AN ALLIANCE of Far North Queensland businesses, including Great Barrier Reef tourism operators, have urged the Federal Government to fight for the Great Barrier Reef on World Tourism Day.  

In May the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) released a historic Reef Climate Declaration, calling on the federal government to rapidly phase out fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy.

“It’s not too late to save the Reef but time is critical”, the statement said. The declaration is now signed by 150 businesses including the peak tourism industry body, AMPTO, the Cairns Aquarium and the Pullman International Hotel.

Col McKenzie, AMPTO’s chief executive said, “On World Tourism Day we’re calling on all our political leaders to stand up for Far North Queensland businesses and jobs and demonstrate leadership on climate change to protect the future of our Reef.

“The Reef is a magnet for people all around the world. It generates $6 billion each year and sustains 64,000 jobs.

“The Reef is still a beautiful and dynamic place but it’s under serious threat from climate change and we need our leaders to put in place strong climate and energy policies to protect its future,” he said.

AMCS’s Great Barrier Reef campaigner David Cazzulino said, “Climate change, mainly driven by mining and burning coal and other fossil fuels, is the single biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef.

“Taking action on climate change for our Reef means stopping Adani’s polluting coal mine and embracing clean renewable energy.

“Here in Cairns we’re seeing the impacts of climate change on our Reef but local businesses are joining the fight to protect it.

“It’s been fantastic to see support from the business community - including cafes, restaurants, hotels, law firms, hairdressers and builders - who want our representatives to step up and protect the Reef.”

Far North Queensland businesses can add their business name to the Reef Climate Declaration by going to www.fightforourreef.org.au/fnq

THE REEF TOURISM CLIMATE DECLARATION:

We love the Great Barrier Reef.

As Reef tourism businesses operating in the World Heritage area, we take seriously our responsibility to look after one of the world’s most beautiful and biologically rich ecosystems.

Together we’re calling for bold action to protect this natural icon.

We cannot understate the economic contribution of Reef tourism. The Reef is a magnet for people from Australia and around the world and generates $6 billion each year and sustains 64,000 jobs.

Despite the negative press, the Reef is a dynamic, vibrant, awesome place. But, like coral reefs around the world, it is under serious threat.

Climate change, mainly driven by burning coal and other fossil fuels, is the single biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef. The carbon pollution from coal, oil and gas is heating the air and the oceans to dangerous levels. Coral reefs around the world were damaged during an unprecedented marine heatwave in 2016 and 2017.

It’s not too late to save our Reef but time is critical.

The Federal Government has a responsibility to honour the Paris Agreement and protect the Reef on behalf of all Australians, all humanity and future generations. Yet our representatives continue to support the expansion of coal and gas, including Adani’s mega coal mine.

To give our Reef the best chance for the future, Australia must join the rest of the world to rapidly phase out coal and other fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy.

We call on all our political leaders to stand up for Far North QLD businesses and jobs and fight for the future of our Reef. #

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THE decision to increase the Queensland Drought Appeal payment for every drought-affected family to $7500 has been welcomed by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the increase from $5000 to $7500 means the donations from QRC member companies will help more than 40 families doing it tough.

“QRC members have donated in excess of $300,000 and we supported the Appeal dinner at Parliament House last week,” he said.

Both Rio Tinto and Shell Australia matched the Queensland Government’s $100,000 donation to the Queensland Drought Appeal, Santos contributed $116,000 with a donation of $75,000 and $41,000 in proceeds from the sale of cattle at the Royal Queensland Show and Arrow Energy provided lunch for 550 farmers for Beef Week, along with $10,000 towards feed for livestock.

Queensland Alumina Limited delivered $35,000 worth of hay to Rural Aid and New Hope Group donated $50,000 to Aussie Helpers

The Queensland Drought Appeal was launched by the Queensland Government at the Ekka and will provide all money raised to the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA).

Mr Macfarlane said agriculture, like the resources sector, was a key industry for Queensland and it is important for all Queenslanders to support our farming families battling drought.

“Our companies work with primary producers. Indeed the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority recently reported the LNG industry, through agreements with landholders, have paid them $387 million,” Mr Macfarlane said.

www.qrc.org.au

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NECA has advised  that negotiations between the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) and the Master Electricians Association (MEA) exploring better ways to represent the electrotechnology industry as a single entity have now ceased.

