Important Information for SMEs
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT NEWS
Media Releases from Hon Bruce Billson MP, Shadow Minister for Small Business
http://brucebillson.com.au/Media/MediaReleases.aspx
The Following can be found at the link above:
170412 Fine Threat -
110412 ABN
190312 Swan
070312 Speech Cosboa
290212 PPL
290212 Supermarket Competition
290212 Small Miz Power
270212 Arbib
250212 Trust
240212 PPL
210212 Billson Turnbull
24 March 2012 - Information update around shut down of Consumer Affairs Victoria services
Consumer Affairs Victoria will be gradually winding down it's business names services from 23 May to ensure that ASIC receives the correct information at transition.
I encourage you all to visit consumer.vic.gov.au/transition to find what services are available leading up to 28 May 2012.
14 March 2012 (Other related links re Abbott and Gillard)
Prime Minister, Minister for Small Business
Australia’s 2.7 million small businesses will be given a direct voice to the Gillard Government, through the appointment today of the nation’s first Small Business Commissioner.
Labor understands how vital the small business sector is to the Australian economy, employing almost 5 million Australians and making up over a third of the economy.
The small business sector has been calling for better advocacy, advice and information at the federal level and the Government has listened.
This new Commissioner will:
• Provide small businesses with a new voice to highlight their issues to the Australian Government;
• Provide a one stop shop for small business services and information;
• And ensure the interests of small business remain at the forefront of Government policy making.
Australia’s more than two million small businesses are made up of hard-working men and women who are putting in long hours to build better futures for their families.
The Commissioner will also act as a one stop shop for small business people, representing their concerns and interests directly to the Government.
Small business owners will be able to access information and advice, and referral to external services such as dispute resolution services.
The Commissioner will also work with the Minister for Small Business, Brendan O’Connor, to ensure Government agencies take into account the needs of small businesses, including ways in which we can manage the regulatory burden on small business.
The Commissioner will report directly to the Minister, who will liaise directly with his Cabinet colleagues about issues important to small businesses.
The Commissioner will also be able to take up individual cases with relevant Government agencies.
The Commissioner’s office will work with state and territory small business commissioners to ensure services for small business are simple and easy to access, minimising duplication across jurisdictions.
They will also work to simplify advice for small business, including in dispute resolution, making it more readily available online and via hotline.
Labor has always taken the needs of small business seriously. We appointed the first ever Small Business Minister, and made this portfolio a Cabinet appointment earlier this month.
This announcement responds to the Australian Government’s review of small business dispute resolution programs and options which reported in 2011.
Labor understands and supports the aspirations of working people who want to run a decent small business. That is why we are also cutting the company tax rate for small business from 30 per cent to 29 per cent, increasing the small business instant tax write-off from $1,000 to $6,500 and introducing a $5,000 tax break for motor vehicles – all of which are opposed by the Liberals.
The Commissioner will be appointed in the second half of this year.
5 March 2012
Australia Prime Minister Gillard announced today that Brendan O’Connor moves into Cabinet to take the position of Minister for Small Business, as well as Minister for Housing and Homelessness. Small businesses are central to Australia’s economy and deserve Cabinet-level representation, says Gillard.
SME Association of Australia CEO, Dr Caroline Hong, shares the views of many business organisations, and welcomes this appointment as timely and a necessary recognition to the small business portfolio as a cabinet position.
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Sport
MEDIA STATEMENT
27 February 2012
This has been one of the most difficult weeks in the Labor Party’s history and I for one am happy the ballot is over.
Leadership ballots in all parties are difficult, complex and emotional events.
They leave scars, but over time scars can fade.
Now is the time for caucus members to put any bitterness aside and to put the interest of the party and the Australian people first.
There can be no other course and the alternative, a Conservative Government, should scare all of us.
The result in today’s ballot provides an opportunity for the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party to renew the Government and unite behind the Prime Minister.
