GROWING a small business in NSW is now easier following further cuts to red tape that has saved NSW business operators more than $815 million and provides the business confidence to build your own business without obstructive regulation.

Minister for Small Business John Barilaro and Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello said the red tape reforms deliver a key election commitment that exceeded the original $750 million target by June 2015.

“This is a forward thinking, customer-focused approach by the NSW Government to provide a stronger foundation for small businesses to invest and grow in NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Scaling back red tape allows the mum and dad business owners, who mortgage their homes and take the risks, to grow their businesses and create more jobs,” he said.

Mr Dominello said the focus of the NSW Government is on improved regulation rather than more regulation.

“By utilising technology, innovation and information sharing, there has been a substantial reduction in the amount of regulation in NSW, resulting in social and economic benefits for the community,” he said.

Key reforms include:

• Extending the validity of light vehicle safety inspection reports, or pink slips, from 42 days to six months generated $101 million in cost savings;
• The Opal Card integrated ticketing delivered $44 million in cost savings; and,
• Service NSW Digital Migration Project, e.g. driver licences delivered $39.8 million in cost savings for residents and businesses.

Last year over 93 reforms generated $326.4 million in cost saving measures.

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THE number of international visitors to Brisbane has reached one million for the first time with expenditure hitting record highs, according to new tourism research.

The latest International Visitor Survey from Tourism Research Australia revealed overseas visitors spent $1.7 billion in Brisbane in the year ended March 2015, up 10.8 per cent on the year before.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the survey revealed that total international visitor numbers increased by 7.2 per cent to one million while holiday visitors were up 10.3 per cent over the same period. 

“International visitor numbers and spending in Brisbane have reached record levels with expenditure more than doubling in ten years, from $802 million in 2005,” Cr Quirk said.

“Brisbane scored some impressive wins in our key international markets, with the number of visitors from China up 21.9 per cent in the year to March and the number of visiting New Zealanders increasing 6.3 per cent,” he said.

“We also saw impressive growth from India, with visitor numbers rising 50 per cent.”

Cr Quirk said Brisbane’s hosting of the G20 Leaders Summit would have contributed to the rise in the number of international visitors.

“Not only did the G20 attract thousands of delegates and media when it was staged, the world-wide exposure of Brisbane would have created more awareness of the city in international markets,” he said.

“Brisbane Marketing also works with Tourism and Events Queensland on rolling out marketing activities and trade missions to key markets such as New Zealand, Japan and China to attract potential holidaymakers.

“These promotional activities are driving home the point that our New World City is constantly evolving with outstanding new experiences, venues and hotels with a vibrant calendar of major sporting and cultural events.

“Major sporting fixtures such as the recent blockbuster football weekend featuring the Liverpool FC clash with Brisbane Roar and the Qantas Wallabies’ match with the Springboks attract thousands of visitors to Brisbane.”

Cr Quirk said the future of international tourism looked bright with recent aviation and infrastructure announcements ensuring Brisbane would become increasingly accessible and attractive to overseas visitors.

“Qantas will re-instate direct services between Tokyo and Brisbane on 1 August; Etihad Airways has upgraded its Abu Dhabi-Brisbane route to a direct service; and Air Canada will fly directly between Vancouver and Brisbane from June 2016,” he said.

“On the infrastructure front, we will see world-class dining, retail, resort and entertainment precincts come on line through the Howard Smith Wharves and Queen’s Wharf Brisbane projects.

“These developments are set to transform Brisbane as a lifestyle capital and further enhance our reputation as an internationally-competitive tourism, major events and conventions destination.”

www.brisbanemarketing.com.au

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SCREEN Australia congratulates the producers and creative teams of Australian films The Dressmaker and The Daughter, which have both been selected overnight for the 40th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). 

The Dressmaker will have its world premiere in the red carpet Gala Presentations section, and The Daughter will have its North American premiere in the Special Presentations section. Other Australian talent including Wayne Blair, Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts and Joel Edgerton will feature over various titles throughout the Gala and Special Presentations sections.

The Dressmaker.	The Daughter.

Richard Harris, Head of Business and Audience at Screen Australia, says: “2015 continues to be a banner year for Australian film on the international stage, where the hits just seem to keep coming. The Dressmaker and The Daughter are both such assured and yet distinctive films, and it is wonderful to see them get the profile they deserve at the 2015 Toronto Film Festival. We congratulate directors Jocelyn Moorhouse and Simon Stone, and their creative teams, on their selection into the festival and look forward to supporting their releases to Australian and international audiences in the months to come.”

