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IPA calls for ATO service commitment to improve accountability

THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has called for greater accountability from the ATO in light of the ongoing technology issues that have significantly impacted accountants and small businesses across Australia.

“The IPA has constantly heard the plea of our members who have suffered ongoing IT issues with the ATO,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“We know that the ATO is doing whatever it can to rectify the failing functionality of its IT systems but apologies do not undo the pain that it is inflicting.

“While some of our members have called for compensation, we are realistic in our expectations.  However, it should be recognised that accountants and tax agents have worn the brunt of this issue over many years.

“Whilst clients of tax practitioners are generally not disadvantaged, very little concessions are granted to the tax practitioners themselves.

“To give context to the significance of this issue, 74 percent of taxpayers go to a tax agent to look after their affairs and 95 percent for businesses.  Consequently, our members do the heavy lifting and are reliant on the ATO systems to service their clients.

“While the ATO is pursuing a digital by default strategy, stakeholders need systems available 24/7.

“As a result of the ongoing system issues, our members have experienced reputational damage with their clients along with loss of productivity.  These factors play a big part in the status of their mental health and wellbeing.

“When critical systems go down, client appointments get cancelled, support staff lay idle and backlogs start piling up.  When there is a major outage, everything grinds to a halt.

“We believe there should be a service commitment from the ATO; an agreement where there are specified and agreed service levels and if those service levels are not met, penalties should apply. This would be akin to arrangements that operate in the commercial world with critical service providers.

“Our members are subjected to key performance benchmarks when it comes to lodgements so it is not unreasonable to ask that the ATO has its own benchmark to improve accountability around IT service delivery,” said Mr Conway.

 

publicaccountants.org.au

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Labor's trust issues - Chartered Accountants

CHARTERED Accountants Australia and New Zealand has called on the Australian Labor Party to embrace indirect tax reform if it is to develop the sustainable tax base necessary to pay for the many important social investments outlined by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten in his speech today (July 30).

Head of Tax, Michael Croker, said Chartered Accountants ANZ would continue to advocate for a broad base, low rate personal tax system, with greater reliance on indirect taxes such as GST and stronger measures to address tax evaded in the black economy.

Mr Croker noted Mr Shorten’s references to inequality but expressed disappointment over the lack of a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue by more broadly reforming Australia’s tax and transfer payment systems.

“What we’re seeing from the major parties is a piecemeal approach, with a bit of extra income tax tacked on here and a specific deduction denied there,” Mr Croker said.

“The message conveyed is that something is being done to someone else to tax them more heavily.

“Meanwhile, Australia’s income tax system remains dangerously over-reliant on PAYG collected from Australians in the top tax brackets and company tax paid by a comparatively small group of large companies.”

Nonetheless, Chartered Accountants ANZ had already spoken to Andrew Leigh’s office and offered to work with the ALP to flesh-out its 30 percent minimum tax proposal for discretionary trusts before the next Federal Election.

“Today’s speech and accompanying Fact Sheet are light on specifics for a legitimate structure used widely for business, personal investment and family purposes,” Mr Croker said.

“Accountants and their clients seek certainty, particularly when new policies impact existing structures established in accordance with laws now described by those who enacted them as unfair.

“There are already a number of emerging questions about Labor’s model”, he said.

They include:

•   The equity of treating active small businesses differently from farmers.

•   Addressing the potential for over-taxation (compared to the tax outcome if the beneficiary simply derived the income directly), particularly for business trusts.

•   Restructuring relief for those who may wish to exit discretionary trust structures.

•   The scope of carve-outs for farm trusts, testamentary, disability and charitable trusts.

Mr Croker said Labor’s minimum tax would start many conversations, and said there could be concern in some quarters that minimum tax might be embraced for other taxpayer segments.

He said Chartered Accountants in Australia would be disappointed by the disparaging references to their profession in Mr Shorten’s speech today.

“With his parliamentary and ministerial experience, Mr Shorten knows better than most the role CAs play in helping Australians and businesses prosper. He would also know that Chartered Accountants ANZ is a highly trusted contributor to consultation forums established by government and regulatory agencies such as the ATO, advocating in the public interest.” 

www.charteredaccountantsanz.com

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Bill Shorten to speak at Vodafone National Small Business Summit

LEADER of the Opposition, Bill Shorten MP, has been confirmed to speak at the Vodafone National Small Business Summit, hosted by the Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) taking place at the Events Centre Collins Square, Melbourne on 23-25 August 2017.

