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2008 Industrial Relations Update - 10 April |
 How will the new Labor Federal Government's Industrial Relations Laws affect your business?
The change of Federal Government brings with it another set of alterations to Australia's Industrial Relations Laws.
Commerce Queensland's industrial relations experts will explain the key changes to the system, outlining recent and proposed amendments and highlighting opportunities and threats for business through implementation of the new legislation.
Book online now, download the event flyer (PDF) or contact Commerce Queensland on (07) 5457 5400 for further information.
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How to Attract & Retain Staff - 18 April |
 Are you hiring the best possible staff? Commerce Queensland can show you how to identify the "right candidate"!
Your staff may be your greatest asset or greatest liability. If your
staff aren't happy, your customers won't be happy and your
business will suffer.
Join Commerce Queensland at this special breakfast
presentation as Rick Baillie, our Sunshine Coast based
Workplace Relations Adviser, presents innovative ways to
attract and retain quality staff who will assist in increasing your
business profitability.
Book online now, download the event flyer (PDF) or contact Commerce Queensland on (07) 5457 5400 for further information.
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Sunshine Coast Golf Series |
 Join Sunshine Coast business leaders on the first Wednesday of each month for a relaxing round of golf in the idyllic surrounds of Noosa Springs.
The Sunshine Coast Golf Series will be taking place on the first Wednesday of the month until the end of the year.
To book your team, call Noosa Springs on (07) 5440 3333.
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Commerce Queensland urges caution on IR legislation changes |
Commerce Queensland is encouraging the Federal Government to provide businesses with sufficient lead-in time to plan for changes before amendments are made to the Industrial Relations legislation.
In a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in respect to the Workplace Relations Amendment Transition (Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008, Commerce Queensland states that further change will create disruption for the business community. However, the Government has the right to propose changes to workplace laws according to the policies and timetables it has released. Read more.
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Superannuation: addressing the adequacy of Australian retirement incomes |
Commerce Queensland has prepared a draft of a superannuation discussion paper examining whether employers should make more superannuation contributions. This paper establishes Commerce Queensland's policy on initiatives to address the adequacy of Australian retirement incomes.
Commerce Queensland's position has been that the next stage of retirement incomes policy should focus on increasing the self-reliance of employees and enhancing their capacity to adequately plan for retirement. Any increase in the Superannuation Guarantee should only be made through the introduction of employee contributions rather than further demands made on already over-burdened employers.
For further information contact Nick Behrens, State Manager – Policy, on (07) 3842 2279 or email nbehrens@commerceqld.com.au.
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Commerce Queensland launches Energy Users Alliance |
Energy use is a significant cost to business and is increasing every year. Recent surveys by Commerce Queensland and others have identified that businesses are keen to reduce their energy use and learn about what needs to be done. Understandably, most are unsure about how to approach the challenge.
To help business navigate this relatively new challenge, Commerce Queensland is forming a free Energy Users Alliance (EUA). This new member Alliance is free to join and will exist to provide businesses with practical information on reducing energy consumption, Government regulation, and Funding and rebate programs.
To join, download and complete the registration form (PDF) or visit www.commerceqld.com.au/energy for further information
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Commerce Queensland urges QCA to maintain competitiveness in electricity market |
Commerce Queensland is urging the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) to maintain the competitiveness of Queensland electricity prices and link any increase to improved performance from the Queensland Electricity Supply Industry.
 The Queensland Competition Authority recently announced a proposed increase to the Benchmark Energy Retail Cost Index for 2008/09. The proposed increase is 7.01 per cent on top of the 11.3 per cent increase last year.
In a submission to the QCA, Commerce Queensland urged caution when considering such an increase in view of rising interest rates, fuel prices and a softening in business conditions.
For further information contact Nick Behrens, State Manager – Policy, on (07) 3842 2279 or email nbehrens@commerceqld.com.au.
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Employers seek greater efficiency through national WHS framework |
Employers are confused by the regulatory framework and concerned at the increasing amount of regulation relating to workplace health and safety.
In a submission to the Service Delivery and Performance Commission, Commerce Queensland states that there must be consistency in the regulatory framework throughout Queensland and Australia, and this should be achieved through appropriate consultation and better cooperation between delivering Government agencies. Read more.
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Negotiating Wisely - Two day workshop with Philip Mendes |
 Negotiation skills are important in every commercial transaction. A skilled negotiator achieves better outcomes, not only on financial terms, but on all terms of a commercial transaction. As importantly, a skilled negotiator also preserves and nurtures the critical long term relationship it will have with its commercial partner.
The Negotiating Wisely workshop is specifically focused on commercial transactions. It will teach you strategies, techniques, and skills necessary to assist you achieve better outcomes in your commercial transactions - things to make sure you do and don't do.
Book online now, download the event flyer (PDF) or contact Gail Gifford on (07) 3842 2264 for further information.
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Easing labour shortages through skilled migration |
Commerce Queensland has participated in a government review focusing on temporary skilled migration measures and how these measures can help ease labour shortages in the medium to long term. Commerce Queensland's submission focused on several elements of the 457 visa scheme including:
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Application process times;
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English language requirements;
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Salary levels;
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ASCO Codes;
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Skills Recognition;
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Labour market information; and
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Unskilled/low-skilled labour.
For further information contact Jillian Fairbrother, Policy Research Officer, on (07) 3842 2239 or email jfairbrother@commerceqld.com.au.
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Expand your business training options |
Commerce Queensland is looking to expand our range of business training services. We want to deliver quality programs relevant for Queensland businesses, which is why we're asking you – Queensland business owners and managers – what training products and services you want us to develop. Do you want:
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More professional development courses?
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Cert. IV in Small Business or Business Development?
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Or do you want us to expand to a greater number of Occupational Health and Safety training?
For further information or to discuss your business' training and education needs, contact Phillip Wiley, State Manager - Training, on (07) 3842 2265 or email pwiley@commerceqld.com.au.
Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management)
Commences 5 June
Commerce Queensland is now offering Sunshine Coast employers access to the nationally-recognised Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management) training program.
Frontline Management offers participants the flexibility of completing the total qualification or as single course units. Generally this certificate requires 12 months to complete, at a rate of one unit per month, but participants can fast track their qualifications by completing additional units each month.
For further information call Commerce Queensland on (07) 5457 5400.
CCiQ eLearning Induction Bundle Special
 Induction for new staff is a critical step in ensuring business compliance. It also provides them with confidence that they are engaged with you and your business.
Modernise your approach to compliance training across the organisation. CCiQ eLearning, Commerce Queensland's eLearning centre, offers a range of short courses that provide business with support in the induction process.
To register or find out more visit CCiQeLearning.com.au.
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