of ports around Australia to determine whether they will undertake legally protected industrial action.

Fair Work Commission deputy president Anna Booth last week granted the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) the right to hold the ballot, with workers to vote on whether they will undertake a range of actions such as stoppages, bans on overtime, and temporary changes to work practices.

MUA assistant national secretary Ian Bray said the decision to hold the ballot of members, which will be conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission, was made after months of stalled negotiations

“Svitzer Australia has essentially been unwilling to enter into meaningful negotiations for a new enterprise agreement following the expiration of the previous deal,” Mr Bray said.

“Rather than engage in genuine negotiations, the company put forward an offer that would have imposed wage freezes for the next two years.

“With negotiations stalled for months, and Svitzer showing no willingness to bargain in good faith to reach an agreement, the union has made the decision to escalate the matter by undertaking a protected action ballot of members.

“Our members are being asked to vote on 20 potential forms of industrial action, including stoppages of various lengths, bans on overtime, a requirement to return to the berth for breaks, and modifications to work practices such as a refusal to undertake online training or use certain work systems.

“Workers are frustrated that the Svitzer is not only refusing to bargain in good faith, but at the same time has been pressing ahead with aggressive attacks on the Port Operating Procedures in several ports.”

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Qld can count on resources: QRC

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has launched an unprecedented four-week media campaign in the lead-up to the State Election to emphasise the economic and job creation importance of the mining and gas industry to the State’s COVID-19 recovery.

QRC chief executive Mr Ian Macfarlane said the campaign was in response to worsening economic conditions, with Queensland’s unemployment rate the nation’s highest at 8.8 percent and the resources industry’s potential to strengthen and speed up the State’s recovery.

“Resources offer incredible economic stability, jobs and growth and the Premier has acknowledged our sector is one of Queensland’s greatest strengths, yet we’ve had barriers put in place by Government to new investment and more jobs in the resources sector with little consultation or warning,” he said.

“Frankly, the time it takes to get projects moving in Queensland these days and to get through all the red and green tape is ridiculous.

“We can be stronger, and Queensland can be stronger, but we need a shared commitment and unwavering support from the Government.”

Mr Macfarlane said the resources industry wants Queenslanders to be fully aware in the lead-up to the October election that a strong mining and gas sector is essential to the State’s economic survival and recovery.

“As a minimum, the resources industry is calling on the State Government to streamline the regulation process and keep royalty taxes stable for the next 10 years to attract large-scale global investment," Mr Macfarlane said.

“Business as usual post COVID is not going to cut it,” he said.

“We want to work with the Government to put in place an industry development plan to make sure our resources sector can get Queenslanders back to work and our economy back on track.”

Mr Macfarlane said the industry had proven over decades to be an excellent return on investment for the Queensland Government, now contributing $74 billion each year to the State's economy and supporting 372,000 full-time jobs.

“On top of that, resources delivers the Government more than $5 billion a year in royalty taxes, which go straight into the State Budget to pay for roads, hospitals, teachers and nurses.

“We want people to keep this in mind when they vote for our next State Government on October 31,” Mr Macfarlane said.

QRC’s campaign uses the catchphrase 'You can count on us to help Queensland recover' and was filmed in Clermont, Central Queensland, featuring local miners, workers and business owners.

www.qrc.org.au

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Fitness industry calls for urgent reclassification in Victoria ahead of Stage 3 restrictions

AS COVID-19 cases across Victoria continue to decrease, there are urgent calls for health and fitness facilities including personal training to be reclassified as an essential service ahead of Stage 3 restrictions to help Victorians look after their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Leading the call is the fitness industry’s peak organisation, Fitness Australia, which has been fiercely advocating for the industry and the vital role gyms, and access to a broad range of professional training options such as personal training, have on the long-term health and wellbeing of the community.

According to Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish, gyms, health clubs, fitness centres and studios such as yoga, pilates and barre should not be classified within the current ‘physical recreational facilities’ category.

“The classification of health and fitness facilities needs urgent review, we are calling on the Victorian Government to reclassify them as ‘Health and Fitness Centres’ in the Restricted Activity Directions and be allowed to operate in the same way as other essential health services such as osteopathy, physiotherapy, dietetics and mental health services,” Mr Elvish said.

“For many people in our community, especially those managing a range of physical and mental health issues, going to the gym, completing regular sessions with a personal trainer or participating in a live or virtual class are seen as an essential support service. Yet under the current classification, the industry is restricted from providing this vital support service.”

Mr Elvish said many other industries were currently permitted to provide a service to their customer, such as fulfilling online orders from a business location, but personal trainers cannot do anything.

“How is it reasonable for businesses to be allowed access to their facilities to pack online orders or for religious groups to live stream content with up to five people, but personal trainers or fitness studio’s cannot safely access their business to film or stream workouts or group classes?” Mr Elvish said.