I believe Julia Gillard can and will win the next election.
We have the leader, we have the people and we have policies which will improve the lives of everyday Australians.
What it requires is a commitment from the Caucus to put this ballot behind them and to work together.
What it requires is professionalism and a recognition that our higher cause as Labor Party members is to the people of this country - many of whom are less fortunate and relying on us to do our jobs well.
I am confident that the Caucus can rise to the challenge.
But it requires more than words, it requires actions and everyone has a responsibility and all of us have a part to play.
And that includes me.
I have always done my best to uphold the best interest of the Labor Party.
I, along with my colleagues, have had to make some very tough decisions over the past three years.
They were difficult, but in the end they were necessary and in the interests of the Party, the Government and the Australian people.
Most importantly, they were correct and I believe saved the Party from certain defeat in 2010.
I stand by those decisions.
Today, after the ballot, I spoke to the Prime Minister and told her I would step down as a Minister in the Government.
It was a difficult decision, but it is the right one.
This decision I hope will play a part in helping the party rebuild after the ballot and heal itself.
It also provides the Prime Minister with an opportunity to achieve Party renewal by promoting talented individuals for the future.
Today I have also informed the Prime Minister that I will resign as a Senator for the great state of NSW.
The decision is also a personal one.
While serving the Australian people as a Senator and a Minister is the highest honour in politics, the personal toll on family is great.
Sometimes I think that most Australians believe a politician goes away to Canberra for half the year and is on a holiday for the remainder of their time.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
It is a seven-day-a-week job and the time away from kids and spouses is incredibly hard.
Almost every politician I have ever spoken to has told me they accept the sacrifice because the job provides them with the opportunity to give something back to their community, to help build a better society.
This is something politicians on all sides share and I respect and share that commitment.
I always said to my wife, who has sacrificed personally and professionally for me, that I would consider my own professional life at age 40.
When I made that commitment to her it was about 10 years ago.
I probably thought that day would never come. But I turned 40 last November.
When I was promoted by the Prime Minister last December I was on a holiday with my family.
That night we had a dinner to celebrate and I told my daughters the news.
My six year old said to me: “Daddy does your new job mean more time away?”
I told her it did. She started crying and told me not to take the job.
For me that says it all.
I am extremely proud of what the Rudd and Gillard Governments have been able to achieve for Australia.
• The apology to the Stolen Generations
• Steering Australia through the GFC
• Education Reform
• Paid parental leave
• Doubled road funding
• Increased rail funding tenfold
• Child care reforms
• NBN and the separation of Telstra
• Putting a price on carbon
• The Mineral Resource Rent Tax to share the wealth from the mining boom
• The national disability insurance scheme.
It is a list of achievements that will set the country up for a prosperous future.
Personally I have also played a part.
You don’t get into politics to work in the back-room. You do it because you have ideas and ideals.
My ministerial and parliamentary career has given me an opportunity to meet and work with some wonderful Australians – many at the worst possible time of their lives.
And my only regret is that I can’t continue the work.
Some examples of this include:
• Apprenticeship Kickstart – about 46,000 apprentices
• Match-fixing, participation in sport, supporting the Australia Olympic and Paralympic teams
• Same-sex marriage
• Implementing the homelessness reforms
• Most importantly, Indigenous employment
Finally, can I thank my colleagues and friends for all the support they have given me – particularly the Prime Minister, the Treasurer, Senate Leader Chris Evans and Penny Wong and my great friends Steve Conroy, Anthony Albanese, Chris Bowen, Bill Shorten and Tony Burke.
I have been very lucky to have the best of staff, a wonderfully talented and professional office – people I deeply respect and admire.
Thank you.
I have also had the great pleasure of working with some of this country’s best public servants across a range of portfolios.
Their frank advice and dedication has helped me and the Government deliver for the Australian people.
