Recruitment Specialists - NSW Business · PDF fileRecruitment Specialists at your fingertips...

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A specialist division of

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Editor Ashley Penny (02) 9458 7255 [email protected] Copy Editor Mitchell LewisdESiGNEr Rebecca SolbergphotoGraphEr Zahrina Robertson, Tom LaneadvErtiSiNG ENquiriES nswbusinesschamber.com.au/advertising

NSW Business Chamber Locked Bag 938, North Sydney, NSW 2059 t 13 26 96 f 1300 655 277 e [email protected] w nswbusinesschamber.com.au

Chief Executive Officer: Stephen Cartwright

Business Connect Magazine is published quarterly. Subscriptions: $44 per annum (incl GST). Registered by Australia Post publication number: pp255003/03891 ISSN: 1328-259x. The information published in Business Connect Magazine is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from NSW Business Chamber. The opinions expressed in Business Connect Magazine do not necessarily represent the opinions of NSW Business Chamber or its staff. The information published in Business Connect Magazine is intended as general information only and should not be relied on in place of specific legal or professional advice. No responsibility or liability is accepted by NSW Business Chamber or its staff for any claim which may arise from any person acting on the information published in Business Connect Magazine.

News 4

Events: out and about 6

FEATURE

Small Business. Too Big to Ignore! 8

Australian Business Congress 16

ADVOCACY

Energy crisis: a new Dark Age? 20

AWARDS

2013 Business Awards 22

WORKPLACE

Changes to Fair Work 24

MySuper simplified 26

Banish the bully 30

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Ask Us How: winning partnerships 32

Retail innovation 34

The gist of Gen Y 36

MEMBERS

Region in focus: Northern Rivers 38

New members 40

State of Origin Luncheon 42

AUTUMN 2013 | BUsiNess CoNNeCT 3

Business Connect

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30 38

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reduction of workers compensation premium puts jobs first

The NSW Business Chamber strongly welcomed the announcement by the NSW Government to reduce workers compensation premiums by an average of 7.5 per cent.

“Premier O’Farrell has put jobs first with his decision to reform the state’s workers compensation scheme rather than take the easy option of hiking premiums to cover the scheme’s deficit,” said NSW Business Chamber CEO Stephen Cartwright.

“Not only has the leadership of the Premier prevented a potential 28 per cent hike in premiums and a threat to 12,600 jobs, but the overall cost of

the scheme has now been reduced by an average of 7.5 per cent.”

At the media conference announcing the news, Premier O’Farrell singled out the advocacy of NSW Business Chamber by saying “I would like to thank the Chamber

for keeping us up to the mark of reforming the WorkCover scheme.”

Pictured above (from left): The Hon. Greg Pearce, Minister for Finance and Services, The Hon. Barry O’Farrell, NSW Premier, and Stephen Cartwright, CEO of NSW Business Chamber.

the role of reservists Murray-Riverina NSW Business

Chamber Regional Manager Ben Foley recently spent four days in the Solomon Islands with twenty other ‘bosses’, witnessing firsthand the role Australia’s defence force reservists play when deployed overseas. The exercise included tours of the Guadalcanal Beach Resort (defence base), a local village and Bloody Ridge – the scene of a fierce battle between American and Japanese armies during World War II.

“With the defence force having a strong presence in our region, it is important that employers truly understand the benefits of employing reservists,” said Ben. “Not only are there financial incentives available but reservists undertake significant training and safety related qualifications that would be an asset to any business.”

Pictured left to right: Ben Foley, Nathan Bright (Health & Safety Manager at Norske Skog) and Steve Smith (Defence Reserves Coordinator).

News

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partnership to strengthen aged care sector

NSW Business Chamber and Australian Business Training Solutions, together with health and aged care service provider Blue Care, have secured Federal Government funding as part of the National VET E-learning Strategy to increase workforce capability in the Aged Care industry through the Safety Leadership Program.

Increased accessibility to workforce and professional development through e-learning in the area of work health and safety training is a key focus of the program. Two units of competency from the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety will be delivered through a flexible learning model into regional, rural, remote and metropolitan areas of Queensland and northern NSW.

This program is about skilling Australians in key industry sectors and providing them with the opportunity to develop these competencies to improve workforce participation and productivity and deliver a stronger aged care sector, said Bronwyn Dallow, General Manager Strategic Initiatives at NSW Business Chamber.

"With an ageing population, aged care facilities and their management and staffing will become increasingly important to the Australian community. We have to make sure that employees in the aged care industry are ready with the right skills to provide the service and support the community will be expecting in the future."

vale Brian Smith Farewell to Brian Smith, who

passed away on Wednesday 6 March 2013. Brian, who was Managing Director of National Textiles Ltd, was President of the NSW Chamber of Manufactures from 1990 – 1992.

Prior to his presidency, Brian held the role of Vice President from 1988 – 1990. Brian remained on the Board until November 1997.

He was elected Honorary Life Governor in November 1999 and was a Councillor from 1984 – 2003.

a royal reception for queen Mary

Guests of NSW Business Chamber's Sales and Marketing Forum in Sydney on 19 March were treated to a spectacular Shangri La Hotel rooftop experience, with the arrival of the mighty ocean liner Queen Mary 2. With Sydney Harbour as the backdrop, guests agreed this royal reception was a perfect start to their day!

News

andrew Kay commented on the ‘puberty blues: australia lags in school performance’ story in our Summer issue: “I have grave concerns that nothing will change if there is simply more of the same e.g. increase investment, reduce class sizes or calls for ‘more, better, faster’. I recall many years ago and have heard others say this time and again: ‘What I got out of University was the ability to think!’

“This is what is missing in teaching in primary and secondary schools. This is something that school should have taught me, but didn't. I had to run on my own wits. Teaching children simple logical tools to help think and communicate clearly, to have curriculum developers use the same tools to design the courses and have teachers apply the same would be the very least we could do to improve educational outcomes.”

We love feedback – send your thoughts to [email protected]

To the editor

5Business Connect


abouthe Business Leaders Luncheon draws a

strong gathering, and as the name suggests, features a prominent business person as guest speaker. The Australian Small Business Commissioner, Mark Brennan, recently spoke at a Leaders event in Western Sydney.

embership is always the centre of attention, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Chamber's Business Awards program, which celebrates business excellence every year. Some of the state's most celebrated business people attended the launch of the Chamber's Business Awards Alumni Program. The program plays a role in fostering business success by providing a number of benefits and opportunities for each alumni including exclusive alumni badge and logo, speaking and editorial opportunities, and complimentary tickets to high profile events.

ay it with pearls. Guests of a recent NSW Business Chamber event were mesmerised by the treasures of Paspaley, a boutique jewellery store in the heart of Sydney. The CEO Club is a highly popular event series tailored to corporate members, and in keeping with the Chamber’s diverse events program.

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Out and

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For the first time, the State Chambers of Australia have united for a national election campaign. And that campaign is about small business. A voice for the two million Australians who form the backbone of our economy. People who are too big to ignore.

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Seven million australians are employed by small businesses across this country – that is 60 per cent of our national workforce. Yet our political leaders continue to ignore this fact, and continue to ignore the hard working small business owners who put their family assets on the line every day to create jobs for other Australians.

That’s why it was an easy decision for me, as the CEO of the NSW Business Chamber, and representing more than 13,000 business owners across this

state, to join with the other Chambers of Commerce across Australia to conduct a united campaign in the lead up to the Federal Election.

This is the first time that the State Chambers have united for a national election campaign. In the past, state interests have tended to take precedence over national issues – but that’s behind us, because the challenges currently facing the Australian business community, and therefore the wider community,

must be confronted by the next government of this nation.

'Small Business. Too Big to Ignore' is the name of our campaign, and the slogan accurately reflects the frustration felt by business owners across the country, and particularly in NSW which is the engine room of the national economy, contributing around one third of Australia’s GDP.

Not only are we backing up our campaign with a range of targeted advertising, but we are asking business owners and their staff

to tell us their stories through our website toobigtoignore.org.au.

In August and September, we will take the campaign on the road, ie travelling across the state, in the same way we did with our 'NSW Deserves Better' bus campaign prior to the NSW election in 2011. This tour will highlight the crucial role play in supporting their local communities.

It doesn’t matter where you travel across NSW – it is obvious that the health and well-being of the local

town or region is directly linked to the health of the local business community – a vibrant business community means a vibrant town. Sadly, the opposite is also true.