“While the current abnormalities are frustrating and detrimental to our industry and the community, our focus as an industry is on seeking action from the Victorian Government for reclassification ahead of moving to Stage 3 restrictions.

“The focus needs to be on the health and wellbeing of all Victorians and the current Stage 4 and Stage 3 restrictions deem access to health and fitness services non-essential and prohibited.

“Health and fitness centres are low risk when it comes to COVID-19 and the industry is willing to do whatever it takes to provide a safety and hygienic environment for members and employees.”

Mr Elvish said recent data from a random sample of NSW operators proved gyms are safe and not a high-risk place of transmission.

“Recent Fitness Australia research found there have been more than 6.26 million check-ins across 423 gyms since they reopened in NSW on 13 June. During that same period there had been zero cases of reported community transmission in a gym,” Mr Elvish said.

The Fitness Australia data was validated by electronic swipes, used by all members for access, which also provides for sophisticated contact tracing should it be required.

Mr Elvish said gyms and personal trainers played a very important role in helping people maintain their mental health, strengthen their immune function, and overall wellbeing and called on the Victorian Governments to engage the industry positively rather than label it negatively.

“Since the beginning of COVID-19, Fitness Australia has been focused on promoting the important role the fitness industry plays in the overall health of our nation. We are not part of the problem; we are actually part of the solution to getting more Australians more active more often and help prevent long-term lifestyle-related disease,” Mr Elvish said.

“By working with Fitness Australia, the Victorian Government can continue to promote the overall health and safety of the community, not just when it comes to protecting them during a pandemic.”

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Stoic Venture Capital takes holding in nanotech Ferronova

STOIC Venture Capital has taken part in a $3.5 million Series A funding round for Australian biotechnology company Ferronova Pty Ltd.

The funding round was led by Uniseed, where Stoic Venture Capital is the co-investment fund. Uniseed is a commercialisation fund which focuses on financing early-stage companies that emerge from member universities.

Ferronova’s technology has the potential to transform care for early stage cancer patients in complex cancers such as colorectal cancer. The company originated from landmark research by the Victoria University of Wellington and the University of South Australia.

Stoic Venture Capital Partner Geoff Waring said the venture capital fund’s portfolio expanded dramatically to a total of 17 companies in the past two years with a primary focus on healthcare.

“Ferronova is a visionary Australian company with technology solutions that are advancing the detection, diagnosis and treatment of early stage cancer,” Dr Waring said. 

“We support the growth of healthcare companies that are changing outcomes and improving the lives of patients.”

Dr Waring said Stoic Venture Capital would continue to have a big allocation to healthcare opportunities.

“Healthcare remains a resilient and high potential asset class. Evidence-backed medical technology creates alternative models of care and prevention," Dr Waring said.

“Importantly, our investments are also contributing to the pioneering of new research and development in medicine and science to help more patients in the future.”

 

About Stoic Venture Capital

Stoic Venture Capital provides financing for early-stage companies, particularly those arising from university research. Stoic is unconditionally registered as an Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP) and takes a collaborative approach to investing in the highest potential companies.

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Atlas Advisors Australia welcomes reopening of BIIP to offset falling migration

LEADING wealth manager Atlas Advisors Australia has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to make an interim allocation of places under the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) ahead of the Budget to assist in driving economic growth amidst the challenges of the pandemic and falls in migration.

Executive chairman of Atlas Advisors Australia, Guy Hedley said the Australian Government's recent decision to allocate places for Significant Investor Visas and Investor Visas recognised the critical role the BIIP could play in offsetting the economic impact of a significant drop in migration.

“This important step can alleviate the loss of capital as a result of lower migration levels while corresponding with the Australian Government's objectives to reduce overall migrant numbers,” Mr Hedley said.

The current cap on the BIIP numbers should be lifted and the processing of applications sped up to draw in vital investment for venture capital funds to fuel the post-pandemic economy.

“There is a severe ongoing shortage of early stage venture capital and the BIIP can be a sustainable and lucrative source,” he said.

“Greater investment in venture capital is critical to encourage innovation that helps companies pull through difficult economic periods while also providing the underpinnings for future jobs and revenue.

“Without further immediate action, Australia risks losing vital capital and trade opportunities to other countries with better incentives to attract high net worth investors in today’s highly competitive market for capital.”

 

About Atlas Advisors Australia

Atlas Advisors Australia is a funds manager and investment advisory business, operating between China and Australia, offering a wide range of financial services and wealth management solutions. With operations in Sydney and Melbourne in Australia and Shanghai in China, Atlas is able to support investors in all China and Australia locations.

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Ombudsman’s Insurance Inquiry sees surge in small business surveys

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s Insurance Inquiry has attracted a huge public response, with more than 700 surveys completed by small businesses so far.