In particular can I thank Lisa Paul and Robert Griew from DEEWR, Finn Pratt and Jeff Harmer from FAHCSIA, Richard Eccles and his team at the Office for Sport and Simon Hollingsworth and the staff and board of the Australian Sports Commission and AIS.
I leave today without bitterness or anger and with hope for this Party’s future.
I genuinely hope all members of Caucus and rank and file Party members see this decision as a gesture to help unite and heal.
Yes, I have been a faction leader and I have had to make tough and unpopular decisions, but I have always been loyal to the Labor Party, the Party I love, and will always work tirelessly for.
The Labor Party is the party of ideas and the party of social progress.
It has achieved so much for this country and has done so much for me.
I am eternally grateful for the opportunity.
Thank you.
-ENDS-
**********************************************
SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
Minister for Finance and Deregulation
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Sport
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
21 February 2012
GILLARD GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES
New figures released today show the Gillard Government is continuing to support Australia’s more than 2 million small businesses, awarding almost $11 billion in contracts to SMEs in the last financial year.
The Commonwealth entered into nearly 80,000 contracts in 2010-11 with close to 60 per cent awarded to small businesses.
Minister for Finance and Deregulation Senator Penny Wong said today’s figures show the Government’s ongoing support of the small business sector in its procurement market.
“The Commonwealth’s procurement guidelines commit agencies to source at least 10 per cent of all contracts, by value, from small businesses. These figures show we well exceed the target,” Senator Wong said.
“The Government recognises the value small businesses bring to the economy and the procurement figures reflect this.”
Minister for Small Business Mark Arbib welcomed the increase in participation by small businesses and said the Gillard Government wanted to work with the sector to reduce red tape in the procurement process.
“The Government is committed to supporting small business and was the first federal government to introduce penalties for late payments by Government departments,” Senator Arbib said.
“Federal Labor is delivering on its promise to small business, boosting the on-time payment of their invoices and paying 97.7% of invoices received within 30 days.
“The Government will continue to engage and work with the small business community to make it easier for them to do business with the Government.”
More information can be found at: http://www.finance.gov.au/publications/statistics-on-commonwealth-purchasing-contracts/index.html.
For small businesses interested in becoming government suppliers, information can be found at http://www.finance.gov.au/procurement/procurement-policy-and-guidance/selling/index.html
Minister Wong’s media contact: Sarika Thach 0457 815 454
Minister Arbib’s media contact: Sean Sammon 0417 137 419
****************************************
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Sport
MEDIA RELEASE
10 February 2012
MINISTER ENCOURAGES SMALL BUSINESS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FAIR WORK REVIEWS
Minister for Small Business Mark Arbib today encouraged all small businesses to give their feedback to the current review into the Fair Work Act 2009 before submissions close on17 February.
Senator Arbib said it was vital that the voices of the more than two million small businesses were heard by this independent, expert review into the operation of the Fair Work Act.
“Small business is the engine room of the Australian economy which keeps about 5 million Australians employed and contributes more than 20 per cent to our Gross Domestic Product, so it’s vital that we hear about their experiences with the operation of the act,” Senator Arbib said.
“The introduction of the Fair Work Act gave effect to the Government’s commitment to restore fairness to Australian workplace relations.
“The Government made a commitment to review the operation of the legislation two years after its full commencement, because of the scale of the reforms.
“I understand how hard small business owners work and that they don’t have a lot of spare time, but I would encourage them to get their submissions in over the next week.”
For further information about the review or to make a submission, please visit http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/Policies/FairWorkActReview/Pages/Home.aspx.
Senator Arbib said a review of all modern awards was also currently being undertaken by Fair Work Australia. This review will consider whether modern awards are operating effectively, without anomalies or technical problems arising from the award modernisation process.
“This review will give small businesses the opportunity to raise any issues regarding the provision or operation of modern awards,” Senator Arbib said.
Applications to vary a modern award as part of the review must be lodged with Fair Work Australia by 8 March 2012.