Local business owners are local heroes – and we need everybody to understand that. They employ locals, contribute to the local economy, and are always the first to lend a helping hand. But where will people get jobs if business owners suddenly decide that it’s all too hard because of government burdens and interference?

Remember, governments don’t create jobs, business people do.

So what is it that we actually want? It’s a question I’ve been asked a lot over recent days. Apart from R-E-S-P-E-C-T, there are some questions I would like to pose to the major political parties:

• Why should the Government interfere if a small business owner and one of their staff reach a genuine agreement over working arrangements that suit both of them?

• Why do governments try to prevent aspirational Australians from becoming self-employed or independent contractors?

• Why doesn’t the Australian Government provide access to the

TogeTher, we’ll make our

“Local business owners are local heroes – and we need everybody to understand that.”

StEphEN

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toobigtoignore.org.au

10 Business Connect


same financial support fund for small business growth that the UK and Canadian Governments do?

• Why is an automatic interest charge not applied when a Government department doesn’t pay its bills within 30 days?

These might not sound like big things but trust me, to the small business owner already working 16 hours a day on their business, it’s the little things that add up and get in the way of their ability to innovate, grow, and employ more Australians.

An important part of what we launched is the 'Your Say' part of the website, where we want business owners and their staff to tell their stories. Like the café owner who can’t open on Sundays because the penalty rates mean she would lose money, or the butcher whose electricity bill has exploded as a result of the carbon tax. Real business owners and their staff telling real stories.

Trying to change mindsets, particularly those of politicians, is not any easy job. But as the representative of the business community in NSW, I am definitely up for the fight, and I am enthusiastic about the challenge ahead, because small business is too big (and way too important) to be ignored!

Stephen Cartwright Chief Executive officer NSW Business Chamber

Speaking ouT a discussion panel of small business owners ignited the campaign launch of 'Small Business. too Big to ignore'.

here's what roy and angela had to say…

The only thing small thing about a small business owner is their free time! We deserve recognition for who we are and what we do for this country every day.

I’m worried about my overheads skyrocketing and eating my business alive. It seems that every government remedy places a burden on small business, because up until now, we have absorbed it.

I recently saw a news story on how retail figures have gone up by 4.6 per cent – and was told it’s great for business – but what about our overheads? There are small businesses closing down. You just have to count the ‘For Lease’ signs in empty shop fronts. Those retail figures don’t represent the prosperity of small business.

I’m a third generation small business owner, inspired by my father to pursue my creative instincts. My product is unique for every customer, because we all want to feel special when being recognised. To create that valuable product takes time and money.

If you were to place two opposing politicians in one small

business, I don't think they'd last one hour together! You can’t show that kind of rhetoric to a customer or the local community. Solutions require co-operation, and that is where they fail.

I think small business people should make more decisions of behalf of government. They need to hear our voice. We can do it.

roy de ViSSer, The Trophy STore

angela ViThoulkaS, ViVo Café

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“i’m joining the #2big2ignore campaign. Small business needs to be heard by government!” Tim petersen @tim_petersen

LittLe heroes' champion against big buLLies“governments don’t create jobs, businesspeople do…” Stephen Cartwright, Ceo nSw Business Chamber - Daily Telegraph 11 April 2013

“#2big2ignore Small business – big voice finally!” judyshep @judyshep01

“add your voice – let’s be heard by government – get involved and together we can change the way government sees small business.” maralyn k @detaildevils

the roar of smaLL, angry voices carries to canberra“from rents to red tape, there is a whole range of policies we are struggling to get across and hopefully this message will get people to start listening…” roy de Visser, The Trophy Store - daily Telegraph 11 april 2013

Why smaLL businesses deserve our support “a world without small business is a world devoid of differentiation and freedom of choice…” nigel mcBride, Ceo Business Sa- adelaide advertiser 16 april 2013

“love the idea of #2big2ignore campaign. Small biz really is the lifeblood of the economy. lend your voice.” ingrid harrison @ingridharrison


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big push for smaLL business “…ms Vithoulkas said occupational health and safety obligations have led to a 50 per cent increase in her overheads in the past three years…”- australian financial review 11 april 2013

smaLL firms muster big voice“if every small business in australia was able to employ just one more worker, there would be zero unemployment…” mike halloran, Ceo illawarra Business Chamber - illawarra mercury 11 april 2013

“Small business

issues are too big to ignore this election.” great indoor designs @greatindoor

smaLL business takes a stand “…those that don’t start making decisions with the small business sector in mind do so at their own peril – in the end they are threatening the very quality of life that we all enjoy in our nation…” angus edwards, Bathurst Business Chamber- australian financial review 11 april 2013

businesses unite in survivaL fight“i have a small turnover but am paying the same tax as a larger business…as a small businesses you can only get so much business you can handle – i’m already doing seven days – but if i employed someone i’d have to stop paying myself a wage…” Tamara reeves, Compass Training - penrith City Star 11 april 2013

Leap of faith into the dark“Between income statements, super payments and the operational demands of the business, it can start getting on top of you…i spend about one day a week doing paperwork…” russ mullins, lasertag wagga - wagga daily advertiser 11 april 2013

“Small business is #2big2ignore. without them this country would collapse.” Jamie Cavanough @Jamie_Cavanough


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Add your voice, show your support and find out more at

toobigtoignore.org.au

help make

a Big noiSe &

geT heard inCanBerra

14 Business Connect


LIKE CLICK DONATE SIGN IN

SHARE UPLOAD

Like our Too Big To Ignore page on Facebook, and encourage your friends to click on our page and like it too.

It takes a lot of voices to make a big noise, so add your voice to the Active Voices tally and help our campaign voice count grow.

The Too Big To Ignore campaign is funded by generous donations, and every little bit helps give the campaign greater visibility.

Sign In to our website using your Facebook or Twitter username and password to post a comment or upload images or videos.

Spread the word and help add more voices by sharing via Twitter, Facebook updates, Google+, Linkedin or by sending out emails.

Have your say - post a message or add your comments to posts or videos from other Too Big To Ignore supporters.

Upload an image or create a video and share it on our website. It’s easy - find out how on our website.

Sign up and make sure you receive campaign updates from your local State Chamber of Commerce and Industry

COMMENT UPDATES

Don’t forget to add our #tag to your tweets – always use #2big2ignore or #toobigtoignore to make your voice count on Twitter.TweeTing Tip

add your VoiCe!

15Business Connect


Tickets on sale NOW16

Many of the nation's brightest business minds will gather in Sydney over 1-2 August to hear from international keynote speakers, such as Paul Bennett, who are changing the way we do business.

As IDEO’s Chief Creative Officer, Paul Bennett believes in the value of action over talk. As Paul says “Design is fundamentally an act of making and creating tangible things.”

Observation and personal experience are critical to Paul’s work. The theory behind an idea may be easily grasped by some, but appealing to our five senses through the creation of a physical prototype brings wider understanding of a product, service, place or interaction – and the simpler, the better.

“Low tech and simple helps consumers drop their fears, try out and play with something, and give honest feedback,” says Paul.

This approach takes many forms, from replicating the complete service

environment of an airport to automatic teller machines to a new ice cream flavour. It speeds the creative process by adding new dimensions that words alone cannot convey and it sweeps aside the paralysis of ‘overthink’; the phenomenon of the excessively analysed, justified or eulogised solution that never comes to fruition. These solutions may not be perfect, but they are out there in the world, and are consequently much more valuable than the idea that never leaves the mind of its inventor. The benefits of taking action are real, but they cannot be achieved without organisational mindset change.

“Endless KPI discussion does not allow for the required intuition or agility, or to be frank, much creativity,” says Paul. “To be clear, I am not prescribing rashness, but I am suggesting boldness.”

And boldness is certainly possible – Paul recalls a senior executive commenting “We need to start to trust each other and our intuition and we need to learn

to get things out in the world more quickly because of it. We can beat the competition by trying harder at trying.”

‘Trusting your gut’ is rarely guesswork; rather it is the product of experience. Combined with the act of creation, it holds great power. Organisations ignore this unmeasured science at their own risk. As Paul says “Not recognising the value of resident wisdom and intuition means that new ideas are often cumbersome and overthought and more nimble players can sprint ahead.”

Come to the Australian Business Congress to hear Paul speak.

• Learn how design thinking can fuel a new global era for your brand

• Find out how to meet the challenge of building real collaborative agility inside your organisation

Book your tickets today at BusinessCongress.com.au!