NECA president, Alan Brown said, “This is a missed opportunity for electrical contractors, our industry stakeholders and our long- term sponsors.”

Mr Brown said NECA would continue to focus on delivering improvements to members and itslong-term sponsors across Australia.

"As the peak industry association, NECA will maintain its efforts in delivering positive outcomes for our industry," he said.

www.neca.asn.au

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THE Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) is playing its part in attracting more women to the financial planning profession by fostering community, innovation and leadership amongst financial planners at a series of networking events included in its Women in Wealth program.

FPA is partnering with Financial Executive Women (FEW) to present FPA Women in Wealth – events that have been developed to promote mentoring opportunities for women, supporting them in their career progression.

Adelaide will play host for the first time on Tuesday 25 September, before Sydney and Brisbane in October.

The FPA Women in Wealth networking event series is intended to benefit men and women alike since everyone has a role to play in advancing work culture and diversity.

FPA CEO, Dante De Gori CFP said, “Currently, women make up 26 percent of the FPA membership, and only around 20 percent in the profession. And yet research tells us consumer demand for female financial planners is growing.

“The most important attributes for a good planner are being trustworthy, knowledgeable, and having strong emotional intelligence (EQ), according to the Attitudes Towards Women in Financial Advice 2017 report. In fact, female advisers are associated strongly with EQ qualities and are perceived on par with males in terms of knowledge and intelligence. These qualities drive client satisfaction and could explain why satisfaction and trust is high among consumers with female planners.

“The profession and consumers will benefit from greater gender balance. The FPA is committed to supporting more women to consider a career in financial planning as well as to progress from financial associate roles to achieving the highest designation in financial planning.

“Following the success of the FPA Women in Wealth events last year, I’m delighted we are extending the reach of the program to Adelaide this year. It gives more of our members the opportunity to network, and potentially grow the number of women in the profession by bringing along a mentee, young planner or student free of charge,” Mr De Gori said.

Additionally, attendees in Sydney and Brisbane can join FEW founder, Judith Beck, when she hosts the FEW Circle discussion group for women to discuss topical issues with their peers.

The SA networking lunch hosted by the FPA Adelaide Chapter Committee on Tuesday 25 September will feature a discussion with local business women Sarah Gunn and Marilyn Little. Ms Gunn runs GOGO events, a social enterprise which educates and trains homeless and disadvantaged people to produce décor items and event materials. Ms Little, a fashion stylist with Australian label Liz Davenport, will share clever travel and styling secrets with guests.

Following the Adelaide event, on Wednesday 17 October the FPA Sydney Chapter will host a FPA Women in Wealth breakfast featuring peace advocate, Dr Gill Hicks AM, MBE. Ms Hicks miraculously survived the 2005 London Underground bombings and in 2007 founded the not-for-profit organisation M.A.D for Peace. She is considered to be one of the world’s most thought-provoking and powerful speakers.

The FPA Brisbane Chapter will host the final networking lunch on Wednesday 24 October and will feature 2018 NSW Rural Women’s Award winner, Jillian Kilby.  An engineer and infrastructure entrepreneur, Ms Kilby specialises in moving horizon infrastructure projects from planning to shovel ready. Ms Kilby will share how her intuition led to some of her best decisions.

The FPA Women in Wealth networking event series is supported by Macquarie Bank. 

Adelaide event:

Date: Tuesday 25  September 2018

Time: 12pm – 2.30pm

Cost: Individual Ticket: $75 (incl. GST), Table of 8:$560 (incl. GST)

Includes presentation by Sarah Gunn and Marilyn Little, two-course lunch and beverages.

Location: National Wine Centre of Australia, Botanic St & Hackney Rd, Hackney SA 5069

Tickets here.

Sydney event:

Date: Wednesday 17 October 2018

Time: 8:30am – 11.00am

Cost: Individual Ticket $85 (incl. GST), Table of 8 $640 (incl. GST)

Includes presentation by Dr Gill Hicks and breakfast.

