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LETTER FROM CANBERRA Saving you time. Three yearsLETTER on. After Letter from Melbourne, established FROM 1994. CANBERRA Saving you time. Three years on. After Letter from Melbourne, established 1994. A monthly newsletter distilling public policy and government A monthly decisions newsletter which distilling affect businesspublic policy opportunities and government in Australia decisions and beyond. which affect business opportunities in Australia and beyond.

Editorial iNtErEStiNG PolitiCalEditorial CHallENGES iNtErEStiNG PolitiCal CHallENGES

The New South Wales election result shows that the AustralianThe New Labor South Party Wales needs election to renovate result itselfshows that the Australian Labor Party needs to renovate itself after such a significant defeat, a very big challenge. Whichafter challenge such a significant spreads well defeat, beyond a very NSW. big challenge. Which challenge spreads well beyond NSW.

There are several areas of focus. First, Labor’s very origins,There values, are several objectives, areas and of focus. policies First, have Labor’s very origins, values, objectives, and policies have been replaced at a federal level, and in some recent statebeen campaigns, replaced at by, a federalsecondly, level, having and inan some recent state campaigns, by, secondly, having an emphasis on focus groups and the media, usually linkedemphasis in with battles on focus for groups marginal and seats. the media, This usually linked in with battles for marginal seats. This has all left Labor voters with little reason to vote the wayhas they all traditionallyleft Labor voters have. with little reason to vote the way they traditionally have.

The ALP has had significant changes from its original manifesto,The ALP has including had significant the renovation changes of itsfrom its original manifesto, including the renovation of its socialisation platform. But it had been maintaining its coresocialisation values until platform. more recent But it years.had been maintaining its core values until more recent years.

Next. In NSW, in particular, there have been the party apparatchiksNext. In NSW, who in particular, have controlled there havethings, been the party apparatchiks who have controlled things, including the national ALP secretary and immediate pastincluding NSW state the nationalsecretary ALP who secretary resigned and on immediate past NSW state secretary who resigned on the eve of the NSW election. the eve of the NSW... CONTINUED election. ON PAGE 2 ... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 autumn Edition autumn1 March Edition to 4 april 2011 1 March to 4 april 2011issue 32 issue 32 inside plus... pages 11 - 14 Latestinside Roy Morgan findings: Latest ‘Real’ Unemployment,plus... Roy Morgan Holiday Research Intentions results, and pp11-14 more plus... Roy Morgan Research results, pp11-14 • Climate change break-through. Household focus • • AbbottClimate (re) change defining break-through. liberal welfare Household focus focus • • BigAbbott business (re) definingpushing liberalskills welfare focus • Big business pushing skills • New South Wales result might flow on • • RegionalNew South refugee Wales centre result most might unlikely flow on • • SupermarketsRegional refugee and centreACCC most unlikely • Supermarkets and ACCC • Tax flood continues • • PMTax goes flood to continues Washington • • PokiesPM goes get tonational Washington focus • Pokies get national focus • Julia redefines Labor/Green relationship • • GSTJulia redistribution, redefines Labor/Green states challenge relationship • • ToughGST redistribution,Federal budget states due challenge • Tough Federal budget due • Julia and Rudd not getting friendlier • • BroadbandJulia and Ruddstill in not the getting news! friendlier • • $AUDBroadband 1.04 still in the news! • $AUD 1.04 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

14 Collins Street aBoUt tHE Editor ALISTAIR URQUHART Melbourne, 3000 Alistair Urquhart graduated from the Australian National University in Canberra, in Law, History Victoria, Australia and Politics, was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, and P 03 9654 1300 remains a (non-practicing) member of the Law Institute of Victoria. Before that, he graduated F 03 9654 1165 from high school in Bethesda, Maryland, and had many opportunities to become aware of the [email protected] workings of Washington DC. For 30 years, he listened every Sunday evening to the late Alistair www.letterromcanberra.com.au Cooke and his Letter From America.