Ombudsman Kate Carnell said small businesses have until Sunday (August 30, 2020) to share their experiences with insurance providers by completing the online survey.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response to this inquiry since we launched it earlier this month, which shows how big an issue insurance accessibility is for small businesses,” Ms Carnell said.

“The feedback we’ve had from small businesses so far has been insightful and concerning, with many small businesses claiming to have been denied insurance outright.

“This is particularly the case for many small businesses seeking public liability insurance, which is essential to continue their operations.

“We’ve heard from a number of small businesses that have been unable to get insurance for natural disasters," Ms Carnell said.

“Cost has also emerged as a major issue, with many small businesses complaining their insurance premiums have doubled or even tripled in just a few years.

 “Over the coming months we will be investigating these claims and examining if small business insurance products are fit for purpose.

“Of serious concern has been the number of small businesses that have had their insurance policies substantially changed, reducing the level of coverage, without their consent and with no refund of premiums. Our inquiry will determine if these practices amount to Unfair Contract Terms.”

Small and family businesses that have experienced difficulties with their insurance provider have until August 30, 2020, to complete the ASBFEOonline survey or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A final report is scheduled for release in December.

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Clinical trial to reduce PFAS in blood a world first

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear on Monday about a world first study being conducted to reduce PFAS levels in blood.

Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, John McVeigh MP said Macquarie University was being funded by the Metropolitan Firefighters Brigade (MFB) to conduct this $1.2 million study.

"Last week the Sub-committee heard from the United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA) about high levels of PFAS exposure among firefighters and work with MFB to promote their participation in the Macquarie University’s PFAS blood screening program," Dr McVeigh said.

The Macquarie University’s PFAS Clinical Study aims to discover whether a simple intervention program involving whole blood donation every 12 weeks or plasma donation every six weeks over a 52-week period can reduce PFAS levels in firefighters’ blood.

"The Macquarie University is supporting firefighters to find a feasible and practical solution to the occupational hazards of their work," Dr McVeigh said. 

"However, this unique study may help all those affected by PFAS, as research into its potential health impacts continues."

The Macquarie University’s submission (no. 11) to the inquiry sets out information on the study, its timeframe and methodology. Submissions from the UFUA and Fire Rescue Victoria (now representing MFB) are also available on the inquiry site.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday August 31, 2020
Time: ~3:40pm to 4:30pm
Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra
via teleconference

The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live.

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State of the arts in 2020 and beyond: new inquiry

AUSTRALIA's cultural and creative industries and institutions will be the focus of a new Parliamentary inquiry.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will hear evidence on the benefits the arts bring to Australia, and the significant impacts that COVID-19 has had on this important industry.

Committee Chair, David Gillespie MP, said, "Australia’s cultural and creative industries are at a point of significant change as Australia adapts to life in a pandemic.

"Australia’s creative innovation economy has made us a major player in the international arts arena, delivering benefits to our economy and helping shape our national identity. It’s time to reflect on and re-think the way we create and interact with art, as we react to the pandemic and the challenges we need to overcome.

"We will take evidence on the terms of reference, and encourage anyone within the arts community to make a submission or participate in the online survey."

The terms of reference are available from the inquiry webpage. Submissions can also be made through the webpage, or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. until October 22, 2020.

Information about the Committee may be found on the Committee’s webpage.

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Parliamentary spotlight on Juukan Gorge

THE Northern Australia Committee is tomorrow holding a second public hearing by teleconference as part of its inquiry into Juukan Gorge with a variety of stakeholders including representatives of superannuation investors, senior academics and former Rio Tinto employees.

Committee Chair, Warren Entsch, said seeking insights into corporate culture and investor reaction was vital to understanding the wider significance of the loss of the Aboriginal heritage sites at Juukan Gorge.

"We are trying to build up a comprehensive picture of the events leading up to the destruction of the caves — what Rio Tinto were doing right and getting wrong in the years leading up to the incident. This will have lessons for corporations and governments alike," Mr Entsch said.

In his submission to the inquiry, Professor Glynn Cochrane, a leading academic and former senior advisor at Rio Tinto, noted that the company had been following a ‘stripped-down’ version of Cultural Heritage Management (CHM) in the Pilbara.

"The focus has been on the development of the skills and procedures needed to secure quick clearance — the removal of impediments to mining — something that too frequently results in the destruction of sacred sites," he said.

Programs are available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 28 August 2020
Time: 8am to 1:30pm AEDT
Location: By teleconference

Witnesses include:

Professor Glynn Cochrane (Submission 11)
Mr Bruce Harvey (Submission 19)
Dr Mary Edmunds (Submission 55)
Professor Marcia Langton AO (Submission 103)
AIATSIS (Submission 57)
Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (Submission 76)
National Native Title Council (Submission 34)

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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Unions take AFL to industrial umpire over major restructure and job cuts

UNIONS have lodged a formal dispute against the Australian Fotball League (AFL) before the industrial umpire, accusing the league of imposing a major restructure and hundreds of job cuts without engaging in genuine consultation.