Mr Shorten will open the Summit Breakfast on Friday, 25 August and discuss current issues facing more than two million small businesses across Australia.

Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA commented on the privilege to host Mr Shorten at Australia’s premier policy event discussing the current and future needs of small business owners.

“We are honoured to welcome Mr Shorten to speak at the Vodafone National Small Business Summit for the third year. 

“In 2017 the Summit will focus on ‘Collaboration and Communities’ and discuss how senior politicians, policy makers and industry leaders can come together to build and strengthen partnerships and secure the future of small business growth in Australia,” said Mr Strong.

Program highlights include:

Small Business Banking and Finance, with:

  • Hon. Philip Dalidakis, Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade
  • Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
  • Anna Bligh, CEO, Australian Bankers' Association
  • David Gandolfo, Deputy Chair, COSBOA

Big and Small Working Together, with:

  • Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia
  • Grant King, President, Business Council of Australia
  • Paul Nielsen, Director and Chairperson, COSBOA

Our Regulators – Can Their Jobs be Easier and Will That Make Our Jobs Easier?  with: 

  • John Price, Commissioner, Australian Securities and Investments Commission
  • Natalie James, Fair Work Ombudsman
  • Dr Michael Shaper, Deputy Chair, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Export Opportunities And Other Business Via The Web, with:

  • Richard Flanagan, Head of Business Marketing, Google Australia and New Zealand

The Role of Business Associations in Modern Society, with:

  • Justice Iain Ross, President, Fair Work Commission
  • Sandy Chong, CEO, Australian Hairdressing Council and Director, COSBOA
  • John Hart, Executive Director, Restaurant & Catering Australia
  • Julie Owens MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business

Registrations are open for the Vodafone National Small Business Summit. For more information please visit: www.cosboansbs.com.au

To celebrate the commencement of the Summit, Small Business owners are invited to attend the Small Business Start-Up Reception from 6pm-8pm on Wednesday, 23 August 2017. The event will provide an opportunity for owners to hear from Peter Strong, CEO of COSBOA and network with industry leaders and key decision makers. A panel on the evening will highlight the next generation of employers and innovators and discuss what more our education system can do to support entrepreneurship.

 

Committee launches inquiry into regional development and decentralisation

THE Select Committee on Regional Development and Decentralisation is calling for submissions to its inquiry.  The Committee will examine best practice approaches to regional development, the decentralisation of Commonwealth entities, and supporting corporate decentralisation.

Committee Chair, Dr John McVeigh MP said, “The Committee’s inquiry is wide ranging and will explore ways to increase the growth and prosperity of regional and rural Australia.  While decentralisation of Commonwealth entities has been identified as a potential means to achieve this, the Committee wants to examine, more broadly, how public and private investment can assist in building and sustaining our regional communities.

 “So much of our economic success rests in the resources and work of our regional towns and cities. It is important that we examine ways to better support these communities and to strengthen their social and economic future.”

The Committee plans to hold public hearings across regional Australia to learn more about best practice approaches to regional development, and decentralisation opportunities.

Submissions to the inquiry will close on Friday 15 September 2017.  To make a submission, visit the Committee’s website and follow the prompts. The Terms of Reference can also be found on the Committee’s website, or by contacting the Committee Secretariat.

An issues paper is expected to be tabled in Parliament on 31 August 2017.

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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Film and television industry inquiry arrives in Melbourne

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts will conduct a public hearing in Melbourne this week as part of its inquiry into factors contributing to the growth and sustainability of Australia’s film and television industry.

The Chair of the committee, Mr Luke Howarth MP, stated that ‘we will be hearing the perspectives of the Victorian Government and other agencies and businesses based in Melbourne.’

‘The Committee looks forward to discussing the challenges and opportunities facing our film and television industry with these key participants’ added Mr Howarth.

Public hearing details: 9.15am-3.30pm, Wednesday, 26 July 2017,
Meeting Room G6, Victorian Parliament Offices, Ground Floor, 55 St Andrews Place, 
East Melbourne

9.15am       Victorian Government
10.00am     Entertainment Assist
10.45am     Village Roadshow Limited
11.45am     Victorian Film & Television Industry Working Party
12.15pm     Iloura
1.30pm       Studio Moshi
2.00pm       Melbourne International Film Festival
2.30pm       White Hot Productions Pty Ltd
3.00pm       Australian Children's Television Foundation
3.30pm        Finish

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

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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Easier flying in to US market

AUSTRALIA’s aviation industry – including manufacturers and service companies – now has easier and cheaper access to the lucrative United States aviation market, after the signing of amendments to the bilateral aviation agreement.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the amendments would be a significant benefit to Australian aviation parts and products designers and manufacturers. Mr Chester said the changes would also benefit Australian companies and individuals who export aircraft and aircraft products to the US.

