EFFORTS by Australia’s world-class defence industry to export internationally will receive a boost, with the Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, visiting Malaysia from April 16-17, 2018.

Mr Pyne will visit the Team Defence Australia stand at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2018 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. The stand at DSA 2018 showcases the wide range of products and services Australian defence companies are seeking to export.

“Our Team Defence Australia delegation consists of 27 companies, including small and medium enterprises, a record number for Australian participation at DSA, attesting to the competitiveness and innovative capabilities of Australian defence industry,” Minister Pyne said.

“Events such as DSA are a great way for Australian companies to showcase their capabilities, leading to new export opportunities.”

Mr Pyne said that the Australian Government had dramatically increased the support available for Australian companies to identify and seize new export opportunities.

“The soon to be launched Australian Defence Export Office, an initiative of the Defence Export Strategy, will deliver a suite of new initiatives to help Australian companies become export ready, expand their businesses and achieve export success,” Mr Pyne said.

Mr Pyne will also meet with Malaysian Minister for Defence (caretaker), Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hssein, and the Chief of the Defence Force to discuss opportunities to deepen Australia-Malaysian industry engagement. 

“Australia greatly values our longstanding defence relationship with Malaysia, which is underpinned by our shared interest in promoting regional security,” Mr Pyne said.

Mr Pyne will also take the opportunity to meet with a number of his other counterparts visiting for DSA to discuss Australian Defence export opportunities and collaboration.

DSA 2018 runs from April 16-19 2018 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Further information about Defence Services Asia 2018 can be found at http://www.dsaexhibition.com.

Companies attending Defence Services Asia 2018 as part of Team Defence Australia include:

• Aerospace Maritime and Defence Foundation of Australia
• Armor Australia Pty Ltd
• Austal
• Australian Maritime Technologies Pty Ltd
• Australian Target Systems Pty Ltd
• Ballistic & Mechanical Testing Pty Ltd
• Blueye Eyewear Pty Ltd
• Britton Maritime Systems
• Calytrix Technologies
• Codan Radio Communications
• Craig International Ballistics
• Defence Vision
• Depth Logistics
• DroneShield Limited
• Fountx (associated with TAE)
• Hawker Pacific
• Holmwood Highgate
• Intelligent Security Integration Australia Pty Ltd
• JAR Aerospace
• Prism Defence
• RUAG Australia
• Scientific Management Associates
• SOS Marine
• TAE Aerospace
• Thales Australia
• Trakka Systems
• W & E Platt Pty Ltd

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THE GOVERNMENT’s announcement that further consultation into ASIC’s future funding model will take place has been welcomed by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). 

“The IPA argued strongly that the originally proposed one-off fee increase from $107 to $3,429 for new auditors of SMSFs was exorbitant,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway. 

“While the new proposed fee has been reduced to $1,927 is a step in the right direction, it is still far too high and will only deter new entrants into the SMSF auditor market.

“Keep in mind, the ATO currently already collects $259 from each SMSF to finance the SMSF monitoring role the ATO conducts on behalf of ASIC.

“This levy was a mere $45 in 2008 but now equates to approximately $142.5M (550,000 SMSFs multiplied by $259) to monitor the sector including SMSF auditors.

“In 2011/12, the Government provided ASIC with $10.7million over five years, to develop and maintain an online registration system for auditors of SMSFs.  ASIC also developed a competency exam for auditors, enabling ASIC to deregister non-compliant auditors.

“The Government also gave the ATO $10.6million over five years to police registered auditors, check their compliance with competency standards set by ASIC and where necessary, refer non-compliant auditors to ASIC for appropriate punishment.

“Surely, any fee increase under the proposed fees-for-service funding model must take into account the money already being collected via the ATO supervisory levy.

“While we understand the objectives of a new funding model and the role of ASIC, we have a major concern over any impact these fees will have on competition, especially when there has already been a decline in the number of SMSF auditors in a market which is being dominated by the major players.

“We simply ask, what is the justification of these fee increases?

“We look forward to the next round of consultation to get ASIC funding and resourcing right,” said Mr Conway.

www.publicdaccountants.org.au

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THE Innovation, Industry, Science and Resources Committee has tabled its report for the Inquiry into impacts on local businesses in Australia from global internet-based competition.

