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When an offer on voluntary redundancy (VR) is made to an employee, it can raise several questions and considerations. It is recommended that an offer is not accepted without careful consideration of the financial and emotional impacts of a VR. Some considerations are outlined below. Firstly, look at the offer in segments. The actual redundancy is a calculation made on...

Workplace bullying and harassment are matters that should be taken seriously by all employers. In the Australian Capital Territory, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 clearly sets out a requirement for a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to take all reasonably practicable steps to provide "a work environment without risks to health and safety…", as well as...

For many people, the end of a relationship is a time of change and upheaval. One of the many things to think about after separating from your partner is how to divide property and finances. You may feel reluctant to begin that process. This is understandable, but delay in doing something about dividing your property may cause unexpected, and sometimes...

Canberra Business Council was recently appointed as the ACT and surrounding region's arm of Austrade's TradeStart Network. The prime objective of Austrade's TradeStart network is to assist small and medium sized exporters to achieve long-term success in international markets. It offers exporters the combined resources of Austrade and Canberra Business Council, providing local assistance and a direct link to overseas...

The recent article regarding the Prime Minister, Mr Tony Abbott, holding annual performance reviews with his ministers prompted me to think about how commonplace formalised evaluations have become across our society. While once it was the preserve of CEOs to undergo performance reviews, it's now commonplace for junior staff right through to the CEO and increasingly the board to complete...

Our firm hosts an annual not-for-profit networking event called "Sweatworking™". The term "Sweatworking" was created by our Director, Susan Proctor in 2012. Given our firm's considerable investment in the event, we sought to protect that investment by applying for a trade mark of the word "Sweatworking". Adverse report Once a trade mark application is lodged, it is reviewed by a...

The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) continues to bite sectors of the business community that have historically had little need for engagement in formal business arrangements. Recently, this firm has been involved in a number of matters relating to rental, hire or bailment of goods to companies that have become insolvent. The unfortunate outcome for the providers of the...

The Canberra business community is deeply disappointed and perplexed by the ACT Government's decision to further delay, u ntil after 2020, the development of a new convention centre for the Nation's Capital. As recently as 3 June 2014 the ACT Government committed $1.5 million to the next phase of the Australia Forum project to include the preparation of a detailed...

Outsourced bookkeeping and back-office accounting have become our primary means of engagement with small-and-medium businesses. While there are advantages and disadvantages to outsourced bookkeeping, this article solely considers the financial benefits for firms which have shifted from hiring part-time bookkeepers to outsourcing their bookkeeping and accounting functions. After all, a firm's bottom line is all about cost savings. Based on...

As home owners look for ways to maximise their investment, granny flats have seen a rise in popularity1. Classified as a 'secondary dwelling,' they sit separately to the main structure on a block and are self-contained, enabling the flat to be rented out independently for additional income. There are several considerations on whether a granny flat is suitable for either...

While redundancy was once considered an unwelcome sign of the times, the new corporate reality means it is becoming more likely that at some stage during your career you will be made redundant. Getting the right tax advice can help you make the most from a redundancy payment as you move into a new job. If you are thinking of...

New apartment-living options for over 60s enable active, social living for retirees who fear losing the daily interactions of the workplace. For many of us, the workplace is a source of daily interaction, social connection and mental stimulation that we will miss upon retirement - even if we're counting the days. There's a preconception that losing the daily stimulation of...

DARRYL'S DEN: FOCUSING ON ABILITY WORKING WITH RSM BIRD CAMERON TO PREPARE FOR THE NDIS Darryl's Den is a small not-for-profit organisation locally based in Holt, ACT. Run by volunteers, the organisation was named after local man, Darryl Hulin, who suffered an Acquired Brain Injury in a motorcycle accident. Darryl's Den has been operating for more than 10 years thanks...

ANZ Mobile Lending Canberra Southside and Weston Creek recently celebrated the opening of its new office located in Weston in the ACT. Members of Canberra's business community joined in the celebration including real estate agents, solicitors, media, and ANZ local representatives as well as Luke Symons (Head of ANZ Mobile Lending) and Vito Benforte (ANZ Mobile Lending Regional Manager). Director...

" MTAA SUPER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN A VERY GOOD POSITION WITH OVER 265,000 MEMBERS AND MORE THAN $7.5 BILLION IN FUNDS UNDER MANAGEMENT. " This year MTAA Super reaches a significant milestone - the celebration of its 25th anniversary. The quarter century milestone provides an opportunity for the Fund to reflect on the story so far, which includes a...

Climate change has the potential to affect all aspects of our society from the delivery of essential services to the environment in which we live. For a future with a more challenging climate, we need to be well prepared. A key challenge for the engineering profession is to ensure that as the climate changes, policies and infrastructure continue to support...