VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone has congratulated Victorian Labor on its election to government.

Mr Stone said, "VECCI congratulates the Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Leader of the Labor Party, and Victorian Labor on their election to government.

"Many of Victorian Labor’s pre-election commitments are consistent with VECCI’s recommendations and we call on the incoming Labor Government to build on Victoria’s strengths with responsible economic management and pro-business policies over the next four years.

"In this context, we look forward to the progression of the plan to remove 50 level crossings and other measures that will create 100,000 jobs over two years. The Labor Government’s commitment to the metro rail tunnel construction, Port of Melbourne privatisation and Tullamarine Freeway widening is welcomed by business.

"So too are the strong commitments to apprenticeships and training, given their role in creating a job-ready workforce. It is important that clear timelines are established to undertake the promised review of the vocational education and training system.

"We also look forward to the implementation of commitments to boost Victoria’s international engagement through expanding the inbound and outbound trade missions program and the establishment of new government business offices in South America, Singapore and Turkey.

"This agenda must be progressed as a priority given its significance to the Victorian economy and wider business community," Mr Stone said.

"In keeping with VECCI’s pre-election agenda, we will urge the new government to lift the payroll tax threshold from $550,000 to $850,000, in order to keep Victorian business competitive and support new job creation.

"VECCI looks forward to working constructively with the Labor Government and supporting business to capitalise on opportunities for growth in 2015 and beyond."

* The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au 

ends

ILLEGAL tobacco use in Australia continues to grow with a new report revealing around one in every seven cigarettes consumed is illegal, exposing the fact that plain tobacco packaging has proved only a burden to retailers rather than encourage Australians to quit the habit.

Plain packaging has also lead to a shift from retailers who once regulated sales of legal product to an increasing amount of illegal unregulated sales.

The latest in a series of reports by KPMG LLP in the UK, Illicit Tobacco in Australia, shows that illegal tobacco use in the last 12 months has increased from 13.5% to 14.3% of total consumption.

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the change to plain packaging has been a waste of retailers’ time and resources.

“According to the report, had that tobacco been sold legally, the Australian Government would have received an additional $1.2 billion in tobacco excise. Instead of paying tax to the Australian Government, criminals are profiting from this illegal tobacco trade at the expense of local law-abiding retailers who could keep tobacco out of the hands of minors.

"The ARA has long argued the change to plain packaging was an unnecessary burden for small to medium retailers, and it is now further evident that this initiative has had absolutely no effect.

“We are very concerned that illegal tobacco products are swamping the market, and this has only been made worse by plain packaging which has seen product move out of well-regulated legal distribution through retailers.

“The ARA will be making the point to the government that action needs to be taken to address the illegal tobacco trade. The government must consider how ever increasing regulation - whether on cigarette packaging or tax - creates additional incentives for tobacco smugglers. It's not only in their best interests but also in the best interests of Australian businesses,” Mr Zimmerman said.

*

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

ENDS

VICTORIA's peak tourism industry body today said that the industry is encouraged by the pre-election commitments from both major parties to grow tourism in 2015 and beyond.

"Support for key tourism infrastructure, the growth of cultural events and the development of industry skills is in keeping with our ongoing policy agenda and is welcomed by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC)," said VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith.

Major commitments include:

Key infrastructure

- The Coalition’s decision to expand the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), as well as to fund a feasibility study on a similar centre in Geelong.

"VTIC applauds the Coalition Government’s decision to expand MCEC, and urges Victorian Labor to echo this commitment for the significant benefit it will bring to Victoria’s business events and tourism sector,” said Ms Smith.

- Bipartisan support for the Tullamarine Freeway upgrade, which will improve reliability and cut travel times for visitors who rely on this crucial road. 

Attraction and experience marketing

- The Coalition’s funding commitment for the promotion of Victorian attractions and experiences to boost attendance from local, interstate and international visitors. International high growth markets such as China and South East Asia will be particularly targeted.

Workforce skill development

- Strong commitments to apprenticeships and training by both parties to support the creation of a well-trained, job-ready tourism workforce.

particularly supported is Victorian Labor’s commitment to reforming the vocational education and training system by improving VET regulation and undertaking a review of VET funding.