The of

instinctsart Paul

Bennett

Register at BusinessCongress.com.au

The award

• The winning team receives the prestigious Inclusive Innovators Award 2013.

• Media and press recognition for all finalists, including inclusion in a nationally distributed B4MD ‘intrapreneurs’ toolkit.

• The winning team will receive $25,000 worth of consulting support from B4MD to further develop their idea.

BuSineSS for

are you looking for a way to challenge your team to greater innovation while supporting social good? Enter the 2013 australian inclusive business challenge inclusive innovators at the australian Business Congress!

Presented by Business for Millennium Development (B4MD), the challenge encourages corporate Australia to boost internal innovation by searching for scalable, commercially viable ways of working with low-income people in developing communities. Inclusive business is all about using your internal knowledge and technical capacity to create innovative business models that “do well by doing good”.

Teams from corporations across the country will submit their ideas for judging, with shortlisted finalists pitching to a panel of eminent experts – think The Dragons’ Den! – at the 2013 Australian Business Congress.

As a further springboard, the winning team will be announced in the keynote presentation of Paul Bennett, Chief Creative Officer at IDEO (USA) at the Congress.

This is a high-profile challenge, with rewarding outcomes for participants, and potentially long-lasting benefits for the communities B4MD supports. There’s nothing to lose and plenty to gain so get thinking and get involved!

The Challenge opens on 29 April 2013. register your interest now at www.b4md.com.au

a better world


business thought challengeGain valuable insights from some of the world’s leading business minds

John Lipsky

Jim Collins

Rahaf Harfoush

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to make a powerful contribution to the success of your organisation. See full speaker list at BusinessCongress.com.au

Tickets on sale NOW Register at BusinessCongress.com.au

SAVE THE

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Presented by

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Platinum sponsor


Strategy Managing Business Complexity

Kim Gillis, VP and MD of Boeing Defence Australia, Founder & Sponsor of University of Technology Queensland, Executive Masters in Complex Project Management

Workplace Lessons From the Future

Brad Krauskoph, CEO, Hub Australia; Lino Caccavo, Divisional Development Manager, AMP Capital Investors; Steve Coster, Head of Knowledge & Sustainability, Hassell Architects

GlobalGlobal Competitiveness

Terry McGraw, Chairman, President and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce

Building Complex Systems

Dr Robert Kay, Co-founder and Executive Director, Incept Labs

Corporate Mindfulness: A New Way to Work

Rasmus Hougaard, Founder & Global Director, The Potential Project (Training for Sustainable High Performance)

The Next Decade of Economic Powerhouses: Keeping Australia in the Game

Mark Thirlwell, Director, Lowy Institute for International Policy

International Keynote: The Discipline of Endurance

Jim Collins, Renowned Strategy Expert, Best-selling author, From Good to Great, Built to Last and Great by Choice

Constantly top of the Amazon bestseller list, Collins has invested nearly a quarter of a century of research into what distinguishes great organisations from the merely good; those that endure and those that fall from grace. With his trademark passion and energy and Jim’s presentation will help you see that it’s not all about the external factors, it’s what you do each and every day on the inside that really counts. (via Satellite link)

Morning teaInternational Keynote: Opportunities of a New World Order

John Lipsky, Deputy Managing Director of the IMF 2006-2011 and Acting Managing Director (May to July 2011)

Whilst with the IMF John had to stare down the threat of worldwide and systematic financial failure; whilst devising a new G20 solution that helped sovereign nations see their way forward and most importantly, take action. Be inspired by John's insights into the shifts in relative economic power; what it takes to be globally resilient; and what this new world order means for your business?

Morning teaKeynote: The Australian Productivity Challenge: A "Test of Adaptability"

Australia’s Reserve Bank Governor, Glenn Stevens, has identified enhanced productivity as the ‘test of adaptability’ in the current economic climate: “every day doing a thousand little things a bit better than yesterday”. Discover how we can improve our productivity in order to compete globally.

Afternoon tea

1 August

Evening Cocktail Drinks

business thought challenge

Tickets Selling

FAST 1-2 August, Sydney Convention Centre

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Innovation Innovation Ecosystems: Partnerships for Success

Jeremy Stone, Group Manager, GHD Innovations & Chairs GHD's Innovation Advisory Group; Dr Ian Oppermann, Director, Digital Productivity & Services Flagship, CSIRO

Opportunity Inclusive Business: Better Reach, Better Opportunities

Simon McKeon AO, Executive Chairman Macquarie Group’s Melbourne Office, Chairman of Business for Millennium Development and Global Poverty Project Australia

LeadershipBreeding and Keeping Intrapreneurs

Richard Suhr, Head of Google Enterprise Geo, Asia Pacific

Using Big Data to Change Our World

Graham Kittle, Partner & Practice Leader, Business Analytics & Optimisation, Australia & NZ, IBM Global Business Services

Trends in Consumer Behaviour

Tara Hirebet, Head of Asia Pacific Trendwatching.com

Adaptive Leadership in the Real World

Geoff Aigner, Director, Social Leadership Australia Benevolent Society

International Keynote: Global Disruption

Chad Hurley, Co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer, YouTube

With 72 hours of unique video uploaded to YouTube every minute, and more than 1 billion unique visitors to YouTube every month – YouTube is now the second largest search engine in the world. Hear from the co-founder of the popular video sharing website Chad Hurley, who sold YouTube to Google for $1.65 billion. Hurley’s story has left an indelible mark in history.

Morning teaInternational Keynote: Staying One Step Ahead in a Hyper-Connected World

Rahaf Harfoush, Digital Strategist - "Yes We Can" Obama Campaign, Author & Former Assoc Director at The World Economic Forum

In the blink of an eye our social norms have changed and it's easier than ever for people to connect and collaborate. What happens when businesses are unable to meet the expectations of consumers, competitors, and stakeholders? Harfoush will outline how to adapt in order to remain relevant to our customers.

LunchInternational Keynote: How is Design Thinking Fuelling a New Global Era for Australian Brands?

Paul Bennett, Chief Creative Officer, IDEO

Bennett helps organisations the world over to arrive at solutions that are genuinely intuitive for humans. It's about observing, understanding and giving the customer what they really want. This inspiring session will show us how to meet the challenge of building real collaborative agility inside our organisations.

2 August

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Super Earlybird

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here are several reasons why this is happening. NSW imports almost all of its gas from other states. 95 per

cent of the state’s gas supply is piped in from South Australia, Queensland and Victoria, and these markets are all undergoing significant change.

From 2014, Queensland will begin exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a newly developed terminal at

Gladstone. By 2016, a further four export terminals will come online in Queensland. For the first time, the eastern gas market will be opened up to the world LNG market.

This is likely to mean two things. Firstly, NSW may have difficulties in sourcing gas supply. It was intended that the gas for export would be sourced from coal seam gas (CSG) developments in Queensland. However, these CSG

projects have not progressed at the expected rate, which means that the terminals may need to seek additional sources of gas from the Cooper Basin in South Australia – the same basin which NSW sources much of its supply from.

Both the Australian Energy Market Operator and the consulting firm Wood Mackenzie have suggested that without additional gas projects coming online, NSW will start seeing

Energy crisis: a new Dark Age?Many NsW businesses can ill afford the spiralling costs of electricity, yet gas bills are likely to follow suit. Businesses will be faced with higher prices but the impact may run deeper, with limitations to the state's gas supply.

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20 Business Connect

limitations to gas availability by around 2016. This will affect industries which may use gas as a feedstock such as food processing, manufacturing of fertiliser and some plastics, kiln firing and electricity generation.

Secondly, gas prices will rise. We have already started to see evidence of this occurring. This is because gas prices in the eastern Australian gas market have historically been low, hovering around $2.50-$4 per gigajoule (GJ). These prices compare with $4-$7 per GJ in Western Australia, $4 per GJ in the United States, $8 per GJ in Europe and $12 per GJ in Japan.

By opening up the eastern gas market to exports, domestic prices are likely to face upward pressure as suppliers get higher prices to export their gas than providing it for domestic use.

demand to tripleNot only are there significant changes occurring on the supply side, but NSW gas demand is expected to triple over the next twenty years. Currently around half of NSW’s gas demand comes from small and large industrial users. The remainder of demand comes from power generation and household and commercial use. However, as Australia shifts towards more gas-fired power generation, given its lower carbon footprint than coal-powered generation, demand for gas will increase significantly.