“There are more than 40 Australian aviation design organisations and more than 80 aviation production organisations that will have lower costs and less red tape when exporting to the US market,” Mr Chester said.

“A range of Australian design and manufacturing approvals will now be accepted in the US without the need for additional and sometimes costly work.

“People and organisations wanting to sell their aircraft into the US should have fewer regulatory hurdles to contend with.

“These amendments save money and streamline regulatory requirements without in any way compromising safety standards.

“I know that many large and small aviation organisations have been eagerly awaiting these changes so they can make greater inroads into the huge US aviation market.”

The amendments have been made to the Implementation Procedures on Airworthiness made under the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between Australian and the US.

www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport

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More pulling power for the north

THE VOICE of Northern Australia has been further strengthened, with the first meeting on July 20 of the Northern Australia Advisory Council in Townsville.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Matt Canavan, said the Council would provide a direct link to Government for the regions of the North to provide regular updates about issues, projects and priorities.

“The members of this Council know what makes Northern Australia tick.  They represent a wide range of industries that are essential for the jobs and economic wellbeing of the North,” Minister Canavan said.

“Our Government takes Northern Australia seriously. We have Members and Senators across the North. I’m proud to live in Northern Australia and I regularly visit the towns and communities across all parts of this expansive region.

“But we know the best way to deliver for Northern Australia is to listen to the people who create the jobs and run the local businesses.”

The first council appointees are:

  • Councillor Jane McNamara, mayor of the Flinders Shire
  • Mr Nigel Browne, a Larrakia and Wulna man, Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive officer
  • Ms Nicole Roocke, Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia deputy chief executive
  • Ms Colleen Costello, pastoralist
  • Mr Col McKenzie, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators chief executive officer and marine tourism consultant
  • Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, Diocesan director, Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton
  • Councillor Peter Long, mayor of Karratha, engineer and environmental scientist

The Council will advise on issues including industry development, Indigenous employment, infrastructure and long-term planning.

“We are delivering on our plan for developing Northern Australia. We’re investing in the roads, dams and infrastructure that will create new opportunities and support new industries,” Minister Canavan said.

“I look forward to working with this Council as we build on these investments.”

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Tourism inquiry visits the Northern Territory

PARLIAMENT’s Northern Australia Committee will hold public hearings in the Northern Territory on Sunday 23 July, Monday 24 July, and Thursday 27 July 2017 at Yulara, Alice Springs, and Darwin as part of its inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

The Northern Territory is home to three of the most well-known tourism icons in the world—Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, Kakadu National Park, and Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). The Territory has many other attractions and a wealth of untapped tourism potential. The Committee will hear evidence from the Northern Territory Government, a range of tourism operators, national parks officials, and traditional owners.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch MP, said Northern Australia has many places with great tourism potential, but which are generally unknown to the travelling public.

“As the bitumen rolls out on many of the northern roads, drive tourists will follow, eager to experience the beauty of Northern Australia,” he said.  

“The Committee has learned that cultural tourism is high on the wish list of many international tourists, but there is relatively little on offer when they arrive.

“While much effort is spent on promoting Australia’s tourism icons to the world, there needs to be a corresponding emphasis on developing new tourism businesses especially in cultural tourism and especially in regional and remote Australia,” Mr Entsch said.

 

Public hearing details:

3:15 pm to 5:45 pm, Sunday 23 July, Wanari Room, Uluru Meeting Place (adjacent to Sails in the Desert Hotel), Yulara Drive, Yulara

1:00 pm to 4:45 pm, Monday 24 July, Andy McNeill Room, Civic Centre Complex, 93 Todd Street, Alice Springs

8:00 am to 3:20 pm, Thursday 27 July, Litchfield Room, NT Legislative Assembly, Mitchell Street, Darwin

The hearing will be broadcast live  (audio only) at aph.gov.au/live

The hearing program and further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including submissions and the terms of reference, is available on the Committee’s website: www.aph.gov.au/jscna.