Cultural events and nature-based attractions

- Bipartisan support for the further development of the Grampians Peaks Trail to boost Victoria’s nature-based tourism credentials, and support for Sovereign Hill's Blood on the Southern Cross experience. 

"The Grampians Peaks Trail development will position Victoria as a key nature-based tourism destination, which will lead to significant job creation and economic benefit,” said Ms Smith.

- Victorian Labor’s commitment to investing in upgrading the iconic Palais Theatre and a Victorian Wine Tourism Strategy to grow regional tourism. 

- The Coalition’s pledge to create the Regional Live Music Strategy to boost medium sized events, its commitment to upgrade visitor facilities at Puffing Billy's Belgrave station and its continued support for the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda. 

Melbourne's reputation as the global sporting and cultural capital will also be further strengthened after government commitments to extend the Melbourne Grand Prix contract and host soccer's 2015 International Champions Cup Australia. Bipartisan support to upgrade the Junction Oval is also welcome.

Tourism could create nearly 9,000 additional jobs for Victoria over the next two years if the right policy settings are in place, according to VTIC research.

“As a growth sector in a rapidly changing economy, tourism has great job creation potential as it brings in visitors who spend money, which creates jobs and sustains communities,” said Ms Smith.

“We welcome both major parties’ commitments to progressing our key priorities this election.”

*

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak body for Victoria’s tourism and events industry, providing one united industry voice. Tourism and events are growth industries for Victoria and contribute $19.6 billion to the state economy each year and employ more than 200,000 people.

vtic.com.au

ENDS

JOIN Australian music icon Tina Arena as she shares her personal story of perseverance, resilience and reinvention over an international music career that spans four decades. 

Hear how Tina has continually developed her skill-base, invested in her brand and broken into new markets to take advantage of opportunities in the ever-changing global entertainment industry.

Tina has built her career on challenging herself to step outside her comfort zone to lead by example and inspire a loyal following.

Learn how Tina’s experiences can help you charge confidently into the New Year.

VECCI’s Women in Business lunch series showcases talented and professionally successful women and gives Victoria’s business women the opportunity to learn from their inspirational stories.

WHERE & WHEN

Thursday 4 December 2014, 12.30pm

Palladium at Crown

Level 1, Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Melbourne
 
TICKETING OPTIONS
VECCI Members
Individual $185
Table of 10 $1665
 
Non-members
Individual $210
Table of 10 $2025
 
VIP experience $295
Prices include GST.
 
Ticket enquiries: 8662 5333

*

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the most influential body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

vecci.org.au

IT'S BEGINNING to look a lot like Christmas for outdoor leisure retailers with barbecues, camping and outdoor leisure equipment tipped to rise 135 percent in the lead up to Christmas.

New research by the Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) and Roy Morgan looks at last year’s Christmas shopping period between November 2013 – January 2014, and reveals the categories showing the largest growth during this period (compared with the rest of the year) are as follows: barbecues, camping and outdoor leisure equipment (up 135 percent), perfume and aftershave (up 58 percent) and women’s dresses (up 54 percent). 

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said these results certainly reflect current consumer buying patterns, with shoppers not only starting to stock up on traditional best-selling gifts such as perfume, aftershave and clothing but also the latest barbecue and camping equipment.

“Australian’s have been born and bred to enjoy the great outdoors over summer and that includes heading away with the family on camping trips and regular social barbecues with friends. We’re expecting to see a lot of tents, picnic gear, high-quality outdoor furniture and other leisure-based gifts under Christmas trees this year. These items are often able to be enjoyed by the entire family, therefore providing great value for money for the penny-conscious shopper.

“The expected rise in sales of 135 percent is music to the ears of Australian outdoor leisure retailers who have been doing it extremely tough over winter.

“When comparing hottest Christmas items of 2013 with hottest Christmas items of 2012, there are a few notable trends that we can expect to see reflected in this year’s Christmas sales. Interestingly, women’s jumpers take the top spot with an increase in sales by over 40 percent year on year. Women’s sleepwear sales are also up significantly (36 percent) but are offset by falls in other women’s apparel categories including jeans (-43 percent), sportswear (-38 percent), socks (-29 percent) and coats (-27 percent).

“Car care products will remain great stocking fillers (up 28 percent) as well as craft and hobby related products which are set to experience a jump in sales by 27 percent this Christmas,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Overall, ARA data shows that shoppers will spend a whopping $45 billion from 15 November until 24 December, representing a 4.3 percent gain on sales during the same period in 2013 ($43 billion).