So what can NSW do to address dwindling gas security and rising prices? Industry has shown that there is an appetite for producing CSG in NSW as there are already a number of proponents either exploring or already producing CSG in NSW. Currently around five per cent of NSW’s gas supply comes from CSG produced in NSW.

However, to develop the industry further and provide NSW with

more sources of gas, both the NSW Government and the Federal Government need to ensure there is a stable regulatory regime in place which both promotes the exploration and production of gas while ensuring appropriate environmental protections are in place.

Instead, what we have seen recently is the chopping and changing of regulations. The NSW Government released its Strategic Regional

Land Use Policy in September 2012 after significant consultation with all stakeholders. This policy was meant to set the parameters for CSG exploration and production.

In February this year, however, the Government announced a significant change to this policy to include a two kilometre exclusion zone around residential areas. These changes have seen the suspension of at least one project. The broader industry has signalled its concern about the impact that changing regulations are having on attracting investment.

Then, at the Federal level, the Government recently flagged its intention to extend federal powers to cover the impacts on water of new wells and mines, by including water as a trigger for the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act. This means that project proponents will now need Federal Government approval on top of the state approval process, effectively leading to a duplicated approvals process and adding an unnecessary layer of green tape, uncertainty and cost.

Governments must actGiven gas shortages are expected to become apparent within a few years, both governments need to act urgently, and in coordination, to improve the regulatory environment for CSG in NSW. It is not only the CSG project proponents who stand to lose but also business across NSW – particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors – which will be faced with difficulties sourcing supply as well as higher

prices. Ultimately these impediments to securing NSW’s supply of gas at reasonable prices, if left unchecked, will impact across the community through reduced jobs growth and security.

A balance needs to be struck between protecting the environment and the extraction of resources but significant consultation on CSG has already occurred, so it is now time to demonstrate that there is a stable and fair regulatory environment to operate in.

Larissa Cassidy policy adviser, infrastructure NSW Business Chamber

the NSW Business Chamber will continue to advocate for a stable regulatory regime which provides certainty and clarity to investors while protecting water resources. it is time to focus the conversation on what will happen to gas users, jobs and the broader community across NSW if we do not provide a strong operating environment in NSW to enable a CSG industry to develop.

Governments need to act urgently to improve the regulatory environment for CSG in NSW.

NSW gas demand is expected to triple over the next twenty years.


21Business Connect

elebrating superstars

the oscars, the Logies, the dally M awards – all recognise excellence but they aren’t the only shows in town!

The NSW Business Chamber Business Awards program celebrates success in the areas of business leadership, business ethics, sustainability, innovation, export, small business, employer of choice and local chamber of commerce.

² Why enter?This year sees the introduction of a regional awards program running across the state, recognising businesses at a local, regional and state level.

Entering the Business Awards gives your business an unparalleled opportunity to:

• Gain recognition at a local, regional and state level

• Raise the profile of and showcase your business to a state-wide, country-wide and global audience

• Build a reputation for excellence inside and outside of your industry

• Benchmark your business year on year and against other businesses in your local area and industry

• Improve employee engagement by involving your employees in the entry process

• Boost staff morale through the recounting of successes and wins in your business

² Recognising excellenceThere are 10 award categories – four recognise individual excellence and achievement, and six recognise business excellence. You can enter as many categories as are appropriate to your business.

Young Business Executive (Age 18-35)

Young Entrepreneur (Age 18-35)

Business Leader (Age 36+)

Excellence in Business Ethics

Excellence in Innovation

Excellence in Sustainability

Excellence in Small Business

Employer of Choice

Excellence in Export

Local Chamber of Commerce

C2013Business Awards

Bigger than ever, NSW Business Chamber is recognising business excellence on an unprecedented scale.

Important dates

Pencil these dates into your diary!

Region

Entries open Gala Dinner

Central West Business Awards 12/03/2013 21/06/2013

South Eastern Sydney Business Awards 16/04/2013 08/08/2013

Murray-Riverina Business Awards 24/04/2013 16/08/2013

Central Coast Business Excellence Awards 22/04/2013 17/08/2013

Western Sydney Business Awards 06/05/2013 10/09/2013

South Western Sydney Business Awards 15/05/2013 06/09/2013

North Eastern Sydney Business Awards 22/05/2013 13/09/2013

Mid North Coast Business Awards 05/06/2013 27/09/2013

Northern Rivers Business Awards 05/06/2013 28/09/2013

New England North West Business Awards 12/06/2013 04/10/2013

Enter onlineEntering the Awards is now easier than ever!

Enter online at businessannualawards.com.au

Business Connect


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Some of the state’s most celebrated business people gathered in North Sydney on Tuesday 5 March to launch NSW Business Chamber’s Business Awards Alumni Program. Winners and finalists from 2011 and

2012 mingled with business leaders and future stars to share ideas, inspiration and stories of success.

Representing a diverse range of industries, our alumni are united by their drive for excellence and success.

NSW Business Chamber’s Business Awards Alumni will play an integral role in fostering future business success by sharing their stories with members and the wider business community.

Awards Alumni

“Winning the award allowed us to celebrate with our staff, and to recognise our strengths that drive us forward. The award has given us more confidence to share our success with other companies, and to leverage our position to raise the profile of regional issues.”

Wendy Cooper, Commercial director, Milspec Manufacturing. Winner, Employer of Choice 2012

“Winning the award has lifted the profile of the business within the Hunter and has enabled us to market more effectively to potential customers. Being asked to speak at functions and contribute to articles has given the business additional credibility in a competitive market.”

hugh tait, Newcastle Manager, opus international Consulting. Winner, Future Business Leader 2012

“Winning a prestigious award such as this has been an excellent experience. It further promotes our good reputation to our existing customers however, most importantly, it reassures potential customers that they are dealing with an award winning business. This is one of the biggest challenges when trying to establish new export markets.”

david Mumford, Sales & Marketing director, rBK Nutraceuticals. Winner, Excellence in Export 2012

“The most important benefit has been the NSW Business Chamber Award process itself in helping identify our strengths, weaknesses and improvement opportunities. I commend all NSW businesses to join the NSW Business Chamber and participate in the 2013 Annual Awards.”

Chris denny, Managing director, the observatory port Macquarie. Winner, Excellence in Sustainability 2012

“The confidence boost of being a finalist in the award led us to make an application to AusIndustry to help fund research. Our application was accepted and we are now some two months into an 18 month research program that will, we believe, result in us developing a world leading, innovative, furnishing textile, capable of addressing a very serious problem of excessive noise reverberation, especially in public spaces.”

Gary price, Managing director, Materialised Sydney South East regional Finalist 2011

Awards Business

Business Connect


23


The reform of Fair

Work Australia

On 1 January 2013, the Federal Government implemented its first suite of changes to the Fair Work Act. Fair Work Australia has been renamed as the Fair Work Commission. Other significant changes are:

Unfair dismissal and

general protections

Extensions of time limits

The time limit for lodging unfair dismissal applications has increased from 14 to 21 days. The time limit for lodging a general protections application has been reduced from 60 days to 21 days. Part of the motivation behind this change in timeframes is to stop "forum shopping" by requiring applicants to determine at the outset which claim (that is, an unfair dismissal, or a general protections claim) they wish to pursue. As a result, employees dismissed on or after 1 January 2013 will have 21 days from the date of dismissal to lodge either an unfair dismissal or a general protections application.

Collective bargaining

No single employee enterprise agreements

The changes clarify that an enterprise agreement cannot be made with a single employee.

Notice of representational rights

The legislation has been amended to clarify that Notices of Employee Representational Rights must comply with the form and content requirements set out in the Fair Work Regulations. This means employers cannot amend the prescribed form of the Notice and should not place the Notice on a company letterhead.

Bargaining representatives

Union officials cannot be nominated as a bargaining representative of an employee unless they are from a Union that is entitled to represent the industrial interests of the employee under the Union’s rules.

Scope orders

Under the new legislation, a bargaining representative only needs to take all reasonable steps to give a written notice to the other relevant bargaining representatives regarding their concerns about the scope of the agreement prior to applying for a

scope order. This enables a bargaining representative to proceed with a scope order application in circumstances where other bargaining representatives have been difficult to contact.

"opt out" terms unlawful

Enterprise agreements are no longer allowed to contain a term permitting an employee to "opt out" of the enterprise agreement.