Internet commerce currently accounts for only a small proportion of the Australian retail market but is growing rapidly. As a result of this growth, Australian businesses are experiencing increased competition from overseas firms using the internet to directly market to Australian consumers. At the same time many Australian small businesses are exporting their products to consumers across the world for the first time.

The Committee Chair, Barnaby Joyce MP, stated that "the Committee has recommended the creation of a digital grants program for small businesses. Online shopping is only going to continue to grow and disrupt trade in traditional bricks and mortar shops around the country.

"It is vital that we support Australian businesses to invest in the digital technologies, while demonstrating advantages of the virtual marketplace based in regional areas where infrastructure like the NBN is available and overheads such as rent can be much cheaper, that will enable them to take advantage of internet retail opportunities," Mr Joyce said.

The Committee also considered the effects of internet competition on employment.

"As technology changes so do the skills required in the workforce. Because of this, the Committee has also recommended the establishment of a digital retraining fund to support Australian workers to develop their skills in using the technologies that will be crucial to finding and maintaining jobs in the future," Mr Joyce said.

The Committee made further recommendations relating to: Australia’s ability to forecast future workforce skill needs; developing information materials for small businesses; and the regulation of digital retail platforms.

The report is available on the Committee’s website.

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THE Australian Fisheries Management Authority's (AFMA’s) annual public meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 May 2018 in Canberra.

This meeting gives stakeholders the opportunity to meet with AFMA Commissioners. All stakeholders are invited to attend.

 Where: Australian Fisheries Management Authority, 6th Floor, 73 Northbourne Avenue, Civic, Canberra.

Time: The meeting will commence at 9.30am and finish with morning tea by 10:30am.

Date: Wednesday 9 May 2018

RSVP: By Tuesday 1 May 2018 to Executive Secretary, Andrew Pearson, on: Ph: (02) 6225 5576

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

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THE five-yearly Census provides critical data and information to support important Australian decisions by governments, community organisations, businesses and individuals.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is reviewing the information collected in the 2021 Census of Population and Housing to ensure it best meets the nation’s needs and informs Australia’s important decisions.

A public consultation, launched today through the ABS website, seeks input from data users, community groups and organisations on their data needs and the most useful information to collect in the 2021 Census.

Population and Social Statistics General Manager Dr Paul Jelfs said, “It’s important that our nation’s largest statistical collection remains relevant and meets users’ needs”.

“Submissions can be easily made via the ABS consultation hub,” Dr Jelfs said.

The ABS will assess any changes suggested through the submission process based on evidence and demonstrated need. We will seek to minimise the burden on the community by managing the number and complexity of questions asked in the Census.

“It’s wonderful to see quality 2016 Census data being used widely and this consultation process is about ensuring our 2021 Census data is even more valuable and useful,” Dr Jelfs said.

“The Census adds to the wealth of knowledge from other ABS data collections,” Dr Jelfs said

The ABS has been undertaking a comprehensive review of the operation of the 2016 Census and has identified areas of improvement for 2021. As we work towards 2021, the ABS will share our approach to how people can participate in the Census, our approach to ensuring privacy and security of information and how we provide the final Census results.

Submissions on 2021 Census topics close on 30 June. Following analysis, the ABS will publish preliminary findings from this consultation process then make recommendations to the Australian Government.

Details on how to participate, including instructions for making your submission and frequently asked questions are available online at http://www.abs.gov.au/census-consult

The Census of Population and Housing: Consultation on Content 2021 publication provides detailed information on the topics.

For access to the latest Census data, visit www.abs.gov.au/census.

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ENERGY Networks Australia welcomes today’s announcement of $26.25 million in funding from the Commonwealth government towards the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Australia’s gas network businesses will contribute $8 million towards the venture, in addition to investing in trials that will demonstrate how hydrogen technology can be used in our existing gas networks.

“The more than $90 million Centre will undertake cutting edge research that will accelerate a decarbonised gas industry”, Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“Our nation’s gas networks are a colossal system, delivering as much energy as the electricity networks, and in some cases, such as Victoria, even more,” he said.