Director of The Dressmaker, Jocelyn Moorhouse, says: “I am delighted The Dressmaker was officially selected for TIFF. This is a huge honour, and I can’t wait to show audiences the beautiful performances of Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Judy Davis and Hugo Weaving as well as our extraordinary ensemble cast.”

Producer Sue Maslin says “The invitation to hold the world premiere of The Dressmaker at a Gala screening of the Toronto International Film Festival is an enormous honour and hugely exciting. It is recognition of our extraordinary actors and crew who took their screen artistry to the highest level in this film. It also announces that, like Tilly Dunnage, Jocelyn Moorhouse is back!”

Producers of The Daughter, Jan Chapman and Nicole O’Donohue, say: “We are delighted to present The Daughter at the Toronto Film Festival as a Special Presentation and our North American premiere. Toronto is a vibrant festival well attended by local audiences and the international industry and is the home of our sales agent, Mongrel International. We look forward to sharing Simon Stone’s debut feature and the moving performances of our ensemble cast.”

OTHER AUSTRALIAN TALENT

Gala Presentations

Wayne Blair’s Septembers of Shiraz starring Salma Hayek and Adrien Brody and shot by Warwick Thornton, will have its world premiere in the Gala Presentations.

Naomi Watts will star alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Chris Cooper in the Opening Night film Demolition from director Jean-Marc Vallée.

Special Presentations

Joel Edgerton will star alongside Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rory Cochrane, Jesse Plemons, Kevin Bacon, Dakota Johnson, Julianne Nicholson, Corey Stoll and Peter Sarsgaard in Black Mass from director Scott Cooper.

Nicole Kidman will star with Jason Bateman and Christopher Walken in The Family Fang directed by Bateman.

Mountains May Depart by Jia Zhang-ke was partially shot in Western Australia.

More announcements by TIFF will happen over the next month in the lead up to the festival, which runs 10–20 September 2015.

http://tiff.net/festivals/festival15

FILM DETAILS

THE DAUGHTER

Screening North American premiere / Special Presentations
Genre Drama
Production Company Jan Chapman Films & Wildflower Films
Writer/Director Simon Stone
Producers Jan Chapman, Nicole O’Donohue
Cast Geoffrey Rush, Ewen Leslie, Paul Schneider, Miranda Otto, Anna Torv, with Odessa Young and Sam Neill
Sales Mongrel International
Australian Distribution Roadshow Films
Media Enquiries This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. & This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Synopsis In the last days of a dying logging town Christian returns to his family home for his father Henry’s wedding to the much younger Anna. While home, Christian reconnects with his childhood friend Oliver, who has stayed in town working at Henry’s timber mill and is now out of a job. As Christian gets to know Oliver’s wife Charlotte, daughter Hedvig and father Walter, he discovers a secret that could tear Oliver’s family apart. As he tries to right the wrongs of the past, his actions threaten to shatter the lives of those he left behind years before.

THE DRESSMAKER
Screening World premiere / red carpet Gala Presentations
Genre Comedy/Drama
Production Company Film Art Media
Director Jocelyn Moorhouse
Writers Jocelyn Moorhouse, PJ Hogan
Producer Sue Maslin
Executive Producers Gavin Poolman, Michael Shyjka, Tim Haslam, Hugo Grumbar, Ian Kirk, Roger Savage, Karl Engeler, Fred Gaines, Greg Sitch, PJ Hogan, Daryl Dellora
Cast Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving
International Sales Embankment Films (co-represented in the US with CAA)
Australian Distributor Universal Pictures International (UPI)
Media Enquiries This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Synopsis Based on the best-selling novel by Rosalie Ham, The Dressmaker is a bittersweet, comedy-drama set in early 1950s Australia. Tilly Dunnage (Kate Winslet), a beautiful and talented misfit, after many years working as a dressmaker in exclusive Parisian fashion houses, returns home to the tiny middle-of-nowhere town of Dungatar to right the wrongs of the past. Not only does she reconcile with her ailing, eccentric mother Molly (Judy Davis) and unexpectedly fall in love with the pure-hearted Teddy (Liam Hemsworth), but armed with her sewing machine and incredible sense of style, she transforms the women of the town and in so doing gets sweet revenge on those who did her wrong. 

http://www.screenaustralia.gov.au

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AUSTRALIA’s national resource industry employer group, the Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA), is calling on Bill Shorten and the Labor Party to rise above the superficial and dangerous misinformation campaign being waged against the China-Australia free trade agreement (FTA).

“Notwithstanding what he may owe unions after the weekend’s stage-managed ALP National Conference, it’s time for Mr Shorten and the ALP to rise above the politics of opposition and support this historic trade deal with our largest trading partner,” says AMMA CEO Steve Knott.

“This is an historic deal that will deliver greater economic prosperity and job creation for our country.