Industrial action

No show of hands

The legislation now makes it clear that when the Fair Work Commission gives written directions to conduct a protected action ballot, the voting method used cannot include "a show of hands". Electronic voting has been confirmed as a voting method.

Employee bargaining representatives have a vote

Employees representing themselves in bargaining may vote in a protected action ballot if they are members of a union that applied for the ballot order.

24


in the Summer edition of Business Connect, we spoke to Greg pattison, General Manager of Workplace Solutions, NSW Business Chamber and Nigel Ward, CEo of australian Business Lawyers & advisors on changes to the Workers Compensation Scheme. in this issue, Greg and Nigel discuss Modern awards and balancing the interests of the employer and employee.

Changes to Fair

Work Australia

Nigel Ward (NW): Most of the administrative changes make good sense.

The balance of employer

and employee

Greg pattison (Gp): We have seen an explosion in unfair dismissal cases but perhaps most worrying is that these are not just unfair dismissal cases - general protection cases are the new trend. We need to protect the individual’s rights but have we gone too far? People should be properly looked after but if you take the concept too far, then some people start to engage in gaming strategies and that corrupts the intent.

NW: We live in a highly prescriptive, technical world and I think most

employers are starting to get really frustrated when they suffer from trying their best to do the right thing by their employees but finding that they have technically breached a law.

Gp: The reality of the matter is that an employee’s perception of the laws and how they operate can change when they read the newspaper and learn that somebody received $700,000 dollars from making a harassment claim. Employers then develop a perception that they’re vulnerable, so when they’re having a genuine, appropriate conversation with an employee, they worry about the possibility of a claim or that an allegation might be made even if they have done nothing wrong.

Modern Awards and the

productivity debate

Gp: Economists say that it’s difficult to connect the impact on productivity of the workplace relation laws. I would argue that the impact is evident and occurs because of the mindset the laws create for business owners.

NW: I recently toured the North Coast of NSW and Queensland, interviewing restaurant owners. This was a profoundly moving experience. Most of the restaurateurs I spoke to were working off a 2-4 per cent margin – a single unfair dismissal case would cost

them their margin for the year. If I was a multi-national or a large Australian employer, I’d say the national system has made my life simpler but we fail to recognise the multiplicity of regional labour markets in Australia. We have created a national one-size-fits-all system with Modern Awards that has failed to respond to the needs of regional Australia and small business.

NW: There’s a major case now about apprenticeships and apprenticeship rates. The ACTU is advocating for broad increases to apprentice rates, and the argument is about affordability to live. That’s never really been part of the debate around apprentices; the argument has always been about the proportional value of the apprentice to the tradesperson in the context of a training wage; the increases sought are an average 30-60 per cent. Another major item on the agenda is the Roads Safety Remuneration Tribunal, which has the capacity to change rates of pay for drivers in Australia; both employees and sub-contractors. It could have a material impact on cartage costs in Australia.

visit www.ablawyers.com.au for more information, including "From the couch: Changes to the Fair Work act and how they will affect your business."

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simplified MySuper

the introduction of MySuper raises many questions for employees and employers alike - but what do these imminent changes mean? Business Connect answers your questions in part one of this series on superannuation changes.

What is MySuper?MySuper is set to become the new default superannuation. It is designed for fund members who do not feel able to take control of their superannuation. Most employees are members of their employer’s default fund, and most employees do not tell their fund how they want their contributions invested. Fund trustees have a default investment option into which they allocate these non-directed contributions. MySuper is essentially a new set of rules about this default investment product which places new duties on trustees and specifies costs and investment rules.

A fund must prove that its default investment product and trustee rules meet the MySuper requirements before it can offer MySuper. Funds are currently applying to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for authorisation to offer MySuper; by about October 2013, we should know which funds are authorised.

is the change to contribution rates part of MySuper?No, the phased increase from 9 per cent to 12 per cent is not part of MySuper, but it is part of the Government’s overall ‘Stronger Super’ package.

As the first step the superannuation guarantee contribution rate will increase from 9 per cent of ordinary time earnings (OTE) to 9.25 per cent of OTE for the quarter starting on 1 July 2013. This increase applies to an employee’s OTE in that, and subsequent,

Business Connect26

simplified MySuper

quarters. The 9 per cent rate continues to apply for contributions to OTE which have been earned up to 30 June 2013 – even if the contribution is made in July and the employee is paid in July.

What you need to know about the new contribution rate rules• Some employees may be employed

on a package which includes superannuation contributed on their behalf. You may need to consider how that should that operate after 1 July 2013, particularly if there is not a salary review which takes effect from that date. Read the wording of the arrangement carefully to understand what your options are.

• The current age cap on contributions for employees aged 70 and over disappears from 1 July 2013. You may have an employee who is currently not receiving superannuation contributions who will become entitled to contributions of 9.25 per cent of their OTE from the quarter starting 1 July 2013.

When do i need to act on MySuper default contributions?The key date for employers is 1 January 2014. Changes to superannuation law mean that, from this date, employers must make default contributions (contributions for employees who do not have a chosen fund) into a fund which offers MySuper. If it is clear that a current default fund will not offer MySuper, there is no need to wait until 1 January 2014 to change to a fund that does. Default contributions from 1 January 2014 must comply with the MySuper rules, so employers

should act in advance. Make sure the new default fund complies with provisions in the relevant award or agreement, and that it offers MySuper.

The MySuper rules will not apply to defined benefit schemes, or where an employee has a chosen fund. Defined benefit schemes (including hybrids) can continue as they are. Where an employee has a chosen fund contributions should continue to be made into that fund unless the employee requests a change using a Standard Choice Form (SCF).

The MySuper rules will not alter an employee’s right to choose a fund (or the current requirements about SCFs). A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is a chosen fund,

Towards the end of 2013, awards will be varied to be consistent with the new MySuper rules. Awards will permit contributions into defined benefit schemes but they will not require employer default contributions (a contribution where the employee has not chosen a fund) into a fund which does not offer MySuper. Awards do not currently override choice and that will not change.

What you need to know about MySuper and default contributions • Default contributions from 1

January 2014 need to be made into a fund offering MySuper. Employers should check that their default fund(s) will be offering MySuper before 1 January 2014.

• MySuper does not affect contributions made into a fund

chosen by the employee. A chosen fund does not have to offer MySuper, but some employees might seek to change their current fund if it does not, and some chosen funds might stop accepting contributions on behalf of a particular employee (see “Do I need to change my default fund?” below).

• The superannuation provisions in an award do not apply when an agreement is in operation. This will not change, but under the new superannuation laws any agreement approved from 1 January 2014 will not be able to specify a fund which does not offer MySuper. An agreement approved before 1 July 2014 will continue to apply until it ceases to apply.

do i need to change my default fund?Not all existing funds will offer MySuper. While funds without MySuper can still be chosen, they cannot accept default contributions after 31 December 2013. An employer using a fund which does not offer MySuper will have to change to a new default which does and set up with it.

The introduction of MySuper has encouraged some funds to merge. Employers using a fund which closes because of a merger must set up with a new default fund and make default contributions into it.

Changes to the Fair Work Act mean that the Fair Work Commission will review award superannuation provisions during the course of 2014. This review could give rise to new funds being

"Default contributions from 1 January 2014 must comply with the MySuper rules, so employers should act in advance."

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27

named in an award and existing named funds disappearing from it. It is unlikely that the current award provision which allows an employer to make default contributions into a fund it was contributing into before 12 September 2008 will remain. These award changes could require an employer to set up with a new default fund.

how do i change my default fund?

When a fund advises that it cannot accept contributions, you must contribute into a default fund and give affected employees a SCF naming that default fund within 28 days of being advised. When an employer changes its default fund, the employer must give affected employees a SCF naming the new default within 28 days of changing. You should contribute into the default named in the SCF unless the employee returns a completed SCF which nominates a different fund.

What you need to know about changing default funds

• If you have to change the default fund for some employees, consider whether you should use the default fund which is used for other employees, or a third fund which may be a default fund for both groups. You must comply with both superannuation guarantee law and any award or agreement requirements when selecting a default fund.

• If a fund can no longer accept contributions, it is no longer a chosen fund. Affected employees should be given a SCF identifying the default fund you are contributing into. Contributions would go into the default fund unless the employee identifies a different chosen fund.

What do the changes mean for employees with multiple accounts?