Location: Macquarie Bank, Conference Room 1 & 2, 1 Shelley Street, Sydney

Tickets here.

Brisbane event:

Date: Wednesday 24 October

Time: 11.30am – 2.30pm

Cost: Individual Tickets $85 (inc GST), Table of (8) – $640 (inc GST)

Includes presentation by Jillian Kilby, two-course lunch and beverages

Location: Black Bird, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane

Tickets here.

Attendees are encouraged to bring along a mentee, young planner or student free of charge.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics has announced an inquiry into the implications of removing refundable franking credits.

The chair of the committee, Tim Wilson MP, said, " The ability for investors, including individuals and superannuation funds, to claim their full credits is an established feature of our tax system and is core to the financial security of retirees."

Mr Wilson remarked, "There has been legitimate community concern about proposals to remove cash refunds for their full allocation of credits for individuals and superannuation funds, and that it amounts to a tax on the savings of retirees.

"The committee is examining what impacts the removal of refundable franking credits would have, particularly on retirees who have made long term retirement saving decisions based on their ability to claim refunds on their franking credits and whether it will compromise their financial security," Mr Wilson said.

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry are for the committee to inquire into and report on the use of refundable franking credits, their benefits and the implications of their removal, including:

• analysis of who receives refundable franking credits, the opportunities it provides to offer alternative savings and investment vehicles to low and middle income earners, and the impact it has on lowering tax bills
• consideration of how refundable franking credits support tax principles, particularly implications for tax neutrality, removal of double taxation and fairness
• if refundable franking credits are removed; who it would impact and how and the implications from expected behavioural change by investors, including for
  • increased dependence on the pension
  • stress and complexity it will cause for Australians, including older Australians to adjust their investments
  • if there are carve outs applied, what this might mean for additional complexity, uncertainty and fairness
  • reduced incentives to save and distortions to which asset classes are invested in and funds are used, and
  • the reliability of providing a sustainable revenue base over the longer term.

Submissions are being sought by Friday, November 2, 2018 although submissions will be received throughout the inquiry. Submissions can be made online or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For information about the inquiry visit the committee’s webpage at: www.aph.gov.au/economics

Inquiry updates, submissions and public hearing transcripts will be published as the inquiry progresses.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics has announced an inquiry into the implications of removing refundable franking credits.

The chair of the committee, Tim Wilson MP, said " The ability for investors, including individuals and superannuation funds, to claim their full credits is an established feature of our tax system and is core to the financial security of retirees."

Mr Wilson remarked, "There has been legitimate community concern about proposals to remove cash refunds for their full allocation of credits for individuals and superannuation funds, and that it amounts to a tax on the savings of retirees.

"The committee is examining what impacts the removal of refundable franking credits would have, particularly on retirees who have made long term retirement saving decisions based on their ability to claim refunds on their franking credits and whether it will compromise their financial security," Mr Wilson said.

The Terms of Reference for the inquiry are for the committee to inquire into and report on the use of refundable franking credits, their benefits and the implications of their removal, including:

• analysis of who receives refundable franking credits, the opportunities it provides to offer alternative savings and investment vehicles to low and middle income earners, and the impact it has on lowering tax bills
• consideration of how refundable franking credits support tax principles, particularly implications for tax neutrality, removal of double taxation and fairness
• if refundable franking credits are removed; who it would impact and how and the implications from expected behavioural change by investors, including for
  • increased dependence on the pension
  • stress and complexity it will cause for Australians, including older Australians to adjust their investments
  • if there are carve outs applied, what this might mean for additional complexity, uncertainty and fairness
  • reduced incentives to save and distortions to which asset classes are invested in and funds are used, and
  • the reliability of providing a sustainable revenue base over the longer term.

Submissions are being sought by Friday, November 2, 2018 although submissions will be received throughout the inquiry. Submissions can be made online or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For information about the inquiry visit the committee’s webpage at: www.aph.gov.au/economics

Inquiry updates, submissions and public hearing transcripts will be published as the inquiry progresses.

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THE Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has approached the market to engage an external supplier to provide a secure, fast and simple digital service for the 2021 Census. 

ABS general manager Census and Statistical Services Division, Chris Libreri said the ABS was seeking highly experienced suppliers to provide the Census digital service.