More information on the review of modern awards can be found by visiting www.fwa.gov.au/index.cfm?pagename=awardReview2012.
Minister Arbib’s media contact: Josh McIntosh 0409 198 374
*********************************************************************
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Sport
MEDIA RELEASE
9 February 2012
MINISTER REMINDS BAS AND TAX AGENTS TO RENEW REGISTRATION
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Small Business Mark Arbib today reminded BAS and tax agents to apply to the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to renew their registration before it expires on 1 March 2012.
Senator Arbib said tax agents and BAS agents in business needed to be registered with the Board to continue legally providing tax agent or BAS services for a fee or other reward.
“BAS and tax agents are an essential part of the tax system, with tax agents lodging more than 70% of income tax returns for individuals and more than 95% of business tax returns,” Senator Arbib said.
“Agent registration is an essential element in protecting consumers. It provides assurance and confidence to the community that their agent meets appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct.
“BAS agents who submit a complete application before their current registration expires will remain registered until they hear back from the Board about their application. The Board will accept renewal applications up to 29 February 2012.”
Tax Practitioners Board Chair Dale Boucher said a transitional registration was available for those BAS agents who don’t think they will meet all the standard eligibility criteria by the time their current registration expires.
“This gives agents at least another 12 months to complete their standard educational or experience requirements to remain a BAS agent and be ready to renew early in 2013,” Mr Boucher said.
BAS and tax agents can renew online via the website www.tpb.gov.au. Questions regarding the registration or renewal process can be sent to notifiers@tpb.gov.au or call 1300 362 829.
The Board was established on 1 March 2010. It replaced the State-based Tax Agents’ Boards in regulating tax agents and now BAS agents.
The Board plays an important role in helping to protect taxpayers who use the services of tax and BAS agents. It registers agents, handles complaints and provides guidance on the professional and ethical standards to be observed by agents.
You can check whether an agent is registered by looking at the Tax Practitioners Board Register at www.tpb.gov.au.
Minister Arbib’s media contact: Josh McIntosh 0409 198 374
********************************************************************
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Sport
MEDIA RELEASE
7 February 2012
COALITION NEEDS TO SUPPORT TAX CUTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Minister for Small Business Mark Arbib today called on the Coalition to support the Government’s tax cuts for more than two million small businesses being delivered through the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT).
Senator Arbib introduced the MRRT legislation into the Senate today.
Senator Arbib said Shadow Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson needed to stand up to Tony Abbott and demand that the Liberal Party deliver on the tax cuts Labor is delivering.
“The MRRT is a true Labor reform – it is about ensuring all Australians share in the benefits of the mining boom, rather than just the highly profitable mining companies,” Senator Arbib said.
“Small business owners who work day in and day out to provide for their families and drive our economy deserve to benefit from the wealth of this boom.
“The more than two million small businesses in Australia should be asking Bruce Billson why he is sitting idle while Tony Abbott promises to rip away the tax cuts Labor is delivering for them.
“It’s a sad day for Australia when the Liberal and National Parties vote against a tax cut for small businesses to give highly profitable mining companies a tax cut.”
Senator Arbib said the Government was delivering important changes this year to help small businesses which would be delivered thanks to the MRRT.
“From 1 July this year small businesses will be able to immediately write off all new assets valued under $6,500.
“If a small business buys a computer or desk or printer they can write off the cost of the asset in that tax year.
“Bruce Billson is happy to pretend to support small business but when it comes time to match his words with actions they are shown to be no more than hollow promises.”
Minister Arbib’s media contact: Josh McIntosh 0409 198 374
THE HON NICOLA ROXON MP
ATTORNEY GENERAL
THE HON JASON CLARE MP
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
MINISTER FOR JUSTICE
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 7 February 2012
CYBER CRIME REMINDER FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Attorney General Nicola Roxon and Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice Jason Clare are today reminding small businesses and their customers to be vigilant in protecting themselves against cyber crime.