“Opposition to the FTA is coming dangerously close to xenophobia and can only threaten Australia’s reputation as a mature, welcoming and stable place to do business.”

Mr Knott says it is especially disappointing to see Bill Shorten and the ALP support another round of misleading union rhetoric on the role of skilled migrants in this country.

“Despite the blatant mistruths being peddled by the union movement, this agreement makes clear that skilled overseas labour will only be used to supplement shortages in the Australian labour market, and represents no threat to local jobs, conditions and wages,” he says.

“It requires Chinese companies to be registered in Australia and therefore to comply with all Australian employment laws and market rates and conditions.

“The inference that these international skilled employees could be subject to inferior occupational health and safe standards is also untrue, mischievous and unhelpful.”

With resources investment under consideration in Australia falling by more than $80 billion in the past 12 months, Mr Knott says the economy ‘desperately needs the kick along that greater trade with China will deliver’.

He notes Trade Minister Andrew Robb is quoted in today’s press estimating that a delay to the passage of the deal could cost the national economy $300 million in the next year alone.

“Australia is operating in a highly competitive, global marketplace. It’s time to stop acting like a remote island where we can all shove our heads in the sand and indulge ‘fortress Australia’ thinking,” Mr Knott continues.

“We need our politicians to rise above the hysteria and opportunism being sown by some of our unions.

“Any serious alternative Prime Minister would push back on shallow, opportunistic sectional views that threaten our ability to compete globally and secure new investment in Australia.”

Last week the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade published a fact sheet about the Free Trade Agreement, clarifying key aspects of the deal and debunking misconceptions.

www.amma.org.au

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VICTORIA'S obtainment of the rights to host the Australian leg of the International Champions Cup for another three years is further validation of Melbourne’s standing as a global sporting leader, said the Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC).

"It is positive that the outstanding work of Victoria’s tourism and events industry has been rewarded with the significant extension of the rights to host this prized and internationally sought-after competition," said VEIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

The extension was announced today by the Hon. John Eren MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, and is worth more than $150 million to Victoria’s economy.

The announcement follows three successful and highly-attended matches between some of the world's most decorated and high-profile clubs in Real Madrid, Manchester City and AS Roma.

"VEIC will continue to work with government and operators throughout the state to make sure the benefits of these significant opportunities for tourism businesses are capitalised on," said Ms Smith.

The Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s events industry, providing one united industry voice.

Major Events contribute $1.8 billion to Victoria’s economy every year, creating jobs and underpinning Melbourne’s status as one of the global sporting capitals and the World’s Most Liveable City.

vtic.com.au

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THE Senate Economics Reference Committee will today hear how innovation holds the key to the future of manufacturing and a great number of jobs, in a presentation by medical device manufacturer Cook Medical Australia.

The Committee is in Brisbane to hear verbal submissions for the Inquiry into Australia’s Innovation System and Cook Medical will be one of two manufacturers to share their insights. The submission will be made by Mark Muller, Director of Finance – Cook Medical Asia Pacific.

“It’s our strong view that innovation and manufacturing are inextricably linked. However, the precarious state of Australia’s manufacturing industry, struggling with comparatively high taxes, high labour and operating costs, is of particular concern for the future of Australia’s innovation system." explains Mr Muller.

“We will share these concerns with the Committee and implore them to take action. To maximise Australia’s capability to innovate and to become a knowledge-based economy, there is a need for structural change within policy frameworks to attract business and commercialisation of our innovations back to Australia. Without this, the intellectual property, manufacturing and all the associated jobs will leave our shores. It’s the Australian future for companies like Cook Medical.

“The Government must do something to help the retention of domestic manufacturing and industry. Our recommendation is to consider the implementation of a ‘patent box’ style tax incentive for Australia, specifically a model that would provide a reduction in the tax payable on profits derived from the commercialisation of qualifying IP in Australia (either via licensing or manufacturing and sale of products incorporating qualifying IP),” said Mr Muller.

Under the model, termed the Australian Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Incentive, qualifying IP profit would be taxed at the lower rate with the standard corporate tax rate to be applied to other income. This would ensure Australia benefits from investment in any R&D by encouraging companies to locate all activity associated with the development, manufacture and exploitation of that IP within Australia, which would support the full spectrum of industry sectors.

Adding to the IP retention issue is that, R&D Tax Incentives such as the one Australia implemented are now recognised globally, with 30 countries, including the top 10 global manufacturing countries also offering similar frameworks.

Cook Medical Australia was established in 1979 and has grown to a headcount of over 500 people at their headquarters in Eight Mile Plains where its headquarters are based.

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WITH China as Australia’s largest trading partner, a round of public hearings to examine the costs and benefits of the proposed China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) will begin next week.

