July 24th AI Group Newsletter

You can view the July 24th AI Group Newsletter here.

This issue includes:

• Union Budget claims highlight need for tighter bargaining laws
• Workforce participation key to childcare reform
• Industry alliance calls for gas market reform
• B20 highlights common challenges for international business
• Healthy workplaces = increased productivity
• Managing discrimination, harassment and bullying
• Take part in Australian Engineering Week

July AI Group Newsletter

You can view the July Ai Group newsletter here.

This issue includes:

• Industry involvement secures positive result on carbon tax repeal
• Financial System Inquiry needs wider view on business lending market
• Don’t miss BIZassistBriefings webcasts
• The New Leader
• SA Business Survey: how are you managing change?
• Doing business with Malaysia

NEW EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS FROM 1 JULY

Statement by Innes Willox
Chief Executive Australian Industry Group

 “The Australian Industry Group today reminded employers of two key changes that take effect from tomorrow, 1 July. The first is the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review increase and the second is an increase in the Superannuation Guarantee. As well, the carbon tax rises tomorrow to $25.40 per tonne unless the current legislation is repealed,” Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.

“Operative from 1 July 2014, award wage rates for full-time adult employees will be increased by 3 per cent and the National Minimum Wage will be increased to $640.90 per week or $16.87 per hour.

Download complete media release here.

Vice- Presidents letter (taken from the OPEA June e-newsletter)

Welcome to this edition of the OPEA e-newsletter.

It has been a long year for the OPEA Executives with the re-launch of our web site, ramping up on the emissions front, modernising how industry statistics are collected, and the continued development of the OPE training and apprenticeship program.

The Executives have been very active and need to be congratulated on their effort and commitment.

Our new web site has a new lay out, look and feel to better communicate the issues affecting our industry – ahead of the new 2014/2015 season.

Our true level of success depends on our ability to capture your industry voice. We encourage you to give serious thought to sharing your concerns and needs. We are always looking for contributors to assist – either at Executive level or on sub committees. It is important to have representatives from all membership types, and we strongly encourage you to join the team.

Go to the web site to learn about our emissions response and training program development. You can check out the new web site out here.

Our next AGM is in August 2014 at the Australian Golf Club in Sydney, and we would encourage all members to attend and contribute to the Association.  I’m sure you’ll agree there has been a lot of change since our last AGM, and there is much more to come.

Gareth Taylor

OPEA Vice President

Workers comp premium reductions a much needed relief for QLD business, Ai Group

“The Queensland Government’s decision to reduce workers compensation premiums by an average of 17% from 1 July is a much needed shot in the arm for industry in the State,” Ai Group Queensland Director Jemina Dunn said today.

“The Queensland Government has taken some difficult but necessary decisions in the last 12 months in reshaping the Queensland workers compensation system and today we are seeing these efforts bear fruit.

“While reductions will vary within sectors, we are pleased to see both Manufacturing (18.3%) and Construction (17%), two critical components of Queensland’s economy, both achieve sizable premium reductions. This is critical at a time when business conditions are tougher than ever, costs are rising and business confidence remains sluggish.

“In recent years Queensland workers compensation premiums have been on an upward trajectory. Ai Group has for a long time been leading the campaign to reduce these costs and today’s decision is recognition of that hard work,” Ms Dunn said.