THE National Cabinet must use today’s meeting to establish “green lanes” to allow interstate travel by maritime workers, with hundreds currently unable to travel to work or get home after being at sea, according to the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).

MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said travel restrictions and border closures between Australian states and territories had led to a situation where many Australian seafarers were isolated at sea, unable to get home to their families, with replacement crew members also unable to join the vessels.

Shipping not only carries more than 98 percent of Australia’s imports and exports, but coastal trading routes are vital for moving fuel, gas, commodities and manufactured goods between Australian ports.

“Our nation’s reliance on maritime transport to maintain continuous supply has never been more obvious than during this pandemic,” Mr Crumlin said.

“The current border closure system is preventing many of the people who operate that supply chain from getting to work or returning home to their families, causing serious mental and financial hardship.

“We need genuine cooperation internationally and locally, across all levels of government and industry, to develop consistent, sustainable guidance that protects workers, the community and the maritime sector.” 

Mr Crumlin wrote to the national taskforce on August 11 outlining the issues and calling for the Federal Government to:

• Establish and fund a dedicated task force to coordinate across state and federal government agencies;
• Work with the aviation sector to facilitate flights for seafarer’s repatriation;
• Engage labour supply countries to better coordinate repatriation procedures for international seafarers;
• Rationalise visa, permit, and exemption processes, to support crew changes directly;
• Adopt the International Maritime Organisation-recommended framework for crew joining and leaving their ships;
• Work with unions and industry to ensure supply chain integrity in the domestic industry;
• Establish 'green lanes' for maritime crew repatriation;
• Protect seafarers and the community through Australia’s adherence to IMO protocols, along with Maritime Labour Convention and International Labour Organisation conventions;
• Mandate the supply of critical PPE to maritime workers; and
• Maintain testing and travel protocols specifically for maritime workers to expedite safe interstate travel.

The full letter: https://www.mua.org.au/news/mua-letter-national-covid19-response-group

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has welcomed the Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee inquiry into the Franchising Code of Conduct.

“I am pleased to see that the response picks up on a number of the concerns of franchisees.” Ms Carnell said.

“The report focuses on the three key parts of the lifecycle of a franchisee – entry, running the business, and exiting the business

“My office already deals with a broad range of complaints, centred around these aspects of owning a franchise. We know that the power imbalance between franchisor and franchisee makes negotiating disputes incredibly difficult.”

The response incorporates the functions of the Franchising Mediation Adviser into the Ombudsman’s office.

“This is a welcome change that we and others have been advocating for over some time now  that will help us more effectively resolve disputes” Ms Carnell said.

The Review pointed to further consultation on a number of important aspects in franchising practices and disputes.

“I remain concerned that the response’s commitment to ongoing consultation will further delay the changes that everyone in the sector know are sorely needed," Ms Carnell said.

“I appreciate that this can be a complex area, but it has now taken a full 18 months for the Government to respond to the Parliamentary Joint Committee report.  Further consultation and delay in effecting change is unacceptable and will continue to heap pressure on small businesses during these extremely difficult times.

“We will continue to advocate for timely and effective changes to assist small businesses, and look forward to working with the Government to deliver these crucial reforms.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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THE Queensland Resources Council has welcomed Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s  commitment to strengthen the resources sector’s role in Queensland’s COVID-19 response and recovery.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the Premier’s announcement of $5 million for a feasibility study into a gas pipeline from the Bowen Basin was a request in the QRC and AMEC’s Resource Industry Recovery Agenda.

“QRC believes the new gas pipeline can aggregate gas collection to increase the supply of gas across the region and lower the cost of delivering it to customers,” Mr Macfarlane said. "It will also maintain downward pressure on the delivered price of domestic gas.  There is also a role for the Australian Government’s Northern Australian Investment Facility to consider how it can support pipeline proposals."

Mr Macfarlane said more broadly, the Premier had identified the resources sector as “one of Queensland’s great strengths” and she has also recognised the work of the coal, metals and gas industries to protect workers and keep critical supply chains open.

“For the 372,000 Queensland men and women who rely on the resources sector for their employment, QRC thanks the Premier for her recognition of the sector’s role in the COVID-19 recovery and response,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“As an industry, we have worked extremely hard to protect our workers, their families, the communities we work in and the businesses we support.  We have done this and maintained as much of the $74 billion economic contribution to the Queensland economy as possible despite upheaval in global markets and movement restrictions.

"What does that mean for every Queenslander? Just over $40 every day for every Queensland man, woman and child.

“Right now, Queenslanders need that economic contribution more than ever," he said.

