October 2014 Issue 98

Competition policy review: will it affect you?
Expert Advice
The Australian Government has commissioned a review into competition policy as it stands in Australia as of 2014. After considering 318 non-confidential submissions, the Competition Policy Review Panel released a draft report on 22 September 2014, which provided multiple draft recommendations that are likely to affect Australian business. Submissions regarding the draft report and recommendations are open until 17 November...
Voluntary redundancies for government employees
Expert Advice
When an offer on voluntary redundancy (VR) is made to an employee, it can raise several questions and considerations. It is recommended that an offer is not accepted without careful consideration of the financial and emotional impacts of a VR. Some considerations are outlined below. Firstly, look at the offer in segments. The actual redundancy is a calculation made on...
Workplace bullying – issues for employers
ACT Chamber
Workplace bullying and harassment are matters that should be taken seriously by all employers. In the Australian Capital Territory, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 clearly sets out a requirement for a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to take all reasonably practicable steps to provide "a work environment without risks to health and safety…", as well as...
Delaying your property settlement is risky business
Expert Advice
For many people, the end of a relationship is a time of change and upheaval. One of the many things to think about after separating from your partner is how to divide property and finances. You may feel reluctant to begin that process. This is understandable, but delay in doing something about dividing your property may cause unexpected, and sometimes...
Greater support for ACT exporters
ACT Exporters
Canberra Business Council was recently appointed as the ACT and surrounding region's arm of Austrade's TradeStart Network. The prime objective of Austrade's TradeStart network is to assist small and medium sized exporters to achieve long-term success in international markets. It offers exporters the combined resources of Austrade and Canberra Business Council, providing local assistance and a direct link to overseas...
Performance reviews: no longer just for CEOs
Corporate Governance
The recent article regarding the Prime Minister, Mr Tony Abbott, holding annual performance reviews with his ministers prompted me to think about how commonplace formalised evaluations have become across our society. While once it was the preserve of CEOs to undergo performance reviews, it's now commonplace for junior staff right through to the CEO and increasingly the board to complete...
Brand protection: overcoming hurdles to registering a trademark
Business Law
Our firm hosts an annual not-for-profit networking event called "Sweatworking™". The term "Sweatworking" was created by our Director, Susan Proctor in 2012. Given our firm's considerable investment in the event, we sought to protect that investment by applying for a trade mark of the word "Sweatworking". Adverse report Once a trade mark application is lodged, it is reviewed by a...
Rent or hire? It’s PPSA or perish!
Business Advisory
The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) continues to bite sectors of the business community that have historically had little need for engagement in formal business arrangements. Recently, this firm has been involved in a number of matters relating to rental, hire or bailment of goods to companies that have become insolvent. The unfortunate outcome for the providers of the...
Government decision to delay new convention centre beyond belief
Associations To Business
The Canberra business community is deeply disappointed and perplexed by the ACT Government's decision to further delay, u ntil after 2020, the development of a new convention centre for the Nation's Capital. As recently as 3 June 2014 the ACT Government committed $1.5 million to the next phase of the Australia Forum project to include the preparation of a detailed...
Why outsourced bookkeeping is a good return on investment
Bookkeeping
Outsourced bookkeeping and back-office accounting have become our primary means of engagement with small-and-medium businesses. While there are advantages and disadvantages to outsourced bookkeeping, this article solely considers the financial benefits for firms which have shifted from hiring part-time bookkeepers to outsourcing their bookkeeping and accounting functions. After all, a firm's bottom line is all about cost savings. Based on...
Granny flats on the comeback
Banking
As home owners look for ways to maximise their investment, granny flats have seen a rise in popularity1. Classified as a 'secondary dwelling,' they sit separately to the main structure on a block and are self-contained, enabling the flat to be rented out independently for additional income. There are several considerations on whether a granny flat is suitable for either...
Tax implications of redundancy payments
Accounting
While redundancy was once considered an unwelcome sign of the times, the new corporate reality means it is becoming more likely that at some stage during your career you will be made redundant. Getting the right tax advice can help you make the most from a redundancy payment as you move into a new job. If you are thinking of...
Darryl’s Den: focusing on ability
Cover Story
DARRYL'S DEN: FOCUSING ON ABILITY WORKING WITH RSM BIRD CAMERON TO PREPARE FOR THE NDIS Darryl's Den is a small not-for-profit organisation locally based in Holt, ACT. Run by volunteers, the organisation was named after local man, Darryl Hulin, who suffered an Acquired Brain Injury in a motorcycle accident. Darryl's Den has been operating for more than 10 years thanks...
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