VIPA, the association for Virgin Group pilots, said it was devastated at today’s announcement that in excess of 30 percent of the Virgin pilot group will lose their jobs.

This decision impacts pilots flying the wide body (B777 and A330, internationally) and ATR72.  At this stage VIPA is unsure of the impact upon the B737 Virgin fleet.

The total number of pilots who will be made redundant is likely to be approximately 400 of the 1400 remaining VA Group pilots.  VIPA represents more than half of these pilots, who have more than 20,000 years of flight experience between them.

“The knock-on effect this decision will have on the economy is significant; including future skills shortages, loss of technical experience and the inability to retain skilled Australian pilots,” VIPA president John Lyons said today.

“The Federal Government has let down these Virgin employees and the Australian aviation industry as a whole by not providing specific support, as well as the travelling public – this is the exact opposite action that governments in the US, UK and Europe have taken.

“Given the specialist nature of these roles, our workers’ skills are not easily transferable and take years to secure, so they dedicate their careers to these jobs. This is devastating news for them, but also very sad news for the Australian public at large who will undoubtedly see an increase in fares and decrease in services as a result.”

VIPA, in conjunction with the ACTU, worked very hard as a group to maximise as many jobs as possible were kept and to ensure that full entitlements would be paid for those made redundant.

VIPA will maintain pressure on Bain to keep its commitment to establish and fund Virgin Australia as a sustainable and successful business if required during recovery.

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THE SALE of Australian Associated Press (AAP) to a consortium of impact investors and philanthropists has been formally completed, ending 85 years of ownership by Australia’s major publishing groups.

The national news agency will continue to provide a trusted breaking news service with a team of journalists and photographers, most of whom have joined the new organisation from the legacy business.

The AAP name and brand will be retained.

New AAP CEO Emma Cowdroy welcomed the finalisation of the agreement.

"The successful sale has ensured that AAP has not only survived but that it now has the opportunity to thrive," Ms Cowdroy said.  "Our backers and the board are united in our determination to continue AAP's critical role as the source of truly independent news for all Australians. 

"The value of independent journalism for the benefit of our society has never been more important and the new-look AAP will be underpinned by this philosophy."

Bruce Davidson, the outgoing CEO after 10 years in the role, wished the new owners every success.

“The legacy of the news agency is in good hands and I’m delighted that the spirit of AAP will live on into the future.”

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TODAY'S public hearing for the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will be held at 3.30pm AEST, an hour earlier than previously scheduled.

Details of the hearing, which will feature witnesses from the CSIRO, are on the Committee website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 3.30-4.30pm AEST
Location: By teleconference

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

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WITNESSES from CSIRO will give evidence at a public hearing on the organisation’s work in vaccine research, data services and advanced manufacturing capabilities in response to the pandemic.

The hearing is part of the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Committee, said that in addition to its research work, CSIRO had provided valuable services to Australian State and Federal Governments during the pandemic.

Senator Fawcett said, “CSIRO is doing valuable work in support of global efforts to find a vaccine for COVID-19. But it is also helping governments to understand and manage the pandemic in a variety of ways.

"Their work in supporting the rapid development of advanced materials for use in the manufacturing of face masks and the testing of respirators against Australian standards has been invaluable.”

Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 4.30-5.30pm AEST 
Location: By teleconference 

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

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JUST CUTS, the largest hairdressing network in the Southern Hemisphere, has welcomed the announcement from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews of additional financial support for businesses forced to close under the introduction of tougher restrictions in Melbourne and across the state.

Hairdressers are included in the business group required to cease operations from 11:59pm on Wednesday August 5 for the next six weeks.

The Premier yesterday announced businesses in regional Victoria could apply for a $5,000 grant while those in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire can apply for up to $10,000 in recognition of spending longer under restrictions.

Just Cuts CEO Amber Manning said, "The health of our clients, stylists and team has always been central to everything we do at Just Cuts. We understand the need to take these steps including the necessity of shutting down businesses however there is the undeniable and growing tension small business owners, including our salon owners, face in having to continue to cover all the other incoming bills including rent.