“I had the opportunity to meet the Premier last week, and her comments today reinforce her support for the sector’s role in the COVID-19 response.”  

Mr Macfarlane said QRC would continue to work with the government to secure bipartisan support for a resources industry development plan, stable rates and thresholds on the royalty taxes paid by all resource commodities for the next decade, and a streamlined assessment and approval process for new projects.

QRC Resource Industry Recovery Agenda: https://www.qrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Resource-Industry-Recovery-Agenda.pdf

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CELEBRATING its 10th anniversary, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) has released a new corporate plan for 2020-21, outlining its purpose, vision and values for the coming year.

In his introductory message, TPB chair, Ian Klug said the role of the TPB is to support the public and enhance the integrity of the tax profession.

"On our 10th anniversary, our vision speaks powerfully to the important role we play not only in upholding the broader integrity of the tax system but also in implementing whole-of-government reform initiatives," Mr Klug said.

"The way we achieve our purpose, as set out in this plan, includes supporting honest practitioners, who make up the large majority, through registration services, complaint resolution, investigations of alleged misconduct and, where appropriate, sanctions."

Mr Klug said the Australian community generally has high levels of trust in its tax practitioners – with over 71 percent of taxpayers choosing a tax professional.

"This year we want to improve our services for those tax practitioners who model professional and ethical conduct," he said.

Mr Klug also refered to the TPB compliance program, modified to target high risk tax practitioners, particularly those who have attempted to defraud government stimulus measures.

He said in 2020-21 there would be an increased focus on these and unregistered advisers, expecting 1,000 investigations to be completed.

"Sanctions, such as suspensions and terminations, will be imposed after review and decision by our independent board – supporting community confidence in the integrity of the system and providing a deterrent to misconduct," Mr Klug said.

Mr Klug said the TPB was "continually evolving, taking insights from government reviews" and refers to "opportunities to support government decisions on reforms arising from the Hayne Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry".

He also said the TPB awaits the government decisions on the recommendations arising from the independent review of the TPB, "subject to these decisions, we are confident that the TPB will continue to effectively serve the community into the future."

About the Tax Practitioners Board

The Tax Practitioners Board regulates tax practitioners in order to protect consumers. The TPB aims to assure the community that tax practitioners meet appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct. Twitter @TPB_gov_au, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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THE AUSTRALIAN Taxation Office (ATO)  has implemented changes to the JobKeeper employee eligibility rules following the registration of the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Amendment Rules (No.7) 2020. 

These changes mean employers already enrolled in JobKeeper may be able to receive the JobKeeper payment for more of their employees.

"We have released new information on www.ato.gov.au/JobKeeper to further support employers with JobKeeper payments in these difficult times," ATO Deputy Commissioner James O’Halloran said.

"Importantly the key date for assessing which employees are eligible for JobKeeper is now 1 July 2020, rather than 1 March 2020. Additionally, employees that meet the eligibility requirements can now be nominated by a new employer if their original employment with a JobKeeper employer ended before 1 July 2020. Employees can still only be nominated by one employer at any given time.

“JobKeeper enrolments are still open. We encourage all businesses to review the eligibility criteria and if eligible, enrol in the program to start receiving JobKeeper payments. Employers already receiving JobKeeper are encouraged to review the new eligibility criteria against all employees and updated guidance is now available on our website,” Mr O’Halloran said.

Employers should start paying new eligible employees a minimum of $1,500 per fortnight from the JobKeeper fortnight 10, which commenced on August 3.

For the fortnights commencing on 3 August 2020 and 17 August 2020, the ATO is allowing employers until 31 August 2020 to meet the wage condition for all new eligible employees included in the JobKeeper scheme under the 1 July eligibility test.

Employers can commence claiming for the JobKeeper reimbursement for the new eligible employees from 1 September when they can lodge their August monthly declaration claim.

“The ATO is here to support those doing it tough and knows how vital the JobKeeper payment is to the community," Mr O'Halloran said. "We have provided more than $37 billion in JobKeeper payments to around 989,000 businesses and not-for-profits. This means around 3.6 million individuals are now covered by JobKeeper.”

Individuals, sole traders, small or medium business having difficulty meeting tax and super obligations because of COVID-19 can contact the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 to discuss tailored support options.

“We are committed to providing the community with the help they need through this difficult period, and have a range of practical support options available,” Mr  O’Halloran said.

Further announcements by the Federal Government regarding the extension to the JobKeeper Payment program are subject to the passage of legislation. These changes will not impact JobKeeper payments until after September 28, 2020 and guidance will be provided in due course, according to the ATO.

