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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.
Commerce Queensland is urging the Federal Government to look closely at aspects of the current workplace relations legislation before dismantling it. Commerce Queensland recommends that a key objective of the workplace relations system, including legislative changes during 2008-09, encourage and stimulate increased productivity, competitiveness and innovation in Australian workplaces and the wider economy.
Commerce Queensland is disappointed that the government has decided, in accordance with its policy, to prevent further Australian Workplace Agreements from being made. The impact of individual statutory agreements has significantly benefited employers and employees.
For further information contact Steven Nance, State Manager – Workplace Relations, on (07) 3842 2236 or email snance@commerceqld.com.au.
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Local Government urged to foster growth & sustainability |
Following last weekend's elections, Commerce Queensland will write to all Mayors highlighting Local Government's essential role in fostering economic growth and sustainability.
Commerce Queensland encourages local councils to:
- Work with business to shape their shire's economic and social environments in a way which promotes business growth and community prosperity;
- Ensure that the council's finances are managed in a fiscally responsible manner;
- Seek consistency and the removal of unnecessary business regulation;
- Ensure that charges imposed are competitive;
- Ensure that the range and level of services meets reasonable community expectations at a cost consistent with best practice; and
- Encourage practices which enhance the transparency and accountability of its decision making.
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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 an Energy Users Alliance (EUA). This new member Alliance is free to join and will exist to provide businesses with practical information on:
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How to reduce energy consumption
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Government regulation updates (including carbon accounting and emissions trading)
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Funding and rebate programs offered by all levels of government and other third-parties
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Information on electricity tariffs and contestable contracting
We invite you to become part of the new Alliance. It is free to join and Commerce Queensland's experienced Business Efficiency team will keep Alliance members informed through periodic emails about the latest changes in what is being termed the 'carbon economy'.
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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Government announces timetable for Australian Emissions Trading Scheme |
The Australian Government has announced its timetable for the introduction of an emissions trading scheme in Australia. According to the timetable, the major preliminary stages will occur as follows:
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March to June 2008 - consultation on technical issues with stakeholders;
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July 2008 - release of a 'Green Paper' on emissions trading design for public comment;
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December 2008 - release of exposure draft legislation for public comment;
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March to June 2009 - consideration of the relevant Bill by the Australian Parliament;
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2009 - consultation on the emissions trading regulations;
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July to September 2009 - the Act enters into force and the regulator is established; and
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2010 - emissions trading scheme commences.
For further information please contact Sarah Kearney, Senior Policy Advisor, on (07) 3842 2253 or email skearney@commerceqld.com.au.
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Business concerns about water pressure & leakage management program |
South East Queensland businesses have raised concerns with Commerce Queensland about the water pressure and leakage management program currently being undertaken by a number of councils in the region.
Businesses have indicated that they will need to invest significant amounts in new infrastructure to ensure that fire suppression systems and production equipment continue to operate effectively following the scheduled reduction of water pressure in their area under this program.
Commerce Queensland is currently following up these concerns and we would be interested in hearing from any other businesses facing similar circumstances. Please contact Sarah Kearney, Senior Policy Advisor, on (07) 3842 2253 or email skearney@commerceqld.com.au for further information.
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Changes to the regulation of Environmentally Relevant Activities |
Commerce Queensland is currently finalising its response to the EPA's proposed changes to the regulation of 'Environmentally Relevant Activities'. Currently, Commerce Queensland's submission will focus on business concerns about the new environmental emissions profiles, the revised fee structure and the proposed changes to regulation of nuisance.
For further information please contact Sarah Kearney, Senior Policy Advisor, on (07) 3842 2253 or email skearney@commerceqld.com.au.
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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:
- Application process times;
- English language requirements;
- Salary levels;
- ASCO Codes;
- Skills Recognition;
- Labour market information; and
- 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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Payroll Tax Harmonisation |
Queensland will harmonise key aspects of its pay-roll tax system with New South Wales and Victoria from 1 July 2008, delivering significant benefits through reduced compliance costs and cuts in red tape for Queensland businesses.
Queensland's pay-roll tax harmonisation changes include:
- Reducing pay-roll tax liability through a number of new exemptions including maternity and adoption leave, and wages paid to volunteer fire-fighters and emergency service workers;
- Reducing pay-roll tax liability for business through increased motor vehicle and accommodation allowances by aligning with ATO rates; and
- Aligning Queensland's grouping provisions, contractor provisions, employment agent provisions and employee share schemes with New South Wales and Victoria.
There will be no change to the:
- Pay-roll tax threshold exemption of $1,000,000;
- Pay-roll tax rate of 4.75 per cent;
- Due date for the lodgement of periodic returns;
- Number of returns to be lodged;
- Requirement for all registered taxpayers to lodge an Annual Return;
- Due date for the Annual Return of 21 July; and
- Current penalty and unpaid tax interest rates.
For further information visit www.osr.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 300 734.
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Does your business use fuel in off-road activities? You may be eligible for a tax credit |
Following changes to the eligibility arrangements for fuel tax credits, a wider range of businesses will be entitled to claim credits for certain fuels from 1 July 2008.
If your business purchases eligible fuels from this date to use in an 'off-road' activity such as backhoes, bulldozers, blower vacuums, cement mixers, compactors, lawn mowers and pumps, you may potentially be able to claim a fuel tax credit of 19.0715 cents per litre from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Under earlier changes which took effect from 1 July 2006, your business may also potentially be entitled to claim a fuel tax credit of 38.143 cents for fuels such as kerosene, toluene, mineral turpentine and white spirit which are used in a non-fuel manner. For example, as a mould release or an ingredient in the manufacture of products.
If you would like further information about the fuel tax credits, including eligible fuels and activities, please call the ATO on 13 28 66 or visit www.ato.gov.au/fuelschemes.
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Review of Australian higher education |
The Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has announced a "system-wide rethink" of the higher education system. The review will be chaired by former University of South Australia vice-chancellor Denise Bradley to produce a blueprint for policy reform over the next decade.
The Review of Australian Higher Education will examine and report to the Deputy Prime Minister on the future direction of the higher education sector, its fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy and the options for ongoing reform. The review will identify the following key objectives for higher education:
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Diverse, high performing institutions with a global focus;
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Productivity and participation;
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Effective and efficient investment;
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Underpinning social inclusion through access and opportunity;
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Enhanced quality and high standards;
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A broad tertiary education and training sector; and
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Policy linkages.
For further information visit the Review of Higher Education web page.
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