Ms Roxon and Mr Clare today used ‘Safer Internet Day’ to release a report from the Australian Institute of Criminology into cyber threats faced by small business in Australia. The report identifies the most common cyber threats facing small business and outlines ways to combat them.
“Most small businesses can’t function without the internet,” Ms Roxon said.
“So it’s important small businesses can identify threats and can put in place measures to protect themselves and their customers.”
Mr Clare said small business account for around 95 per cent of all Australian businesses, contributing around 34 per cent of private industry value to the economy.
“Cyber attacks can stop a small business being productive and this can have wider economic implications for the country,” Mr Clare said.
“This report will help arm small business owners with the information about what attacks they are vulnerable to and how they can secure their business against cyber crime.”
Minister for Small Business Senator Mark Arbib said small business is at the heart of our economy and cyber-crime can have a devastating impact on a small business.
“We understand that many small businesses are already stretched and are time-poor, but they can save themselves a large headache by taking a few basic steps to protect themselves from cyber criminals,” Senator Arbib said.
“Small businesses may even be able to take advantage of a simple security strategy on cyber-crime by using it to build trust with their existing and future customers.”
To help protect against cyber attacks, small businesses can take the following actions:
• Install security patches to fix vulnerabilities in computer programs;
• Install firewalls to provide a barrier between computers and the internet to protect them from unauthorised access;
• Businesses trading on-line can offer a secure site for customers to enter personal information to authenticate data with a digital certificate;
• Introduce staff internet usage policies and security awareness training; and
• Improve physical security of computers and servers like keeping servers in secure rooms.
“With cyber threats constantly evolving, Australian small businesses need to remain vigilant to protect themselves,” Mr Clare said.
“Investing in cyber security measures now can save small business a lot of money and inconvenience in the future.”
Cyber threats:
The report identifies possible cyber security threats to Australian small businesses.
They include:
Malware:
Malware, or malicious software, includes viruses, worms, spyware and botware which can be used to send spam and conduct denial of service attacks.
This is the most common computer security issue for small business with 65 per cent experiencing one or more incident involving a virus and 44 per cent reporting spyware infections.
Wireless internet vulnerabilities:
Small businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are offering free wireless internet connection to customers.
Users could be at risk of having their sessions hijacked or their accounts and passwords hacked and stolen. Free wireless could also be use to download illegal content.
Online fraud:
Small business may be vulnerable to a number of online scams.
This includes the use of compromised or fraudulent credit card details to purchase goods. Overpayment scams involve the use a fraudulent or stolen credit card to overpay for goods – the seller is then out of pocket if it returns the overpaid amount before payment is cleared.
Compromised websites:
A hacked website can be used to host prohibited material or to deliver malware. This leads to a loss of reputation and potential illegal activity being conducted on a business’ website.
The report is available from the AIC website: http://aic.gov.au/
Media enquiries:
Attorney-General’s office: Chris Owens – 0409 945 476
Minister Clare’s office: Korena Flanagan – 0418 251 316
Minister Arbib’s office: Josh McIntosh – 0409 198 374
*******************************************************
THE HON JENNY MACKLIN MP
Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Minister for Disability Reform
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Sport
MEDIA RELEASE
7 February 2012
COALITION PARENTAL LEAVE TAX WILL HURT SMALL BUSINESS
Minister for Small Business Mark Arbib and Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin said Shadow Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson had again failed to stand up for small business within his own party.
Mr Billson continues to sit quiet in his party room as Tony Abbott promotes his discredited paid parental tax on business.
Senator Arbib said Tony Abbott’s $4.5 billion a year policy would see small businesses and consumers pay higher costs because his tax increase would be passed down the line.
“The Coalition’s plans to slug business with a new 1.5 per cent tax to pay for its PPL Scheme has been slammed by the business community as double taxation that will push up prices and cost jobs.” Senator Arbib said.