For information about current JobKeeper support and assistance available from the ATO and information about the JobKeeper extension go to www.ato.gov.au/JobKeeper. For information about other support and assistance available from the ATO go to www.ato.gov.au/coronavirus.

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THE Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch (IEUA NSW/ACT) has welcomed the announcement that NGS Super and Australian Catholic Super intend to merge.

The planned merger will create a large fund with more than $21 billion under management. It will have over 200,000 members servicing independent and Catholic schools and the community services sector across Australia.

"This merged fund, which is still to be named, will create an inclusive fund with nationwide reach, which understands the non-government education sectors and the needs of our members who work in them," an IEU spokesperson said.

"After decades of coexistence and competition, the joining of these two significant funds will enable them to channel their energies more fully into providing the best possible service, to the benefit of members and employers."

As reported in today’s Financial Review, the chairman of NGS Super and former IEUA NSW/ACT Branch secretary, Dick Shearman, said the merger would deliver economies of scale and the ability to improve member services.

The board of the new fund will still have an equal number of member and employer representatives, and the IEU will retain the right to appoint directors.

The union said it looked forward to continuing its close relationship with the fund through sponsorship of union events and hosting super and financial education sessions for our members in union venues.

"This is an historic announcement,” IEUA NSW/ACT secretary Mark Northam said.

"The union expects meaningful engagement during the merger process so we can ensure our members’ best interests are served.”

Following due diligence, the merger is expected to take place in late 2021.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport has commenced an inquiry into approval processes for new drugs and novel medical technologies in Australia.

The chair of the Committee, Trent Zimmerman MP, said the Committee looked forward to receiving information on how Australia can continue to be well positioned to access new drugs and novel medical technologies, with a particular focus on access to the treatment of rare diseases and conditions where there is high and unmet clinical need.

Mr Zimmerman said, "The Committee will examine processes in place for establishing and conducting clinical trials in improving the lives of patients and increasing investment in Australia’s research and development sector.

"The Committee will also look at options to incentivise earlier application for approval by sponsors of new drugs and novel medical technologies, without compromising patient safety or the assessment of cost-effectiveness.

"We’re looking forward to hearing from the public, health professionals and organisations, pharmaceutical companies and other interested parties on how Australia could position itself best on providing access to new drugs and novel medical technologies for all Australians now and into the future," Mr Zimmerman said.

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Tuesday, October 13. If stakeholders have been impacted by Covid19 and require an extension for submissions, contact the secretariat on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission are available at the Committee’s website.

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MASTER BUILDERS Australia is calling on the Federal Government to fund a new initiative, CommunityBuilder Grants, in the October Federal Budget to activate the construction of community and non-for-profit facilities, in its Pre-Budget Budget Submission released yesterday.  

“We are calling for the Federal Government to adapt the highly effective HomeBuilder scheme model to do for the commercial construction sector what they done for the housing sector,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said. 

“Commercial construction activity will suffer a major fall of more than 17 percent in 2020/21 according our latest forecasts. 

“This will put under the viability of thousands of SME commercial construction businesses and the jobs of the thousands of tradies they employ, unless the Government steps in with measures such as CommunityBuilder,” Ms Wawn said. 

“We propose that CommunityBuilder would involve the Federal Government providing applicants from the not-for-profit and community sector with grants to fund 25 percent of the construction, up to a capped amount for example $5 million, for facilities such as community centres, toilet blocks, libraries and training centres. 

“Grant recipients could supplement CommunityBuilder grants with state and local government grants, but they would need to come up with the rest of the funds. Grant recipients with ‘skin in the game’ increases the impact of taxpayer’s stimulus measures and ensures projects will be constructed with value for money in mind.

“Our modelling shows that an investment of $3.8 billion in CommunityBuilder would return a $6.8 billion boost to GDP and create 13,000 new jobs,” she said. 

Since the onset of the pandemic the Prime Minister has always advanced the protection of jobs as his highest priority. The Governor of the Reserve Bank has consistently shared the PM’s sentiment and he reinforced it again on Friday when he told the Parliament that government’s should more worried about unemployment than anything else and that “fiscal spending with get people back to work.

“Our industry has more businesses on JobKeeper than any other sector of the economy and Master Builders is gravely concerned about their continuing viability and the livelihoods of the people they employ,” Ms Wawn said. 

“That is why we are calling on the Government to including funding of our the CommunityBuilder grants proposal in the October Budget. As the sector with the third largest economic multiplier effect in the economy, commercial construction is vital to building a bridge to economic recovery and saving jobs.

Read MBA Pre-Budget Submission 

www.masterbuilders.com.au

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