At present, there are just under three superannuation accounts for each person in the workforce. Multiple accounts mean multiple fees and reduced account balances. Superannuation law has been changed to encourage account consolidation, and there are new information sources for employees (such as the Australian Taxation Office’s SuperSeeker web site) to encourage them to consider consolidation.

The introduction of MySuper could contribute to the problem of multiple accounts because a fund’s new MySuper product will often differ from its current default investment. Funds will have to ask members whether they object to having their old account rolled into their new MySuper account. Funds will contact their members about MySuper and consolidating their accounts.

What you need to know about consolidating accounts

• Employees receiving material from their superannuation fund may ask

you for advice. Employers should not give advice which could have financial consequences, but suggest to the employee that they talk to the fund or a financial advisor.

• Consolidation is a matter between the employee and the affected fund(s). It does not concern the employer. In most cases, consolidating accounts means that employee will seek to have the other accounts brought into the fund the employer is contributing into - but not always. An employee might want to choose a former fund and might ask for a SCF.

are there any other changes i should know about?

Another important change to superannuation is the introduction of SuperStream, which aims to improve the processing of everyday superannuation transactions. This has important implications for fund-to-fund rollovers and also for contributions. Business Connect will report on SuperStream in the next edition.

dick Grozier director industrial relations NSW Business Chamber

For more information on MySuper, visit the australian taxation office’s website, ato.gov.au. Employees can find more information from their superannuation fund or by visiting ato.gov.au and searching for ‘SuperSeeker’.

“At present, there are just under three superannuation accounts for each person in the workforce.”

Business Connect


28

Victims of bullying face hard decisions. It may seem simpler to leave an organisation rather than face a bully, but jobs are few and far between in times of economic scarcity and, given their experiences, victims may fear the likelihood of another bully at their new job. Some employees confront the perpetrators face-to-face, but many are simply left to struggle in a distressing situation with no possibility of resolution. In many cases, victims of bullying suffer psychological damage without even realising it. Naturally, this can spill over into the victim’s life outside the workplace.

Alongside the personal damage to its victims, bullying stifles organisational productivity. In a 2012 statement announcing an inquiry into workplace bullying by the House Standing Committee on Education and Employment, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Workplace Relations Bill Shorten said the Productivity Commission estimated workplace bullying costs Australia between $6 billion and $36 billion annually.

Mediation is one option, and a genuine apology can go a long way in resolving a case of bullying but an apology is useless if the behaviour does not change. A bully-free workplace must be a goal for every workplace and, while stopping bullying is often easier said than done, there are simple steps you can take to make a big difference in the lives of your employees, and to your bottom line.

taking action Awareness is the first step towards building a bully-free workplace.

Undertake an audit to identify any bullying behaviours or attitudes. Interview all levels of staff, tour the workplace and note your observations. Bullying takes many forms, from the overt to the subtle so keep your eyes and ears open!

The next step you must take is to develop and implement an internal non-bullying policy. Without this, you have no ground to stand on if a bullying claim is put forward. When drafting your policy, remember that bullies are increasingly turning to cyberspace, so you need to take social media into account. Include your policy as a clause in your organisation’s Code of Conduct and gain agreement from all employees by getting them to sign it.

All employees must be accountable under your non-bullying policy, regardless of their title or role and your policy must be a living document. The ramifications for not adhering to it must be unequivocal.

To assist new staff, induction programs should include information about bullying, including identification of bullying behaviours and actions to take if employees witness acts of bullying, or become victims. Post anti-bullying flyers in the workplace and make the information accessible online through your company intranet. To complete the educational cycle, implement annual non-bullying training programs or information sessions for all staff.

Measure your employees’ awareness of bullying through staff surveys. Employees will take heart from the actions you take but the only comfort that counts is a bully-free workplace.

Six steps to stopping bullying1. Undertake an audit to identify any

bullying behaviours or attitudes

2. Develop and implement a non-bullying policy for your workplace

3. Include a non-bullying clause in your organisation’s Code of Conduct and have workers agree to it by signing it

4. Develop and implement a non-bullying training program to be delivered annually and at new staff inductions

5. Develop information flyers in how to combat bullying and post them around your workplace

6. Implement an annual staff survey with questions about non-bullying behaviours

Larry Forsyth Senior Manager WhS/hr Consulting Services australian Business Consulting & Solutions

if you need more support or you don’t have the resourcing or expertise to implement this guide, then confidentially contact Larry Forsyth, Senior Manager WhS/hr Consulting Services at australian Business Consulting & Solutions (aBC&S) to discuss your needs. Email [email protected], phone 07 3842 2210, or visit australianbusiness.com.au.

or subscribe to aBC&S’ multi-award winning hr advance product to draw down on legally compliant and customisable documentation, checklists and policy instruments that you can implement immediately. visit hradvance.com.au to subscribe.

Behind the alarming statistics on workplace bullying lie stories of grief and hardship.

banish buLLy!the


30 Business Connect30

"Roughly one in three workers has experienced some form of bullying and one in two has witnessed it."

"An apology is useless if the behaviour

does not change."

the siX-step guide in practice.For privacy reasons the names of the organisations have been changed…

Health care organisation Company A had been rife with bullying behaviour for as long as management could remember. Issues included aggressive and moody behaviour from staff, eye rolling when assistance from managers was requested and even literal moaning and groaning from a staff member who didn't want to help out.

Manufacturer Company B was also home to bullying, including physical pushing and shoving, accompanying taunts of 'don't be a sooky boy’. Male staff members were even locked in closets as part of induction rituals.

In both cases, bullying reports were initially furnished verbally and then, after some collegiate support, put in writing. In both cases the Fair Work Commission became involved and mediation was employed. The judge made strong recommendations to take on the six steps to reverse the nature and demonstration of bullying.

In both cases, after the six steps were implemented, both companies reported that employee morale and workplace collaboration had improved by 45-65 per cent over the following 6-12 month timeframe.


31Business Connect 31

32 Business Connect


32


Fred and Ginger. Batman and robin. Great things are often built on partnerships and business is no exception.

Many of today’s business leaders did not start from scratch; rather, their partnership with others has helped them to create a viable, profitable business. The most successful business people recognise their skills gaps and surround themselves with the talent they need to grow.

Before delving into the essentials of a business partnership, it’s important to understand this is one of the most trying relationships we will ever enter into. Some work, but most fail! Fundamentally, most new businesses are so distracted by getting started that they forget to put the right framework in place, but there are many causes of failure.

• No legal agreement that clearly defines the business relationship.

• No formal understanding of responsibilities.

• Partner pride – when business is good, everyone is happy – when business is bad, one partner may be unwilling to acknowledge this shift, which accelerates the business’ demise.

• Discontent about compensation, profit distribution and equity sharing.

• Disagreement on the business’ direction.

• Perceived lack of effort, accountability or financial contribution from one partner.

The obvious business relationship is with another individual who is integral to the day-to-day management of the business, but each type of relationship requires a different shareholder or partnership agreement.

For example, if funding is an issue in starting your business, you might consider approaching key investors that are removed from day-to-day operational management, or you may use a combination of management and investment relationships and partner with two or more people.

Whatever you decide, your agreement is the key to any business relationship.

Use a formal shareholder or partnership agreement to confirm each party’s understanding of:

• the equity invested by each partner/investor

• the type of business you are operating

• how profits and loss will be shared

• partners’ pay and compensation

• distribution of assets on dissolution

• provisions for changes or dissolving the agreement

• a dispute settlement clause

• settlement in case of death or incapacitation

• restrictions of authority and expenditures

• the length of the relationship/agreement.

Business partnerships work when the organisational structure exploits the skills of all involved. A practical way to achieve this is to map your structure

considering the core elements of your business, including operations, marketing, administrations and facilities, finance, IT and sales/client-facing.

From this structure, partners can place themselves in the divisions that play to their immediate strengths. As the business grows, more responsibility can be filtered to individuals but, from a reporting point of view and to avoid role redundancy, it is imperative to have this understanding in place from the beginning. Responsibilities must be clearly defined, with measurements to record success or failure.

Building a large business on your own is trying. There is a clear limit to what an individual can accomplish. You may be a savvy marketer who lacks financial skills or an IT professional who struggles to sell your big ideas. Whatever your situation, if you want to create a successful, sustainable business with potential for growth, partnering might be the answer.

Michael derin Managing director azure Group

this is an abridged version of an article that appears in ask us how, an online library of practical articles, resources and tools designed to help members better manage and operate their business.

ask us how provides reliable, expert advice and information across a diverse range of subjects from important areas required by the relatively new or start-up business through to more complex issues that affect day-to-day organisational management and visionary strategic planning.