“The Victorian Government’s move to offset some of this on impacted businesses via the additional grants is most welcome notwithstanding the fact that not all of our owners are eligible, including a number who have been in business for less than 12 months. There is still a significant strain on our small business owners and unfortunately it’s only going to continue so we need to be exploring additional measures such as assistance with payroll tax.

“The reality is we need all State, Territory and the Federal Government to continue to move on stimulus and support measures to help us all get through this.

“We have continued to adapt as a network including by adapting online so that our owners are rebated for online purchases and we are promoting gift vouchers for clients to use when our Victorian salons are able to reopen. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our loyal clients and the ongoing professionalism and commitment of our teams.”

About Just Cuts

Just Cuts is the largest hairdressing chain in the Southern Hemisphere. There are 2500 fully qualified stylists in the Just Cuts Australian network, predominantly in shopping centres, and 3500 globally. Just Cuts has 190 salons across all states and territories of Australia, 28 salons in New Zealand and six in the UK. Just Cuts salons continue to operate including in Victoria with all the necessary recommended hygiene steps in place.

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THE Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has agreed that the next stage of its ongoing inquiry and second interim report will give close examination to the following areas:

• Ongoing survivor experience;
• Operation of the National Redress Scheme, including decision-making frameworks and processes;
• Provision of legal advice to survivors;
• Survivor and institution participation in the scheme; and
• Responses from jurisdictions and others to the Committee’s first interim report.

The Committee is currently receiving submissions to inform the second interim report and anticipates that public hearings will take place in September 2020. A program of public hearings will be made available in due course from the website.

The Committee is aware that its inquiry work will be taking place at the same time as the legislated two year anniversary review of the National Redress Scheme currently being supported by the Department of Social Services.

The Committee wishes to clarify that the two processes are separate, the legislated two year anniversary review will report to government, and this Joint Parliamentary Committee will continue to report to the Parliament.

The Committee wishes to assure survivors who participate or contribute to the second interim report that all requests for confidentiality will be respected.

Further detail on each focus area is available on the Committee website.

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THE Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will appear before the House Economics Committee at a public hearing on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 as part of the committee’s reviews of the 2019 APRA Annual Report and 2019 ASIC Annual Report.

Chair, Tim Wilson MP, said, "Despite COVID-19 we are getting on with the job — the hearing will provide the committee with the opportunity to scrutinise APRA and ASIC on their performance and operation.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented disruption and uncertainty in the financial sector. Now, more than ever, it is essential to maintain strong prudential regulation and ensure fair and transparent dealings to safeguard financial stability and consumer trust in the financial sector."

"The committee will scrutinise APRA on how it promotes financial stability through the prudential regulation and supervision of ADIs, insurers and superannuation licensees and will scrutinise ASIC on its enforcement strategy and supervisory approach.

"ASIC’s capability is of particular interest after recent data exposed errors in their SMSF fact sheet that should have been identified with basic critical reasoning."

Public hearing details

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

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said there had been an overwhelming public response to the Insurance Inquiry since it was launched last week.

“My office has already received over 150 survey responses and a number of submissions in relation to this inquiry and we anticipate that number to grow,” Ms Carnell said..

“While we are only in the early stages of the inquiry, it is clear the small business community supports the work we are doing in this area.”

The inquiry follows a growing number of complaints from small businesses who have either been denied insurance or priced out of the market.

“Over the coming months, we will be investigating the practices of the insurance industry that impact small businesses and examining whether small business insurance products are fit for purpose,” Ms Carnell said.

“I’m particularly concerned about a number of cases where small businesses with current insurance policies have been subjected to major changes that have reduced their coverage without their consent, and with no refund of premiums. Our inquiry will look at this in more detail and consider if these practices amount to Unfair Contract Terms.

“We remain very keen to hear from small and family businesses that have faced difficulties with their insurance provider," Ms Carnell said.

“I encourage these businesses to share their experiences by completing our online survey or emailing my office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 30 August, 2020.

“We also welcome submissions from industry stakeholders, which can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 21 August, 2020.”

A final report is expected to be released in December.

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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