Current Editorials
Fair Work Act
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The NES are set out in the Fair Work Act 2009 and comprise 10 minimum standards of employment. Each standard is covered in detail in separate fact sheets (see below), but in summary, the NES involve the following minimum entitlements
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A Great Local Buy Initiative - Wyong Shire Council
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Wyong Shire Council’s Councillor Emma McBride along with Wyong Regional Chambers’ Executive Manager Kevin Faulks has shown great initiative in providing a Local Preference Policy to be implemented this March. Local Preference Policy 'A local preference policy sends a strong message to the business owners and rate payers of the Shire that the Council supports them and I look forward to its implementation. I believe in the current economic climate that Council should demonstrate leadership, supporting local businesses and the creation of local jobs,' Clr Emma McBride Councillor Emma McBride gained unanimous support for the development of a local preference policy in May 2009 and a Councillor workshop followed in October. 'I believe in the current economic climate that Council should demonstrate leadership, supporting local businesses and the creation of local jobs, 'Clr Emma McBride. Director of Corporate Services David Jacks' report followed in November, recommending the adoption of a local preference policy. Supported by the Wyong Regional Chamber of Commerce, the policy will apply a weighting of up to 10% when evaluating tenders to businesses operating on the Central Coast. In 2008/09, Council's discretionary spend on goods & services was $120m, 36 % of which was spent outside the Central Coast. A Local Preference Policy will allow the expansion of that spend on the Central Coast potentially injecting millions of dollars into the local economy. 'The adoption of a local preference policy, built into the sustainability principles of procurement makes sound economic sense,' said Deputy Mayor Lisa Matthews. The Director of Corporate Services, David Jack recommended that the policy be adopted and indicated that it may be implemented as soon as March 2010, recognising that this policy meets Councils primary community obligation to be efficient and effective with its activities and its role in developing and stimulating the local economy. The Councillor workshop considered the policies of many rural & regional Councils with local price advantages of up to 10-15 %. For a local preference policy to be effective it must support the local economy and represent good value for rate payers, this policy strikes that balance. 'A local preference policy sends a strong message to the business owners and rate payers of the Shire that the Council supports them and I look forward to its implementation.' said Clr McBride. |
CENTRAL COAST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT...
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The NSW Government announced the Central Coast regional development vision to support 45,000 new jobs, new businesses and industries in the region over the next 20 year. Premier Keneally said the Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy (REDES) will support the growing population of the Central Coast – expected to be 405,000 by 2031 - an additional 100,000 people moving in. . “Our long-term plan for sustainable economic development in the Central Coast, will build jobs, industries, businesses, close to home for people living in this great region,” Ms Keneally said. . “We have worked closely with stakeholders, businesses and the community to create this vision for the Central Coast – we have listened to your priorities, and will now begin working to implement this strategy. . “The Central Coast is the ninth largest population centre in Australia and the third largest residential region in NSW – we will continue to support and plan for its bright future.” . Premier Kristina Keneally joined Minister for the Central Coast, Ian Macdonald, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, David Harris, at the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW - Hunter Institute Central Coast Campus, Ourimbah. . To develop the strategy, the Government consulted with more than 80 large business and regional stakeholders, 300 businesses small and medium enterprises and 400 individuals. . The REDES is a partnership between the NSW Government, the Regional Development Australia Central Coast (a State and Federally funded body), Gosford City, and Wyong Councils. This partnership will be honoured through a Regional Compact for Economic Development and Employment. . “Today we will sign a cooperative agreement to implement this strategy as quickly and as effectively as we can,” Ms Keneally said. . A taskforce, chaired by Minister Macdonald, has now been set up to manage the implementation of a broad range of improved government services to this vital regional hub. Each proposal will be given proper government consideration before they are implemented. . The Regional Economic Development and Employment Strategy (REDES) includes: . Strengthening the regional economy
Infrastructure to support economic growth “The REDES provides direction and priorities for creating real, lasting jobs, close-to home, for skilled, well-educated workforce over the next two decades,” Ms Keneally said. . The Regional Development Australia Central Coast - one of the partners - will lead the implementation of the REDES. A review of the strategy will be undertaken every five years. Minister for the Central Coast, Ian Macdonald, said the Compact is a commitment to the future of the Central Coast and is based on a number of key principles. Under the Regional Compact for Economic Development and Employment : “We are committed to working together to develop and implement plans and actions to enable these outcomes to be achieved. “The Compact reaffirms the commitment of all parties to ensure that we have a coordinated approach to sustainable economic development for the Central Coast region,” he said. “As part of the strategy I will Chair an Executive Group that will lead and monitor the implementation of the strategy and encourage the region’s future economic growth.” Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris, welcomed the strategy as a long term vision for the region. “The development of this strategy has involved extensive consultation with the local community across all levels of Government - providing a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of our region,” Mr Harris said. “The Central Coast is a great place to live and work and this strategy will encourage investment in the region.” |
Fair Work Information
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Fair Work Information Statement to help create better Australian workplaces Australian workers now have a new tool to help them better understand their workplace rights. A Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) has been released by the federal Fair Work Ombudsman. Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the statement aims to assist employees to understand their minimum entitlements and other workplace issues. “From January 1 this year, employers must provide a copy of the FWIS to all new employees either before, or as soon as possible after, they start work,” he said. “It is a two-page document which provides basic information for workers on matters that will affect their employment and points to where they can find out more.” The Fair Work Act requires the Fair Work Ombudsman to publish a Fair Work Information Statement explaining key aspects of Australia’s national workplace relation system. The Act provides a safety net of fair, relevant and enforceable minimum employment terms and conditions through the National Employment Standards (NES) that will come into effect on January 1, 2010. The statement covers the following topics:
The Fair Work Information Statement can be downloaded from Fair Work Online at www.fairwork.gov.au Mr Wilson says that with less than a month before important workplace relations changes take place, Fair Work Online has been updated to assist employers and employees alike with helpful information. A new-look Fair Work Online Homepage links web users directly to information on four key areas – the Fair Work Information Statement, the National Employment Standards, Modern Awards and Flexible Working Arrangements. The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent, statutory agency responsible for educating employers and employees about workplace rights and obligations, ensuring compliance with workplace laws and where appropriate, commencing proceedings for contraventions. Information is also available from the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am to 6pm weekdays. |
Keys to a successful exhibition at an event
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Marketing
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Marketing & Sales Effectively reaching your customer is critical for business success.
While this might seem obvious, it is an area which companies struggle with the most. No matter how good your product or service is, customers will not come and find you, you must go out and find them.
Marketing and sales go hand in hand, but they are two distinct functions within a company. In a small business, both functions may be carried out by the same person.
The marketing plan All businesses benefit from a marketing plan. A marketing plan should answer these questions:
Small business marketing tips The sales plan A sales plan helps to focus a company on reaching its revenue goals. A sales plan should contain:
A sales plan should be very action orientated and specifically define who is going to do what, when. While longer term goals can be stated, sales plans are generally more short term in nature so they can be easily monitored and updated.
Remember, it is more expensive to gain a new client than retain an old one. Therefore make sure your sales plan is not just targeted at new prospects, but takes into account retaining past and current clients. This can include customer loyalty programs, special discounts, client visits or additional service offerings. Information sourced from www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au |

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