Log on to nswbusinesschamber.com.au and follow the ask us how link on your member dashboard.

33Business Connect


When a fine jewellery house overhauled its website, it took the chance to remodel its business.

General Manager Mervyn Levine tells the story of how First State auctions is using new web technology to reach more customers, lower its costs and change the way it does business.

our logo and website didn't accurately reflect our business. What’s more, it didn’t reflect what our customers thought we offered. Our business is based on trust; nearly half of our sales

come from repeat business. We are the official auctioneer of seized goods for the Australian Federal Police and Australian Customs and we guarantee the authenticity of our jewellery so our website needed to reflect this trust.

Widen the service, lower the cost. We’ve held small auctions in regional Australia but the costs are still the same, so it’s a high proportional cost. The really exciting aspect of our new website is that we can hold exclusively online auctions (similar to eBay) and we can also hold online/room auctions – essentially a room auction where bidders from all over the world can also bid as if they were in the room. This means we don’t need to hold as many regional auctions, which gives us additional funds to advertise in the local press and expand awareness. We will still have a presence and keep the trust, but many of our existing regional customers are happy to purchase online because they can buy

when it suits them, rather than waiting until we hold an auction in their area.

our general demographic is 35-70 years old but we need to stay on top of new technology – the younger generation needs to be able to find us as they move into our demographic! With our new website, we’ve seen the shift is already happening. It’s amazing to see the number of emails “sent from my iPhone/iPad” at 8:30 on a Sunday morning.

australians are taking up technology at a greater rate than most other developed countries including the united States.

However, online sales account for only 6 per cent of retail purchases in Australia and 20 per cent in the United States. What this says is that it’s not the customers who are lagging – it’s the retailers. The customers are there! Online retailers in Australia need to think long-term if they are going to be successful in the future.

australian Business Consulting & Solutions can help you take advantage of opportunities in the online world. For more, visit australianbusiness.com.au or contact Chris Summers, digital producer on 02 9458 7915 or email chris.summersaustralianbusiness.com.au.

Retail

Australians are taking up technology at a greater rate than most other developed countries.

innovation34 Business Connect

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Five minutes with danielle Buckley on managing new talent in the modern workplace…

Danielle Buckley is a registered psychologist and leading advisor to

businesses on the engagement and retention of Australia’s Gen Y workforce. Danielle is in demand as a speaker on strategies for improving the engagement and retention of young employees and on how to improve performance and productivity at work.

What challenges are employers facing with Generation y?In a recent study undertaken by Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre, employers ranked Gen Y employees’ work ethic and lack of commitment as their biggest challenge. Interestingly, they ranked relationship issues in the workplace as far less of a challenge, which is in stark contrast to what Gen Y is telling us!

Why have these challenges arisen? The generational divide has always been a workplace issue, but because Gen Y has grown up in affluent times where the emergence of technology means they can be perpetually connected to the outside world, we are seeing a greater divide than ever before.

Stereotypically, it’s not uncommon to see a Gen Y on the phone, watching TV and on Facebook all at the same time. It’s this instant gratification, coupled with their parents encouraging them to speak up and to follow their dreams, which has led to a sense of entitlement and belief that they can have it all quickly, both personally and professionally.

By comparing this to the contrasting view of Baby Boomers and Gen X, who stereotypically believe if you want something, you earn it through years of hard work, it’s no wonder we have conflict in the workplace.

Five tips in managing Gen y

Get to know them as a person. Discover their interests and what motivates them.

Many Gen Y employees are working for the first time. Teach them about their job, as well as how to work by taking them through a structured induction.

Be curious about how they use technology. Embrace it and see if they can help introduce new technology to improve your business.

Create a ‘Ways of Working’ agreement – sit down and discuss how you will work together.

Be a coach and mentor. Invest time in coaching your Gen Y and seek assistance or training if you don’t know where to start.

to find out more call 1300 192 322.

The gist of Gen Y Why old school management fails

Join Danielle Buckley at this one-day workshop.

This interactive and practical session will see you explore techniques for recruiting, inducting and managing your young staff to success.

You’ll walk away with:

• A best practice induction plan for your Gen Y employees• A series of concrete stretching goals for your staff• A performance management plan to quickly address poor behaviour• Techniques to deliver any difficult message successfully• Tools to build an effective career development plan for staff

Event details:

When: Wednesday 29 May 2013 Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm Where: NSW Business Chamber, Level 12, 100 George Street, Parramatta.

Cost: NSW Business Chamber members $395 / $700 for two. Non-member $695 / $1190 for two.

Unlock the secrets to managing

seminar Gen Y

in your business

Register today! Workshop limited to 25 attendees. Call 1300 192 322 for full details or email [email protected].

1.2.

3.

4.5.

36 Business Connect

Denisse Vera is a graduate of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she first came to the attention of NSW Business Chamber as a finalist of the Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Award. Every year, the Chamber awards a budding designer with $10,000 to pursue their business goals. Denisse was pipped at the post, but since graduating from UTS, the young entrepreneur has launched her made-to-measure label, DMV.

“I have chosen a niche market that is very different from ready-to-wear and fast fashion,” says Denisse. “I work directly with a client over a period of time to develop a product that is unique to them.” Learn more about dMv at denissemvera.com

The young entrepreneur

Photos: Mitch Hay

37Business Connect



Flood grants ease the pain

Northern Rivers

A region in focus

Businesses in Northern NSW have had reason to be glum following disastrous flooding, but some wonderful stories are emerging from the gloom.

38 Business Connect


“ This was a night that will be remembered for a long, long time to come.” John Murray

Following widespread destruction across northern NSW, NSW Business Chamber CEO Stephen Cartwright announced $200,000 in grants for flood damaged small businesses, comprising 40 grants of $5,000. This was welcome relief for many businesses who admitted they weren’t sure where to turn to keep their businesses open.

“We want to reach those small businesses that, for whatever reason, might not be getting the assistance

they need to rebuild and reopen after the floods,” said Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, John Murray.

The village of Tumbulgum was hit hard by flooding on the Australia Day long weekend, with most residents suffering damage to their homes and vehicles; yet the very same residents rallied to save the historic Tumbulgum Tavern.

“They left their homes, which were under threat, to help out,” publican Kit Gooley said.

Inspired by the residents’ efforts to save their business, the Tumbulgum Tavern used the NSW Business Chamber’s grant

to raise morale by throwing a thank you party for residents.

“The community spirit in Tumbulgum is overwhelming,” said John Murray. “This event was a wonderful show of community spirit and a very apt way of showing how much they are appreciated.”

“The fact the tavern held a locals’ night where they could come and have a free meal and drinks to assist them with the pain they are suffering

now is extremely moving. This was a night that will be remembered for a long, long time to come.”

Local Chambers are playing a crucial role in helping businesses get on their feet again. As always, it’s the human stories that resonate. Eva Heath of the Bangalow Chamber of Commerce admitted to hugging one of the Chamber’s long standing members and crying for an hour in relief that a grant had been issued to this deserving and desperate individual!

Fast Facts courtesy regional development australia

images courtesy of tweed & Coolangatta tourism, richard Whitbread, destination NSW

population: Approximately 297,000

area: 20896 sq km

Major centres: Ballina, Byron Bay, Casino, Grafton, Lismore, Maclean, Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads

Major sectors: agriculture, aquaculture, biotechnology, community services, creative industries, education, environmental services, fishing, food/regional cuisine, horticulture, meat and dairy, sugar, forestry, tourism

Major educational facilities: Southern Cross University, North Coast Institute of TAFE

Competitive advantages:

• Thriving tourism and regional cuisine industries

• Beautiful natural environment, including National Parks, world heritage sites, rainforest and coastline

• Popular choice for alternative lifestyles and innovative business opportunities

• ‘Specialist’ towns such as Murwillumbah (sugar), Byron Bay (lifestyle), Casino (beef)

• Climate and cultural/lifestyle opportunities attracts a diverse, highly skilled population

• Proximity to South East Queensland with access to export markets in South East Asia and the Pacific

Community Spirit night at the Tumbulgum Tavern

Licensee Liane Key keeps her spirits up at the Brushgrove Hotel at the height of the floods

