About Karyn Starmer
Karyn Starmer is a second career journalist working freelance in print, radio and online media after completing a Masters in Journalism. Karyn began her working life as a financial markets trader for an international bank but wandered away from Sydney. Now immersed in her local South Coast community, Canberra is a virtual second home and she spends a lot of time on the Kings Highway.
All Articles
News
Businesses intending to rely on their insurance policies to cover the impact of COVID-19 have been dealt a significant blow in a test case that means insurance companies may avoid paying billions of dollars in claims. As the pandemic broke out in the early months of 2020, interrupting everything from travel to trade, many businesses went looking to see if...
News
As the Territory readies for a resumption of business, with fingers crossed for a smooth transition and no further lockdowns, financial advisors have reported a last-minute rush of businesses and sole traders applying for the ACT's Business Support Grant by the 7 October deadline. RSM Australia senior advisor Young Han said there has been a mix of businesses rushing to claim...
Expert Advice
Dealing with a relationship breakdown is tough no matter what the circumstances, whether it comes about through mutual decision or a necessary escape from family violence. Apart from the emotional upheaval, working out how to share financial assets, determine custody arrangements or seeking protection from family violence is unfamiliar territory for most people. And seeking help or advice from a...
News
Tuesday (14 September) saw the widely anticipated announcement of an extension to lockdown to 11:59 pm on 15 October, and with the Barr Government yet to reveal a specific roadmap out of lockdown, many Canberra businesses are still facing weeks of uncertainty. In response, business support grants have been topped up with eligible businesses receiving up to an extra $30,000....
News
Last week we saw tentative first steps in the ACT Government's cautious approach to bringing business back online with the resumption of some residential construction. There is still much debate surrounding the pace of the government's approach. Industry groups are urging the government to consider some remaining issues, including a lack of specific support for micro-businesses, the importance of a...
News
Championing causes and speaking for people without a voice is something of a family trait for Canberra lawyer Kate Waterford. As the daughter of Jack Waterford, the legendary former editor-in-chief of The Canberra Times, Kate has inherited a desire to help people and also acquired her father's love of books. Kate recently purchased the Waterford's family home from her parents, and...
News
In a sign of significant generational change, Snedden Hall & Gallop Lawyers has announced the appointment of three new directors to the experienced leadership team of the 60-year-old Canberra law firm. Julia Bridgewater, Emily Shoemark and Amber Wang are all senior lawyers currently practicing at Snedden Hall & Gallop. Julia has a wide range of expertise in all aspects of...
News
Recently celebrating 10 years since inception, a milestone for any organisation, Project Independence has a new CEO to usher the organisation into its next decade. It is her first role in the community sector but Dianne O'Hara comes to Project Independence with a wealth of experience. She brings to the organisation business development skills and experience working with government and...
News
We have all heard the awful tales of dodgy plumbers. From leaking taps to flooding floors, and the dishonesty of those who take payment but disappear without finishing the job. The ACT plumbing industry was hit particularly hard in the wake of an ACT Supreme Court finding against a Canberra company for false and misleading representations in 2019. Master Plumbers ACT...
Expert Advice
A shocking story about a relationship between a Victorian magistrate and his junior court clerk has highlighted the need for people to seriously look at their superannuation death benefits and their overall estate planning regardless of their age. Magistrate Rodney Higgins and Ashleigh Petrie, 45 years his junior, began a relationship in 2019. The multi-decade age gap sparked frenzied media coverage...
News
As Victoria follows NSW into yet another lockdown, the V-shaped recovery is looking a little wobbly, but Bendigo Bank economist David Robertson has given the territory a cautious thumbs-up. The latest round of quarterly economic data for the ACT is a mix of results, showing Canberrans are utilising government stimulus measures to improve their stay-at-home life while the capital's property...
Expert Advice
Like most of us, the Australian Taxation Office faced a year of change in 2020, and their focus was on stimulus measures and supporting businesses rather than debt recovery. But, as the economy wakes, the giant is stirring once again and it's looking for its tax dollars. "The reality is, during 2020, the ATO was much more lenient," says RSM...
News
High-flying Canberra start-up ONTHEGO (OTG) has entered administration, a victim, its founder says, of the global pandemic. OTG CEO Mick Spencer has confirmed the appointment of an administrator in what he says is a proactive step to secure the company's future. "OTG is still an actively trading company, our factory in Canberra is still open, our staff are still employed," Mr...
News
Icy winter frosts are making a regular appearance and our heaters are well and truly on, so that means it is nearly time for Canberra CEOs to pull out their thermals and woolly socks and get ready for a cold night sleeping out for the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout. A national event held by the St Vincent de Paul Society...
News
The ACT's new Labour Hire Licence scheme, designed to secure fairer conditions for workers and weed out dodgy providers, comes into effect on 27 May 2021. As part of a range of strict new measures, the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2020 will require all ACT labour-hire providers to hold a licence and demonstrate ongoing compliance with industry standards and workplace...
News
How do you connect people in a fragmented world, and what are the challenges facing Canberra businesses right now? These are the questions the Canberra Business Chamber recently considered in a major shake up of the services it offers the Canberra business community. Canberra Business Chamber chief executive officer Graham Catt says like so many businesses, the chamber had to look...