Issue 126 May 2017

In a move that defies logic, the ACT Government is about to explore how much damage can be done to an employer brand by testing the age old principle of "you pay peanuts - you're going to get monkeys." In a 'forced choice' procurement exercise described by some in the industry as a 'process trap', the ACT Government have unilaterally...

Can you believe we are almost at the end of another financial year? While this may be of interest to those in the financial sector most business owners really don't care that much. Saying that, there are a few things you should pay attention to at this time, such as: Update your records: Use a proper record keeping system to...

The digital and technological divide between jobseekers' skills and employers' requirements has never been greater than it is today as we approach the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Of the new jobs added to our April to June Hays Quarterly Report of skills in demand, almost all require the knowledge and capabilities needed to utilise new emerging technologies and digital trends, from...

Having to represent yourself in family law litigation is a very difficult thing to do. Many couples are simply not in a position to resolve their disputes via the mediation process or by agreement, and find themselves involved in litigation about the division of their assets and also the parenting arrangements for their children. They often find it difficult to...

There will come a point when a business owner wishes to realise their investment. Whether for personal or financial reasons there are steps all owners can take to prepare their business for sale; to minimise tax, transactional costs and stress, and maximise the return. Grooming your business for sale can streamline the sale process. Even if the sale doesn't proceed,...

The Not for Profits (NFP) sector in Australia is considered diverse and large (approximately 600,000 NFPs in 2010 per the Productivity Commission report), contributing to annual revenue over $100 Billion and representing 8% of the Australia's workforce (ABS, 2016). With the chief goal of achieving missions beneficial to the public, NFPs are expected to meet a higher standard of public...

Last month I shared with you an overview of all the positive things the ACT economy has going for it at the moment. And certainly, the signs do look good. However, some industries are going through ups and downs and the experience of each individual business can be very different. For example, ABS figures released in August last year reported...

Last year, I released a vision of Canberra, where we achieve our ambition to be a world-leading 21st century city, playing to our strengths and using our natural advantages well. The Canberra: a statement of ambition document sets our city's goals for the next 20 years. And to achieve the vision, we need to be strong, bold and decisive. We...