Politics and Policy
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Bad regulation clogging the economic arteries of Australia
Kelly O'Dwyer MP | June 6, 2012The complexity of regulation and the costs of complying with it are often cited as impediments to business in Australia. Kelly O’Dwyer believes that, like bad health, bad regulation brings us all down.
As the family doctor reminds my father, there is both good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps keep the artery walls clean and is absorbed through liver metabolism. Bad cholesterol builds up and clogs the arteries and can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke or worse.
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Does red tape strangle an economy or provide a safety harness?
Fergus Neilson | June 5, 2012It can be hard to tell when red tape has grown out of control and when it is the glue that is holding things together. Fergus Neilson says that removing red tape could leave Australia open to corruption and commercial opportunism.
Open the pages of any publication of even the slightest ‘rightest’ hue and you will trip over demands for an immediate removal of red tape.
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Cut red tape to help innovation
Peter Strong | May 29, 2012Medium and small businesses are the heart of innovation in Australia however, they can be restricted by competition policy, contract law and compliance demands. Peter Strong believes cutting Red Tape can help these businesses to thrive.
The world is stumbling around an economic meltdown and the way out of that will be found through small business, hard work and innovation.
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Have your say: Stronger Super reforms
Helen Hull | May 29, 2012You are invited to have your say on taxation relief to support the implementation of Stronger Super.
Closing date for submissions: Friday, 8 June 2012.
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Australia–Malaysia sign Free Trade Agreement
Helen Hull | May 23, 2012Economic ties between Australia and Malaysia have been strengthened with the signing of the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The agreement will act to further integrate the Australian economy into the fast-growing Asian region and will benefit industries including milk, automotives, processed foods, plastics, chemicals and a range of manufactured products, wine, iron and steel as well as rice.
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Women typically earn $250.50 a week less than men
Helen Hull | May 22, 2012Australia’s working women earn 17.4 per cent less than their male colleagues, based on new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The average weekly earnings of women working full-time is $1,186.90 per week or $250.50 per week less than men, who earned an average weekly wage of $1,437.40 per week. Over the course of a year, this difference would add up to $13,026.
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Forms, forms and more forms
Leighton Jenkins | May 16, 2012The World Bank Group ranks Australia the second easiest country in the world in which to start up a new business. Leighton Jenkins believes we could make it even simpler.
In June 2011 the World Bank published an economic ranking table for countries based on how easy it is to do business there.
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Regulating the 21st century
Patrick Callioni | May 16, 2012Modern society cannot exist without an effective regulatory framework. Patrick Callioni looks at how the reduction of some red tape could enhance business productivity and competitiveness in Australia.
The hallmark of success in a globalised economy, especially in a troubled economy, remains competitiveness.
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Finding ways to cut red tape
Sen. Arthur Sinodinos | May 16, 2012You can’t run a business in Australia without some level of red tape, but when does paperwork become an unnecessary burden?
Senator Arthur Sinodinos calls for contributions to Global Access Partners’ online consultation on the Cost of Red Tape.
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Cost of Red Tape Online Consultation launched
Helen Hull | May 15, 2012Australian businesses would benefit from the reduction of unnecessary regulation and red tape. It is seen as a significant strain on our national productivity and a significant barrier to job and wealth creation.
To identify avoidable red tape and unnecessary regulation, public policy think-tank Global Access Partners (GAP) in conjunction with the First 5000 business network, is hosting the Cost of Red Tape online consultation on Open Forum at openforum.com.au/redtape.
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Mid sized businesses should look at budget positives
Helen Hull | May 9, 2012First 5000 members should look at how they can take advantage of handouts announced by the Treasurer Wayne Swan in last night’s (8 May) Federal Budget.
Deloitte Private Tax partner David Pring said that although the government decided not to reduce the company tax from 30 per cent to 29 per cent, it is not all doom and gloom.
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Have your say: enhancing trans-Tasman economic integration
Helen Hull | May 1, 2012The Australian and New Zealand Productivity Commissions are seeking comments following the launch of an issues paper on options for further integrating the Australian and New Zealand economies.
Submissions close 31 May 2012.
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Employing senior staff worth more than $1000 gov bonus
Sarina Russo | May 1, 2012Sarina Russo, Founder and Managing Director of Sarina Russo Job Access believes employers need to realise mature aged workers are of much more value than a $1000 bonus offered as part of a government plan to make it easier for older people to find a job.
In mid April the federal governmnet announced bosses will be offered a $1000 sweetener if they hire people aged 50 as part of the Jobs Bonus scheme. However, it’s not just about monetary reward, it is important to take a look at the skills and experience mature workers bring to the table.
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Have your say: Draft Taxation Ruling TR 2012/D2
Helen Hull | April 18, 2012You are invited to comment on whether or not amounts received in respect of legal costs incurred in disputes concerning termination of employment can be included in assessable income.
Submissions close: 16 May 2012.
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Have your say: Australia’s Export Credit Arrangements
Helen Hull | April 10, 2012The Productivity Commission is inviting interested parties, including First 5000 members, to register their interest in an inquiry into Australia’s export credit arrangements.
Submissions close: 31 May 2012.
