Newsletters

July 2011: In this Edition

Manufacturing in Australia is slowing - In a recent survey conducted by Westpac, manufacturing trends fell sharply in June from what was a good March quarter, and it seems this trend will continue for the September quarter as well. Further reports suggest that as the Asian economy grows, Australia will benefit...

The Flexible Office - Moving on from the traditional office surrounded by four walls and water coolers, savvy business operators have found a new environment from which to conduct their business.

Just A Thought - Perhaps if people stay engaged in the workplace and are stimulated by their job..maybe you might find they're more likely to stay and improve their workplace productivty.

In the News - with the coming of the new financial year there are a few changes regarding compliance that you should be prepared for: as of 1 July, all businesses are responsible for adminstering the paid parental leave scheme; annual leave loading accrued on annual leave is to be paid out when employment ends, even if a Modern Award does not require leave loading to be paid on termination; a workplace audit of your employment relations compliance will help minimise business risks when Fair Work on-site inspections occur; as of 1 July 2011, the director penalty regime will be extended to include the superannuation guarantee.

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January 2011: In this Edition

Paid Parental Leave - Much has been written about the Government's Paid Parental Leave Scheme which became effective from 1 January 2011. It is important to consider how this scheme can assist with the retention of talented staff.

Good Economy = Salary Negotiations - The stronger dollar combined with good employment figures and the emerging skills shortage creates a good environment for salary negotiations. It seems there will be increasing pressure to look after staff initiatives.

Just A Thought - Why is it that there are those at work who are diligent, hard working and don't cause any trouble, yet are overlooked for advancement?

In the News - Definition of "small business" changes from 1 January 2011; changes to the rate of Payroll Tax; changes to Consumer Law; making young workers safer in the workplace

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September 2010: In this Edition

Skilled Employees in Demand - We continue to hear that unless we get some more skilled employees into the workforce, projects will not be completed resulting in a slowing of our economy.

Discrimination and Mature Age Workers - The Fair Work Ombudsman has produced new education material aimed at raising awareness and helping employers and our senior workers avoid discrimination at work.

Just A Thought - The rites and wrongs of workplace initiation; although some think such pranks are funny, they can have damaging and long-lasting effects.

In the News - Australia's paid parental leave scheme starts 1 January 2011; National Annual Wage Review to be conducted between March and June 2011; Australia's unemployment rate drops.

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