39Business Connect

memberswelcome newaargus Engineeringabsolute tiling Solutions pty Ltdabsolute Waterfront apartmentsaCor Consultants pty Ltdadept Business Systems pty Ltdadvance Fire Serviceadvanced analytical australiaadvanced personnel ManagementaeromarstersaGL Energy LimitedairCaLiNalbury Steel Fabricatorsalex Ebert accounting & taxation Servicesamelia Zinnerannette hurdaanspec pty LimitedapN outdoorarbonne internationalargyle Community housing Ltdarts health instituteasiga pty Ltdaussiebuild 3000 pty Ltdaustography Film image incaustralia overnight trucking Coaustralian Curriculum, assessment & reporting authorityaustralian institute of Conveyancersaustralian Lutheran World Serviceaustralian rugby union Ltdaustralian Soil & Concrete testingaustralian vending association incavanser pty Ltd

Bangalow Chamber of CommerceBd Scaffolding pty LtdBedford GroupBendigo and adelaide Bank LtdBeresford Living FurnitureBethungra transport pty LtdBirch & Waite Foods pty LtdBJL Collectables and antiquesBlackburn prior Chartered accountantsBlancmange productionsBlue Gum KitchensBoathoist internationalBostock pools & SpasBpi accounting ServicesBrasco australia pty LtdBrickworks LimitedBurdis Marsh partners pty LtdBuy desire \ Studio 60C B rae upholsterersCaM EventsCampbelltown Chamber of Commerce & industry LtdCarmel and patrick rayerouxCarmine Services pty LtdCarrington Centennial CareCastlereagh Kitchens pty LtdCBM internationalCBS Food ServiceCentral Coast Express advocateClarity Business and it SolutionsCloudvikingsClub palm Beach (rSL)CoffeyCommunity EngineConciseCoreBalanceCorou property Services pty Ltd

Credit Management australasia pty LtdCredit World pty LtdCritical air pty LtdCtechBaCustom Security ServicesdC Strategydena Chambersdouglas partners pty LtdE contact ManagementEagle EnergyEbiquityEclipse the Essential SpaECsportzEllice-Flint Corporate ServicesEmerald downs Golf CourseEMErChaNtSEmily hungerfordEndeavour EnergyEurasia international pty LtdEvac you 8 Enterprises pty LtdEwa Cleaning Services pty LtdEximo pty LtdExpanda van homes pty LtdEzi-dry pty LtdFGiEtFino Commercial Furniture pty LtdFiviumFlickapolitanFratelli Fresh pty LtdFreeman human resources ConsultanciesG4Geek ComputersGaruda indonesia LtdGeddes a drinkGhd pty LtdGio WollongongGnostic ManaGolder associates pty LtdGraham roberts

Granite transformationsGreg Geltch ExcavationsGregory Commercial Furniture pty LtdGriffith Leagues Club Ltd - SouthsideGround technologies pty LtdGS roasting / Barkoo pty LtdGymea Chamber of Commerce inchallishansom transformersheber davis pty Ltdheymans & associateshills rural Business Chamberhphr doctorhunter design School pty Ltdhunter Stadiumhunt's Carpets and Blindsian Sneddon Canvas & upholsteryillawarra area Child Care Ltdillawarra Credit unionindustrial Engineering technology pty Ltdinner City Winemakersirlen diagnostic Clinic NewcastleM & N peninsula KitchensJ Biady & associates pty LtdJohn alam & partnersJono WhiteJulian danJustlookK&h Geotechnical ServicesKeo designKeway Enterprises LimitedLabour Cooperative GroupLandcomLeapfrog Financial pty LtdLee davey


40 Business Connect

membersLend Lease project Management & Construction pty LtdLife ExpressLilianfels Blue Mountains hotel pty LtdLimpinwood Gardens NurseryLiquid hrLoveNewcastle.com.auLuke paveyM & S united pty LtdMaca's Crane and Borer hireMacquarie Business CentreMacquarie regional technologyMad Media GroupMary Kay CosmeticsMatt andersonMedical technology association of australiaMichael BarryMiller heiman australiaMineral Makeup pty LimitedMissing Bits productionsMolesworth Financial planningMotionwave technologies pty LtdMotor trades association aCtMudgee Business association incMultifile/WSaMurwillumbah Glass pty LtdMvS valuers australiaNel MinchinNetwork Geotechnics pty LtdNewcastNewtown precinct Business associationNhM EntertainmentNiaZ Kitchens (aust) p/LNon destructive Excavations australiaNrMa (Griffith)

Nurses Now pty LtdNutrition plus LtdoBa pty Ltdoctet Financeopila productionsoptus Business Centre South Coastowen hodge Lawyersp h Brown Fabrications pty Ltdp W Concrete and Gravelpackserv pty LimitedpBaS Safety Equipment Servicingpeachfacepepe's paperieperformance drivers pty Ltdpeters Linnette Lawyersphil's Custom Steel pty Ltdpilatus australiapiranha Eyewearpizza Capers Neutral Bayplatinum distributors australia pty Ltdportavin integrated Wine Servicesprime accounting Services pty Ltdprophecy Gamesprosperity advisers GroupproWay Livestock Equipmentpsarn international pty Ltdqa Kitchensrachel argallrachel Stubbs & associatesray White Fairfieldready hose pty Ltdreal Estate Employers Federation - NSWrecon office FurniturerecruitLoopreflections Mind Body Spirit

repair Group LimitedrFid n print pty Ltdritedrill & riteSignrocky Mileto Servicesrole affinityrooty hill rSL Club Ltdroyal automobile Club of australiarSM Bird CameronSafety institute of australia inc (aCt division)Salvation army (NSW) property trustSCarFSebastian ChanSecurity Specialists pty LtdShad partnersShanghai Stories 1938Sharp Electronics (Nctle)Sitzler pty LtdSmart upholstery pty LtdSMEC testing Services pty LtdSoilco pty LtdSolar australiaSouth East area Mediation ServicesSouthern oil refining pty LtdSouthern riverina youth Support Services incSpandex asia pacificSpinach puff productionsStabb's venture pty LtdStacks/Goudkamp pty LtdSteritech pty LtdStockland development pty LtdStoll Spraying Equipment pty LtdStronach propertySuccess by designSunjan trading pty LtdSweet Bluebird Creations

Sydney harbour Federation trusttantusk pty Ltdtaylor Woodingsthe australian Botanic Gardensthe herbal Extract Company of australiathe infinite Groupthe phone Guysthe recruitment alternative pty Ltdthe retail doctor Groupthe royal Bank of Scotlandthe Sydney String Centrethe Wrigley Cothreesidestiffany-Jayne Martintim Mcphersontoll peopletraffic resourcestreadStone it Solutions pty Ltdtumut regional Chamber of Commercetyres 4 uuniversity of Western Sydneyventis illawarra pty LtdviafilmviaSat australiavirtual Joineryvision australia pty LtdWarren Keelan photographyWayne Kayler-thomsonWe help ourselves pty LtdWebster Walnuts LtdWestern Sydney parklands trustWestern Sydney Wanderers FCWhitelight MediaWorld parteaWysiwyg3d pty Ltdyeo Engineering

NSW Business Chamber welcomes the following new financial members during the first quarter of 2013. The Chamber has reached a new membership milestone, surpassing 13,000 members for the first time in its history. Every member strengthens a collective voice that is improving the business environment in NSW.


41Business Connect

TACKLEBUSINESS

B O O K N OW visit events.nswbc.com.au or call 13 26 96 to book your place in the scrum but hurry – spots are filling fast!

With the rugby league season well underway, all eyes are turning to the National rugby League's showpiece event - State of origin!

NSW Business Chamber and the National Rugby League invite you to share in the excitement of the Holden State of Origin Series and celebrate the spirit of the NSW VB Blues at the 2013 State of Origin Luncheon.

Origin legends Darren Lockyer and Nathan Hindmarsh will go head-to-head analysing the strengths, weaknesses and tactics of the Queensland and NSW teams, providing an insider’s guide to the preparation required to take the field – and explaining why State of Origin is like no other sporting contest in Australia.

2013 NSW Young Australian of the Year Corey Payne will also tell the inspirational story of his life after football. The former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldog serves on the scholarship committee of Youth Off the Streets Board while running his own business; the Future Directions Network, which provides financial support, mentoring and career advice for young people to go to university.

the date is Friday 31 May 2013. the time is 12pm to 3pm. the venue is aNZ Stadium, home of the NSW vB Blues.


42 Business Connect

LEV002 Business Connect Magazine FPC_v10.indd 1 24/1/13 16:57

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