*

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au

ends

THE University of Sydney’s internationally respected Workplace Research Centre (WRC) is planning to make a final and significant contribution to the industrial relations debate with its last high powered symposium on this crucial element of national life.

Established as the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training (ACIRRT) in 1991, the WRC will close at the end of 2014.

Prominent speakers at the symposium on 4 December 2014, will include the former President of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, Geoffrey Guidice AO.

“The symposium will look at the role played by research in evaluating previous industrial relations reform as well as the future and explore how research can respond to new and emerging employment relations challenges,” said WRC Director, Professor John Buchanan.

The symposium will also feature:

• Grant Belchamber, ACTU
• Emeritus Professor Russell Lansbury, Inaugural ACIRRT director
• Professor Karel Williams, University of Manchester (via videolink)
• Professor Chris Warhurst, University of Warwick (via videolink)
• Professor Barbara Pocock, University of South Australia
• Professor John Buchanan, University of Sydney
• Professor David Peetz, Griffith University
• Professor Nigel Haworth, University of Auckland
• Associate Professor Rae Cooper, University of Sydney

Further details are available on the WRC’s website: http://sydney.edu.au/business/workplaceresearch/conferences/symposium_2014/legacies_and_future_directions_for_ir_research

Date: 4 December, 2014

Time: 9am – 4.20 pm

Venue: The Darlington Centre, City Road, University of Sydney

THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Treasury will re-appear before the House Tax and Revenue Committee tomorrow as part of its inquiry into tax disputes.

These agencies gave evidence to the first public hearing of the inquiry in July. Since then, the Committee has spoken to a wide range of taxpayers, tax agents, accountants, lawyers and professional associations.

Tomorrow’s hearing will allow the Tax Office and Treasury to respond to evidence received during the inquiry. Topics likely to be raised at the hearing include:

•the extent of independence when the ATO considers a taxpayer’s objection;
•the readiness of the ATO to engage with taxpayers during disputes;
•the robustness of ATO processes for findings of fraud and evasion, which remove the four and two-year time limits on amending assessments;
•how the general interest charge works during a dispute;
•the ATO’s performance indicators for disputes.

Committee chair John Alexander said the hearing will provide the committee with the opportunity to test some of the evidence and proposals that it received during the inquiry.

“We look forward to hearing the views and expertise of the ATO and the Treasury so the committee can make recommendations that allow the ATO to collect the revenue due, whilst demonstrating fairness and respect to taxpayers,” he said.

Public hearing
Wednesday 26 November 2014
Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

4:oopm   The Treasury and the Australian Taxation Office
5:30pm  Adjournment

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

For further information: please contact the committee secretariat by telephone 02 6277 4821, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit the committee website http://www.aph.gov.au/taxrev.

Media release date: 25 November 2014

VICTORIA'S peak events industry body welcomes today’s announcement that Melbourne will be the exclusive host of soccer’s International Champions Cup Australia in 2015.

“As the global sporting capital, Melbourne is the ideal place for this wonderful event that will bring together the world’s best players, their huge supporter base and local fans,” said Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC) Chief Executive, Dianne Smith.

Ms Smith’s comments follow the announcement that three leading international soccer teams, including Real Madrid F.C., will feature in the tournament at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in July 2015.

“The tournament is expected to deliver an economic benefit of more than $50 million to Victoria, which is yet another example of the significant benefit major events and tourism bring to Victoria,” said Ms Smith.

And we can expect near capacity crowds, thanks not only to the calibre of the teams, but also to the commitment of organisers to making tickets as accessible and affordable as possible.”

VEIC Chairperson Peter Jones said: “This is only the third edition of this series and Melbourne has been able to secure this event because of its worldwide reputation for staging iconic sporting events."

“Having a stadium such as the MCG in the heart of the city is a big drawcard. We can host all the matches in one venue and this makes us a very attractive destination for these top tier clubs.”

Ms Smith added that the event will showcase Melbourne and Victoria globally, as the tournament will be broadcast to more than 150 countries.

*

Established in December 2006, the Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC) is the peak policy council representing Victoria’s $1.4 billion event industry.

vtic.com.au  

ends