ACT Chamber

Recently I gained a rare insight into the work of our fine men and women on the frontline as part of Exercise Boss Lift Top End and Exercise Pitch Black 14. A group of 23 bosses and senior managers from around Australia headed to Darwin to see a full range of core capabilities on display across Army, Navy and Air...

Most Australian workers are covered by a Modern Award set down by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (now known as the Fair Work Commission or FWC). Modern Awards are generally specific to a particular industry - such as Retail Sales, or Construction, or Restaurants - and set out the minimum wages and conditions of employment that apply by default to...

On June 11 an overwhelming majority of eligible members of the ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Chamber) voted in favour of creating a single organisation to represent the interests of business in Canberra and the region in conjunction with the Canberra Business Council (Council). The Boards of the Chamber and the Council have for some time been...

The 2014 ACT & Region Indigenous Expo was created in 2012 with the aim of continuously developing and growing effective partnerships between governments, training organisations and employers with the ACT and surrounding communities. The success of the 2012 Expo was overwhelming and this important community event has continued to grow, with 2014 shaping up to be the biggest yet! The...

There have been some significant changes around Privacy requirements recently that impact on the way that many employers should handle privacy issues. Firstly, significant amendments to the Australian Privacy legislation came into effect on 12 March 2014. The changes provide additional protections with regards to the use of data and restrict how Australian businesses collect, store and use data. The...

It would be difficult to exaggerate the value of networking to business however, the fact that a sizeable, but decreasing number of businesses don't take full advantage of the networking opportunities available to them is truly surprising. Networking can be a powerful and cost-effective tool when used properly, providing both businesses and their customers with tangible benefits, some of which...

As we swing into Autumn, so do our deliberations for the Federal Budget. The government's main economic document won't be announced until 13 May, but right now the Treasurer and his colleagues on the Expenditure Review Committee are deep in consultation deciding spending and policy priorities across all government portfolios. Make no mistake - this document will play a very...

In our recent submission to the ACT Government Budget Consultation process the Chamber took the chance to highlight that there are about 26,000 small businesses spread throughout Canberra and surrounding region contributing to the wellbeing of the ACT economy. Nationally, there are about two million small businesses providing seven million jobs, and contributing to half of the Australian economy. Sadly,...

Employers should be aware that a number of amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 will take effect from January 2014. First among these is a requirement for Modern Awards to contain greater obligations for employers to consult with workers about changes to rostered hours of duty. The new clause in Modern Awards will require employers to provide information to...

The ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry supports all business in the ACT and surrounding region, and is unique as our membership base is extremely diverse. Our members range in size from non-employers to national organisations and cover all industries. Canberra is a fantastic community, and we offer our members a strong business community here at the Chamber....

A partnership between the National Australia Bank, the Foundation for Young Australians and The Smith Family is making it easier for businesses to engage the next generation of young people by inspiring them to pursue careers that are rewarding and offer long term sustainability. Work Inspiration is a model for reinvigorating work experience that puts control into the hands of...

The ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry has been serving the Canberra business community for almost 80 years. Chamber members have access to advice on a range of issues regarding the employment of staff, varying other business matters, and we receive many calls from members to our Workplace Relations hotline. Regrettably, this year there has been a marked...

This is my first column for B2B since commencing in the role of Chief Executive, ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The passing of Dr Chris Peters earlier this year was felt throughout the Canberra community and I wish to acknowledge the professional manner of Chamber staff during this difficult time ensuring our member's needs were met. It...