The legal escalation follow’s AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan’s announcement on Monday that hundreds of jobs would go by November, with up to half of all positions impacted in some way.

In documents lodged with the Fair Work Commission this afternoon, the United Services Union outlined allegations that the AFL had not engaged in genuine consultation with employees, including by failing to provide adequate information on the proposed structures or allowing sufficient time for staff to respond.

The union document also alleges that the AFL changed their redundancy policy in March without notifying employees, disadvantaging long-serving staff.

“Unions have written to AFL management on a number of occasions, clearly outlining their legal obligations and imploring them to actively engage with staff and their representatives,” USU organiser Troy Dunne said.

“Those efforts have been rebuffed at every turn, leaving us with no choice but to escalate this dispute to the independent industrial umpire, the Fair Work Commission.

“The AFL has an obligation to play by the rules, which include a legal obligation to engage with the organisations that represent the interests of staff.

“We are not telling the AFL that they can’t undertake a restructure — our members have been in no doubt for some time that there would be job cuts — but this action is about ensuring employees are treated with dignity and respect at all times.”

Mr Dunne said the union action specifically challenged the AFL’s claims that they had been consulting with employees for months.

“Our members overwhelmingly feel they have been left in the dark and excluded from the restructure process,” he said.

“Instead of genuine consultation, their futures are decided behind closed doors while they are stood down due to the pandemic.

“For all of the good the AFL does in the community, it appears they have abandoned the principles of equality and fairness when it comes to dealing with loyal staff.”

The union also criticised the AFL for seeking to cut jobs at the same time as it was receiving support from the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program.

“Despite receiving money from JobKeeper, which provides financial assistance to maintain the connection between workers and their employers, the AFL has instead decided to desert employees in their time of need,” Mr Dunne said.

“There is no justification for axing jobs in a matter of weeks when the AFL remains eligible for JobKeeper assistance well into next year.”

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FSC: Income protection losses highlight industry challegnes in COVID-19 environment

THE FINANCIAL Services Council today noted the release of APRA's quarterly life insurance financial performance statistics, revealing another gloomy quarter of losses for income protection results.

FSC senior policy manager for life insurance Nick Kirwan said the current COVID-19 global pandemic has only just started to take its toll on the industry with an overall total net loss after tax of $1.6 billion for the year to June 30, 2020.  

“The industry has bounced back slightly from the poor result from the previous quarter’s loss of $972 million, with a $423 million profit in the March to June 2020 quarter,” Mr Kirwan said.  

“However, the results continue to be dominated by higher than expected claims for individual income protection insurance (IP), which saw a net loss after tax of $179 million in this product alone, wiping out almost all the profit from other individual product lines. 

“These income protection losses were driven by a surge in the number and duration of claims, especially for mental health conditions. We expect mental health claims to increase in the months and years ahead from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating people’s isolation and financial hardship," Mr Kirwan said.

“The life insurance industry is playing its crucial role in protecting the Australian community. Overall, during 2019 life insurance companies paid out $12 billion to 101,821 Australians and their families. Every single day last year, the industry paid out the equivalent of almost $33 million to 279 Australians and their families, providing crucial financial support when people need it most.   

“The flip-side of that coin is that these increasing claims are the reason why many Australian households will have noticed increases in their life insurance premiums. We know premium increases are never welcome, but like any business, life insurers must balance the books. Premiums coming in must cover the cost of the claims going out.   

“It isn’t all bad news on premiums though, life insurance companies all have in place measures to help customers in financial hardship. If you need financial help you can contact your life insurance company or financial adviser.  

“Looking further ahead, most life insurance companies are busily developing a new generation of simpler, more sustainable income protection policies that focus on covering core needs. These new policies will give customers more choice, and will be all about the three A’s: 

  • Availability of financial protection for Australians today, and for future generations;  
  • Affordability so that Australians can afford the cover they need, both now and into the future; and 
  • Assurance that your life insurance company will be there for you when you need to claim.  

“Expect to see this new generation of more sustainable income protection policies becoming available in the next year or so,” Mr Kirwan said.  

Quarterly Life Insurance Performance Statistics:  https://www.apra.gov.au/quarterly-life-insurance-performance-statistics  

About the Financial Services Council 

The Financial Services Council (FSC) has over 100 members representing Australia's retail and wholesale funds management businesses, superannuation funds, life insurers, financial advisory networks and licensed trustee companies. The industry is responsible for investing almost $3 trillion on behalf of more than 15.6 million Australians. The pool of funds under management is larger than Australia’s GDP and the capitalisation of the Australian Securities Exchange and is the fourth largest pool of managed funds in the world. 

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