“Bruce Billson should focus his attention on standing up for small business within his own party by convincing his colleagues to dump their Paid Parental Leave Scheme which is a new tax on business.”
“Mr Billson just doesn’t seem to get it – Mr Abbott’s tax on business will immediately be passed down the line to small and medium businesses, particularly small retailers, with no compensation.
“And using Tony Abbott’s $5 million company income threshold, at least 400 businesses who have fewer than 20 employees will pay the tax, while letting some massive businesses with hundreds of employees off scott-free.
“Mr Billson should be honest with Australia’s more than 2 million small businesses and tell them Tony Abbott’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme is being paid for out of the pocket of small businesses.”
Ms Macklin said the Gillard Government’s Paid Parental Scheme delivered historic reform that was making a real difference for working families.
“We believe it is important for women to remain connected to their workplace when they take time off to have a baby,” Ms Macklin said.
“The Government's scheme is helping employers retain skilled staff and boost workforce participation.
“Unlike Tony Abbott’s scheme, which would favour women on higher incomes, our scheme is helping to give all eligible working parents financial support to stay at home and care for their baby full-time during the vital early months of social, cognitive and physical development.
“I don’t think it’s fair that Mr Abbott’s scheme would give some mothers $75,000 but others will receive the minimum wage, all paid for by taxpayers.”
Senator Arbib called on Mr Billson to support the Government’s tax cuts for small business which would be delivered thanks to the Minerals Resource Rent Tax.
“Bruce Billson and Tony Abbott have promised to rip away the tax cuts that Labor is delivering for small business.
“If Mr Billson was serious about supporting small business he would stand up to Tony Abbott and demand that the Liberal Party deliver on the tax cuts Labor is delivering.”
Minister Arbib’s media contact: Josh McIntosh 0409 198 374
Minister Macklin’s media contact: Kate Thwaites 0429 067 500
*********************************************************************
SENATOR THE HON MARK ARBIB
Assistant Treasurer
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Sport
MEDIA RELEASE
3 February 2012
SMALL BUSINESS URGED TO PLAN FOR TAX CUTS AND $6500 ASSET DEPRECIATION
Minister for Small Business Mark Arbib today reminded small businesses about the important changes being introduced to help them improve cash flow and reduce red tape.
A recent survey commissioned by Telstra Business and the Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) revealed many businesses weren’t aware of the Federal Governments tax cuts.
Senator Arbib said the Government was delivering important changes this year which will help small businesses by allowing them to plan their capital purchases and maximise cash flow.
“From 1 July this year we are changing the asset write off provisions for all small businesses and the changing depreciation arrangements for other assets – saving time, money and paperwork,” Senator Arbib said.
“This means small businesses will be able to immediately write off all new assets valued under $6,500.
“If a small business buys a computer for $3000, they can immediately write off the cost of the computer. This means the business can claim a deduction for $3000 in the first year in its tax return, as opposed to $450 in the first year under the current arrangements.
“In addition they will be able to write off up to $5,000 for new motor vehicles, meaning increased cash flow.
“A tradesman on a 30 per cent marginal tax rate buying a new $33,960 ute would receive an extra benefit of $1,275 in the year they purchased it. The rest of the purchase value can be transferred into the general small business depreciation pool, which will be depreciated at 15 per cent in the first year and 30 per cent in later years.”
Senator Arbib said the government understood how hard small business owners worked and often don’t have the time to read the papers or visit government websites to find out this important information.
“In my discussions with small business owners a common concern is the flow of information,” Senator Arbib said.
“I have made it a priority to improve this and will be working closely with peak industry bodies to ensure this information is passed on to small business owners in the most efficient way possible.”
Senator Arbib said the community must not forget that small business owners are people who put all their effort into running their business. They deserve strong support.
“The Government is committed to supporting Australian small businesses and will continue to work closely with the sector to ensure further growth,” Senator Arbib said.
Minister Arbib’s media contact: Sean Sammon 0417 137 419