The Treaties Committee will commence hearings on Monday 27 July in Brisbane. The second hearing will take place in Sydney on Friday 31 July to be followed by hearings in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Tasmania.   

China provides Australia’s largest agriculture and fisheries market and biggest export market for resources, energy and manufacturing. Chinese investment in Australia has grown strongly in recent years and the country is Australia’s largest services market as well.

The Agreement is expected to eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs on a wide range of Australian goods exports including beef, dairy, sheep meat, wine, horticulture and energy and resource products. It also delivers China’s best services commitments to date, including the provision of new or significantly improved market access for financial, legal, education and health and aged care services.

Committee Chair, Mr Wyatt Roy MP, said that Australia’s free trade agreements are intended to reduce barriers to trade for Australian producers and exporters.

“However, the committee understands that there are some serious questions regarding the impact of these agreements on the broader economy and it is interested in hearing from a range of witnesses on the possible positive and negative aspects of implementing this agreement,” he said.   

Public Hearing: Monday 27 July 2015,
Level 6 Mediation Room 2, Commonwealth Law Courts 119 North Quay, Brisbane

12.30pm Queensland Seafood Industry Association
Queensland Seafood Marketers Association Inc
1.10pm Packer Leather
1.50pm HopgoodGanim
2.30pm ThomsonAdsett
3.10pm Close

Public Hearing: Friday 31 July 2015,
Macquarie Room, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney

9.30am Council of Private Higher Education
10.15am Australian Fair Trade Investment Network
11.00am Financial Services Council
11.45am Australian Red Meat Industry
12.30pm Lunch
1.30pm Private individual
2.15pm Blackmores Ltd
3.00pm Communications Electrical Plumbing Union
3.45pm Close

The hearing will be broadcast through: www.aph.gov.au/live
Hearing programs, copies of the treaties and submissions received can be found at: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties  Alternatively, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (02) 6277 4002.

RISING employment costs hampered business trading performance over the June quarter, according to the VECCI - Bank of Melbourne Survey of Business Trends and Prospects released today.

Wages growth was a driver of this rise, as it remained widespread in the June quarter 2015 with a net balance of 18 per cent of respondents reporting an increase. Wages growth is forecast to accelerate in the September quarter 2015, with a net balance of 30 per cent of respondents expecting a rise.

With little change in selling prices and higher operating costs, business profitability was under pressure with a visible weakening in profits over the quarter. A net balance of 18 per cent of businesses reported declines; a 10 percentage point deterioration compared to the previous quarter’s result.

Not surprisingly, the quarterly survey of nearly 500 businesses across seven major industry sectors also found that employment levels were adversely affected by the general weakness in profits and rising cost pressures. Over the June quarter, a net balance of six per cent of surveyed firms reported a decline in employment.

Exports, which had performed strongly in the previous quarter, eased in the current quarter; as did trends in buildings and structures investment. Encouragingly, a rebound in export activity is forecast over the next three months.

Sales, which were relatively flat during the June quarter, are also expected to recover over coming months.

“Cost pressures are an increasing headwind to Victorian business growth,” said VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“More must be done to reduce the employment cost burden on business by lifting the payroll tax threshold, reducing WorkCover premiums and reforming penalty rate structures.”

Bank of Melbourne Chief Executive Scott Tanner said, “While businesses are still uncertain about conditions in the Victorian economy, there were some encouraging signs for the outlook with confidence emerging.

"Stronger household and business balance sheets, coupled with low interest rates and a weaker Australian dollar, should put growth and investment plans back on the agenda for businesses when the right opportunities arise.”

The outlook for the Victorian economy weakened slightly in the June quarter, with 15 per cent of respondents anticipating improved state economic conditions in the year ahead, compared to 17 per cent in the previous quarter.

The outlook for the Australian economy mirrored results from the previous quarter, with 18 per cent of respondents expecting stronger growth over the next 12 months. 

VECCI & Bank of Melbourne partnership 
VECCI is pleased to partner with Bank of Melbourne. The bank supports VECCI’s quarterly Survey of Business Trends and Prospects, Business Leaders event series and Women in Business event series. The partnership builds on both VECCI’s and the Bank of Melbourne’s mutual goals in supporting businesses in Victoria.

Background – About VECCI
The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

Background – About Bank of Melbourne
Bank of Melbourne is investing in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Since re-launching in July 2011, the bank has tripled its workforce, opened 100 branches and become even more involved in the local community. The bank partners with the organisations and events that matter to Victorians. As a full-service bank, its team of lenders, account executives and industry specialists are supporting Victorian businesses, both large and small.

www.bankofmelbourne.com.au

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