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Industry welcomes North West blueprint - QRC

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the state government’s ongoing commitment to the development of the mineral rich North West Minerals Province as a major driver of prosperity in North Queensland.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the targeted incentives announced by Minister Lynham would encourage investment and deliver jobs for regional communities.

“The QRC commends the Palaszczuk government on its proactive and consultative approach by working with industry, local government, unions and the community to ensure all stakeholders were considered in mapping out this blueprint for the North West,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Locating a hyperspectral logger in Mount Isa at the government’s existing drill core facility is an excellent initiative. It’s a simple practical approach that can deliver cost savings and efficiencies for explorers in the region.

“Already one of the world’s largest zinc companies Teck has been granted a tenure to explore 102km2 near Cloncurry which would be a huge short in the arm for the local economy.”

Newly appointed Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) Chairman, Brad John said the blueprint would attract investors both domestically and from overseas.

“It was pleasing to see the Minister announce an investor forum in Townsville which recognises the significant level of economic activity that is driven out of the North West and the Port of Townsville,” Mr John said.

The state’s North West has the potential to unearth vast amounts of copper, zinc and gold which are the minerals used in new technologies including batteries, mobile phones and solar panels.

“Last year the QRC launched its ‘Resourcing Innovation’ campaign about the importance of minerals for new cutting edge technologies and the state’s contribution to the future of these technologies could be secured with the North West,” Mr Macfarlane said.

The blueprint includes the Resources Development (Royalties) Policy and builds on the work of the Collaborative Drilling Initiative. In previous years this initiative had been a staggering technical success for exploration, specifically the discovery of mineral occurrences in Queensland.

www.qrc.org.au

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IPA and AAT sign new service agreement

THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) have entered into a new service agreement which will extend further benefits to their respective membership bases and importantly, strengthen their shared voice on behalf of small business.

The two organisations have shared office accommodation at 555 Lonsdale Street Melbourne since 2009.

“When the IPA formed the IPA Group at the end of 2014, making it the largest SME focused accounting organisation in the world, it was always our intention to expand to drive positive outcomes for the small business sector,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway. 

“This new agreement with the AAT will enhance the IPA and AAT’s capacity to work more closely together to provide end to end service for the sector.

“We continue our advocacy effort on behalf of small business in Australia and other jurisdictions including Asia and the UK.

“Recognising the value that accounting technicians bring to the SME sector, we believe that AAT members have a natural place within the accounting profession and the IPA family.

“We will be working with AAT to extend new member benefits which will include: further education pathways; access to continuous professional development; discussion groups and networking opportunities; technical advice; and, ongoing advocacy that works in the best interests of members and small business.

“For accounting technicians and professional bookkeepers, this includes a pathway to the IPA’s professional program; a fully-fledged Master of Business through Deakin University. 

This program will mean that members can broaden their education and skill base, enabling them to diversify and grow their businesses,” said Mr Conway.

 publicaccountants.org.au

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Farm safety centre stage this week

AS 2017 National Farm Safety Week gets underway, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, has encouraged farmers and rural workers to keep their safety, health and wellbeing front and centre all year round.

​"Agriculture is the biggest employer in our rural and regional communities, so farm safety should be a priority for everyone in the sector," Minister Hartsuyker said.

"From vehicular and tractor safety, to working with chemicals and animals, to dealing with stress and mental health issues or the safety of older farmers and children—farming can be a high risk job.

"National Farm Safety Week is an important opportunity to start a dialogue—both at home and in the workplace­—across the farming sector and in regional communities.   

"While the government will continue to work closely with industry and peak work safe bodies to address farm safety, it is everybody's responsibility to ensure farm health and safety is treated as a priority and that proactive steps are taken to recognise warning signs and mitigate any risks.

"One of 2017 National Farm Safety Week's main focuses is quad and vehicle safety, given tractors, other machinery and quad bikes are the leading causes of deaths on farms.

"In 2016, quad bikes accounted for the highest number of overall agricultural deaths and injuries. Tragically, already this year we have seen a number of farmers killed while riding quad bikes.

"This is why the Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to improve quad bike safety to create a safer working environment for all farmers and rural workers."

Now in its 19th year, this year's National Farm Safety Week will take place from July 17–21, with a theme of 'creating a resilient, safe and healthy ag community'.

National Farm Safety Week is an initiative of FarmSafe Australia, with the aim of raising awareness and reducing deaths and injuries associated with health and safety risks on farms.

For more information on 2017 National Farm Safety Week visit farmsafe.org.au/Farm-Safety-Week.

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