“Applying transformational technologies of biogas, hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage to existing networks could build and maintain a highly reliable energy system.”

The industry-led research will continue to develop pilot trials and exploratory projects that network members have already started.

The deployment of hydrogen technology is the focus of the Centre’s research program, but additional fuels, such as biogas, are also being tested as alternatives.

“We have research proposals ready to go and are eager to move forward with trialling hydrogen production and storage,” Mr Dillon said.

“Decarbonising our nation’s gas industry will support our global obligations under the Paris Climate Change Agreement and simultaneously help to secure a reliable, affordable energy system.

“We need a suite of measures to decarbonise our energy and transport sectors. Countries around the globe are investigating the potential for hydrogen to play a significant role.

“Using existing and new gas infrastructure will be essential for Australia to benefit from the expected global demand for hydrogen.

“We look forward to working with the Future Fuels CRC over the next seven years and bringing new, innovative energy storage and supply systems to Australian homes and business.”

Research is expected to begin in July 2018.

www.energynetworks.com.au

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MINISTER for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne MP, will travel to Washington DC from 12-13 April 2018 to attend and deliver the keynote address to the US-Australian Dialogue on Defence Industries. 

The dialogue is part of the 2018 G’day USA program bringing together Australian and United States (US) industry leaders and experts, policy makers and senior business representatives to further develop collaboration on providing innovative capabilities.

During his visit to Washington DC, Mr Pyne will also meet with senior US government officials to highlight Australia’s innovative defence industry and promote opportunities for increased industry cooperation between Australia and the US. This includes discussions with the Deputy Secretary of Defence; Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and the Director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program.

“Australia is transforming its defence force and investing in the capabilities necessary to meet Australia’s future warfighting challenges. As part of this transformation, we are expanding our defence industry to be more innovative, competitive and sustainable,” Mr Pyne said.

"For Australia, there is no more important bilateral defence relationship than the alliance with the United States.

“The 2018 US-Australian Dialogue on Defence Industries will build on the success of the previous four events in creating opportunities for Australia’s world class defence industry to explore future projects and areas of cooperation.

“The increased funding and support outlined in the Defence Export Strategy will support even more Australian businesses to achieve export success and contribute to the strength of this relationship.”

Minister Pyne’s visit will coincide with 18 Australian companies exhibiting at Sea Air Space 2018 in Maryland as part of Team Defence Australia. This is a record level of attendance for Sea Air Space and demonstrates the growing international presence of Australia’s defence industry.

www.drefence.gov.au

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MASTER BUILDERS Australia says the vital contribution that the building and construction sector makes to a stronger economy in every city, town and region around the country has been confirmed by the release of the latest ABS building activity data yesterday. 

“The data shows the nation’s second largest industry ended last year strongly, with the value of work done growing by 8 per cent in the last quarter of 2017 and contributing more than $28 billion to the national economy,” said CEO Denita Wawn. 

“That’s $28 billion that is creating employment, providing young people with the skills they need to be job ready and build rewarding careers and it’s supporting more than 360,000 small building businesses that build prosperity in every community,” she said. 

“The value of work for new residential construction fell by 5.4 per cent in the quarter, supporting an outlook for a more moderate year for new residential construction in 2018,” Denita Wawn said. 

“However, this fall was more than offset by a surge in the non-residential sector which saw new commercial construction activity grow by 14.8 per cent in the December quarter 2017,” she said. 

“This very positive result for non-residential construction supports Master Builders’ outlook for a boom in non-residential building activity over the next 12 months,” Denita Wawn said. 

“2018 is shaping up to be the best year for commercial builders for more than a decade. Total commercial construction activity is expected to contribute $42 billion to the economy in 2017-18, with the sector expected to grow by 14.6%,” she said. 

“The timing couldn’t be better with the expected moderation expected in the value of residential construction work and another year of consolidation in the engineering sector,” Denita Wawn said. 

“Better yet, the new commercial construction projects driving the upswing create new jobs and opportunities for workers whose work on major high density residential projects may be finishing over the next 12 months or so,” Denita Wawn said.

www.masterbuilders.com.au

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