“The ABS will work closely with interested suppliers to confirm proposed solutions can deliver high standards of security, reliability and capacity required for the 2021 Census," Mr Libreri said.

“The need to keep all Census information secure and confidential is, as always, a primary and paramount factor in designing the digital Census. The ABS is actively managing risks (including cyber) for the 2021 Census and is engaging independent experts to provide assurance on the solution, including the Digital Transformation Agency and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

“The aim is to design an online service that is simple and safe to use for all Australians. People who want or need paper forms will also have easy access to them,” Mr Libreri said.

Notwithstanding the regrettable period of outage of the online form in 2016, those who used it found it quick and easy, reducing the time taken by households to complete the Census by 70 percent compared with paper, and at all times data remained secure, he said.

ABS chief information officer Steve Hamilton said the ABS has a strong preference for the Census Digital Service to be hosted in a cloud environment, in line with both the Australian Government’s cloud-first policy and the Digital Transformation Agency’s Secure Cloud Policy.

“We are seeking to provide an engaging and secure service hosted on cost effective and proven cloud infrastructure that delivers the experience, performance and resilience expected by all Australians when transacting online," Mr Hamilton said.

Any cloud services would be Australian Government accredited through an Information Security Registered Assessor’s Program (IRAP) assessment and any services that handle sensitive data will operate within Australia. This type of service was successfully used for the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey in 2017.

Tenders are due in October 2018 with an industry briefing to follow, and a supplier to be announced in mid-2019.

The Tender Data Pack (including detailed Statement of Requirement) will only be released to potential tendering organisation that meet the requirements outlined on Austender.

For further information regarding the Census visit http://www.abs.gov.au/census.

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the report from the Resources 2030 Taskforce and in particular its focus on a long-term future for the resources industry.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the 29 recommendations covered the range of areas needed to build further prosperity for the sector.

“The Taskforce has put forward a blueprint across key areas including new investment, building stronger communities, improving environmental performance and enhancing workforce and skills,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Queensland’s resources sector already ticks those boxes and we are ideally placed to use the Taskforce recommendations to further consolidate our strengths and set a guide for other states.

“We deliver the strong communities prioritised by the Taskforce. Queensland’s world-class resources sector employs almost 300,000 Queenslanders and delivers one in every six dollars for our state economy. We inject more than $4.3 billion in royalties and invest in more than 16,000 businesses from Cairns to Coolangatta.

“We have been able to do so because of ongoing investment especially in the coal and gas industries. While other states flounder, Queensland flourishes.

“Expansions and new developments in the Surat Basin, Bowen Basin and Galilee Basin will further strengthen the resources sector to the benefit of all Queenslanders," Mr Macfarlane said.

“The QRC hopes this Taskforce report will be a catalyst for other states to lift their bans and go-slow developments of gas projects.

“Our state’s resources sector is also delivering on the objective of providing Indigenous Australians with career pathways, not just a job. Our sector is one of the few industries with genuine representation of Indigenous employees. Resources employs four percent of Indigenous workers which reflects the representation of Indigenous Queenslanders.

“We support the Taskforce’s recommendation for the expansion of Exploring for the Future and UNCOVER initiatives to deliver on the next wave of resources discoveries.

“The QRC also welcomes the recommendations to map the skills needed for the sector in 2030 and beyond. We are well advanced in developing the skills pipeline for future industry workers through the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy. We would welcome the opportunity to work with both the Federal and State Governments to further develop the skills needed for the future.

“We hope to see the Government progress the recommendations for streamlining regulatory frameworks. And as a former Resources Minister I am particularly pleased to see recommendations to further strengthen the representation of the resources sector around the COAG Energy Council table. Energy and resources are deeply linked, and a close connection between both policies will be essential to deliver affordable and reliable power.

“I look forward to the Government’s full consideration of this report and the release of Minister Matt Canavan’s Resources Statement in the coming months.”

Queensland was well represented on the Resources 2030 Taskforce, through chair Andrew Cripps, Mount Isa Mayor Joyce McCulloch and Mackay-based Resource Industry Network general manager Adrienne Rourke.

www.qrc.org.au

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