Changes to industry codes on fair conduct, the definition of what is a small business employer for unfair dismissal provisions and the introduction of the paid parental leave scheme became effective from 1 January 2011. The new Competition and Consumer Act puts in place tougher enforcement powers that apply to all industry codes, including the…
The recent decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in HZXD v Innovation Australia [2010] AATA 879 highlights the importance of good record keeping for companies claiming benefits under the R&D Tax Concession Program. If you couple this with AusIndustry’s 2011 scheduled increase in compliance activities then good record keeping is money in your pocket. From 2011 Ausindustry plan to review 15%…
The courts have consistently held that confidential information created in the course of an employee’s employment belongs to the employer but what is meant by the term “in the course of employment.” Unlike copyright works and patentable inventions where ownership of the IP is important, the key issue with confidential information is how to keep…
Obtaining grants is a highly specialised field, and there are many stages to writing a grant proposal, such as identifying the need, designing the project, determining the grant opportunities, writing the grant applications and administering funds received. To further complicate things, the processes for pursuing federal, state, and private funds are very different. Many businesses…
The package of reforms hopes to improve the competitiveness of Australian companies with offshore operations by reducing the costs of complying with the CFC rules. They will also encourage foreign groups to establish regional headquarters in Australia and improve Australia’s attractiveness as a continuing base for our multinational companies. The exposure draft legislation takes into account…
If your business spends around $20,000 a year on electricity or employs around 10 people, you may be eligible for the Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program. The Program provides personalised energy assessments, tailored Energy Action Plans and a subsidy of up to $5,000 to pay for 50 per cent of the cost of installing…
Have you ever received a call from someone claiming you won a government grant? These callers often sound professional and use official names. They might say you earned a grant because you pay your taxes on time. Others claim you qualify for free money to fix your home or start a business. The reality is…
Applications for the Strategic Tourism Investment Grants opened today to give tourism operators the opportunity to revolutionise their products with project funding of up to $1 million to be matched dollar for dollar with private sector investment. The Strategic Tourism Investment Grants is part of a $40 million investment over 4 years in the tourism industry under the TQUAL Grants…
As part of the Government’s commitment to Regional Australia, the Government has allocated $1.4 billion in funding support to local communities. Of this, $1 billion has been provided to the Regional Development Australia Fund (with $573 million of this being subject to the passage of the Minerals Rent Resource Tax). The Regional Development Australia Fund…
The Australian Growth Partnerships (AGP) program is a new, competitive, merit-based pilot program managed by CSIRO, which is designed to assist SMEs overcome technological barriers by providing them with funds to access CSIRO research and development. The AGP program is designed to assist SMEs overcome existing technical issues, therefore providing them with an opportunity to significantly…
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