September 2014 Issue 97

Christmas at Rydges Capital Hill If you're looking to plan a Christmas Party or End of Year Celebration with a difference in Canberra, then look no further. Rydges Capital Hill Canberra is the perfect place for your Christmas party for the office, family or social group. With a variety of event spaces, such as the indoor atrium creating a fabulous...

The LNP Federal Government's newly unveiled unemployment policy has heralded considerable backlash in the media and from opposition leaders who have criticised the idea as poorly researched, and lacking in common sense. Whilst unemployment recently reached a 12 year high of 6.4 percent, the proposal that Australia's unemployed be forced to file 40 new job applications per month in order...

With a sluggish economy and additional budget restraint on the horizon, many government agencies and departments need to find more cost savings and business efficiencies. After shedding jobs and freezing recruitment, how can agencies and departments achieve long-term cost savings? RSM Bird Cameron explains how. "It's not simply a matter of getting by with less," says Luke Williamson, Senior Manager,...

ANZ Mobile Lending was recognised as the ACT's Mortgage Provider of the Year for the 3rd year in a row at REIACT's Awards for Excellence held recently at the Hyatt Hotel. Paul Lanzon director of ANZ Mobile Lending, Canberra Inner South & Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra says much of the award's success is due to the close relationships that mobile lenders have developed...

The National Press Club of Australia will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on 10 September 2014 with a black tie gala dinner. The Anniversary commemorates the first ever speech by a Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, to the National Press Luncheon Club. The Club has a strong national presence and continues its tradition of presenting speakers such as visiting international figures,...

Up until 1995 all companies had to have at least two directors. This posed significant issues for businesses looking to obtain the limited liability provided by company structures as quite often, for example, both parties to a marriage were, of necessity, directors of the company and if the company ever became insolvent both directors, and therefore any assets owned by...

Canberra's postgraduate students will have direct access to prestigious University of London qualifications under a new arrangement made with the University of Canberra. UC's new Master of Management course to be launched soon will be paired with a University of London Graduate Diploma of Economic Policy, Policy Studies or Public Management under the academic direction1 of the School of Oriental...

The hosting of landmark events has become big business around Australia drawing business, tourists and exposure to cities and regions. Canberra is no exception to this. In recent years the hosting of high profile exhibitions, sporting matches and special events has added significantly to the Territory's economic and cultural life. Our centenary year in 2013 was an obvious highlight but...

To be successful in export, it is important for a business to have a good export strategy, conduct proper due diligence before exploring opportunities in a potential market, prepare export pricing/marketing and also visit the potential export market. However, most of the time, a business will need to commit time and money to do all of these activities. In the...

Recently I gained a rare insight into the work of our fine men and women on the frontline as part of Exercise Boss Lift Top End and Exercise Pitch Black 14. A group of 23 bosses and senior managers from around Australia headed to Darwin to see a full range of core capabilities on display across Army, Navy and Air...

We often meet with clients who are surprised to learn that their registered trade mark provides no protection in other countries. Trade marks (like other forms of IP such as patents and designs) are registered on a per country basis. If wishing to extend protection of your Australian trade mark rights to other countries, do you need to engage lawyers...

Salary sacrifice is where a portion of your income is paid to your superannuation fund rather than to yourself directly. Contributions made to superannuation through salary sacrificing are paid from your "before-tax dollars" and is a strategy that can be used to reduce your taxable income. Making regular contributions can be an effective way to reduce your income tax and...

One of the most important steps in the process of dividing your assets is to identify and value the "asset pool". Both you and your former spouse have a duty to disclose assets that exist at the time of your settlement or assets to which you may have an entitlement in the foreseeable future (such as a deceased estate or...