Editor Alistair Urquhart His early career was mostly in the coal industry, where he became involved with energy, associate Editor Gabriel Phipps environmental and water issues, and later in the SME finance sector. His public affairs firm Nick Johns-Wickberg works with many engineering and information technology firms, other professional association Subscription Manager Camilla Orr-Thomson and industry groups, on a wide range of issues, in Victoria, Canberra and overseas. Urquhart advertising Manager Eddie Mior visits Canberra regularly. He may hold the record for miles rowed on Lake Burley Griffin. Editorial Consultant Rick Brown assistant Editor/design Richard Hamilton Editorial continued... Letter from Canberra is focused on the interface Elsewhere as well as in NSW, there exists a narrow stratum of people who are more interested in of business and government, with enough politics power than in anything else, with their own little factions, with an amazing (literally) propensity for and bureaucracy to understand the, or any, intermarrying among federal and state MPs, and with lay party folk who seek more immediate benefits relevant business opportunities. rather than an appreciation of the traditional focus of the A LP. We have been publishing Letter from Canberra’s sister publication Letter From Melbourne, a Beyond an appreciation of history, this editor reckons that this NSW election has highlighted the fact public policy digest, for 16 years. Commencing that the political scene is moving on. As school students in politics classes, we learned that each of with the Kennett era corporatisation and the major parties, Labor and Liberal, had approximately 45 percent of the vote, with about 10 percent privatisation of energy and other utilities and swinging at each election. Now, of course, Labor is down well below that. A new group, the Greens, the other fresh broom approach of a new with an inner-city focus by residency but with demands on issues well beyond the electorates and jobs government, where we focused on business where its leaders are based, has morphed out of, or alongside, the A LP. This month, the Prime Minister opportunities. Increasingly, we included matters is saying that Green values are not Labor values. A big breakthrough. in the other states and adopted a more federal focus. The second main issue this month is climate change, with one climate change leader, Ross Garnaut, at The recent change in federal government opens last breaking the code and actually telling voters what each household might pay under climate change up new business opportunities, particularly the arrangements, rather than the Government and the Opposition which have both been talking in dollars government’s new emphasis on climate change, per tonne per generator! carbon trading, water, industrial relations, Quotes from history... education, information technology and the Our cover recognises an iconic Australian painting: Shearing traditional sectors. the Rams, painted by Tom Roberts in 1890. The union I don’t make jokes. I just watch For many years, our other publications have movement grew out of the shearing sheds and the ports, government and report the facts. included the well-known federal government and then out of the manufacturing industry. This movement - Will Rogers Departmental Wall Chart. (NOW AVAILABLE at 03 was the very basis for the Australian Labor Party, which 96541300 or affairs.com.au)) We conduct seminars won, briefly, its first national election just three years after Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean and informal luncheons and meetings in Melbourne, federation, in 1904. The painting is in the Ian Potter Gallery at Canberra and Sydney. politics won’t take an interest in you. Federation Square in Melbourne. - Pericles (430BC) Most people have their clipping services and a range of email products/newsletters/etc. At the Our free offer to subscribers this month is to meet you, by Democracy must be something end of the month, Letter From Canberra gives a arrangement, at the Gallery for coffee and Rams, followed by a more than two wolves and a sheep broad overview of what has been going on, not Spring Street tour of vital historical buildings and monuments voting on what to have for dinner. just in one industry but across all industries and of Victorian and Australian history. We can do this at the - James Bovard, civil libertarian the world of business and government generally. weekend so you can bring the family. Please consider my (1994) Objective. Independent. Read it on the plane. Or at history tour offer, Melburnians or ‘out of towners’. a coffee shop in New York. And then give it to a friend who is interested in Australia.

Cover: Shearing the Rams by Tom Roberts. iNdEX IN APPROXIMATE ORDER OF INTEREST Modifications made to work in the public domain. Copies available upon request. GoVErNaNCE. NatioNal. ElSEWHErE 3 BaNKS 19 CliMatE CHaNGE. ENViroNMENt. ENErGY 5 rESoUrCES 19 CarBoN taX 6 dEFENCE 19

Published by A.B Urquhart & Company Pty Ltd trading as Affairs of BroadBaNd & iCt 9 iNFraStrUCtUrE 19 State. Disclaimer: Material in this publication is general comment a tiMElY ViEWPoiNt 9 ViEWPoiNt: SWaGS For HoMElESS 20 and not intended as advice on any particular matter. Professional advice should be sought before action is taken. Material is iNdUStrial rElatioNS. EMPloYMENt 10 EdUCatioN 20 complied from various sources including newspaper articles, press releases, government publications, Hansard, trade journals, BUSiNESS. ECoNoMY. taX 15 HEaltH 21 etc. © This newsletter is copyright. No part may be reproduced, ViEWPoiNt: rEtHiNK larGE it ProJECtS 16 aGriCUltUrE & WatEr 21 stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, JUStiCE 17 SoCiEtY 22 recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission iMMiGratioN 18 NatUral diSaStErS 23 from the publisher. Affairs of State respects your privacy. ForEiGN aFFairS 18 aPPoiNtMENtS. JoBS. tENdErS 23

2 LETTER FROM CANBERRA

New man in opposition to achieve their expected coup in two of Labor’s GOVERNANCE. John robertson was elected to lead the New South prized inner-western Sydney seats, Marrickville and Wales Labor party. The Australian reported that he was Balmain. The party remains unrepresented in the New NATIONAL. unopposed at the caucus, taking his new position just South Wales lower house. ELSEWHERE days after moving from the upper house to the lower house at the state election. Robertson, now 48-years- No signs of Combet over leadership Bean counters get to work old is a former union leader who went on to become According to The Australian, Climate Change Minister The federal cabinet’s powerful expenditure review Transport Minister in the last Labor government. He Greg Combet backed away from Bob Hawke’s committee has put government departments on was quoted as saying he would be ‘the most energetic endorsement that he should succeed Julia Gillard notice. According to The Australian Financial Review, opposition leader this state has ever seen’. as Labor leader. Responding on the ABC’s Insiders ministers were told to find a new round of budget program, Combet said Hawke’s comments had savings from their portfolios in order to fund a natural Keating on robertson probably come after ‘a few glasses of red wine, if disaster bill that threatens to reach $8 billion. As soon as John robertson was tipped to become anything.’ leader of the New South Wales Labor Party in Barry o’Farrell wins opposition, he came under attack. In a television the lNP’s new-man Federal Labor member for Fraser, ACT, andrew leigh appearance, former Prime Minister Paul Keating Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman threw made humorous observation on the New South Wales branded Robertson a politician without moral his hat into the ring as leader of the Queensland election landslide in The Australian Financial Review. authority, who would be ‘lead weight in the saddle- Opposition Liberal-National Party. The Financial He remarked that there were similarities between bags’ of Julia Gillard’s federal government. The Age Review said the audacious bid for the state’s top job Barry o’Farrell’s victory, and that of Australian Gold said that Keating stood by a prediction he made in would require most political conventions to be thrown medallist speed skater Steven Bradbury’s 2002 2008, in a scathing letter to Robertson, that the Labor out the window. LNP president Bruce Mciver gave a Winter Olympic triumph. Bradbury won his event Party would have no future in New South Wales if it strong endorsement of Newman, saying that he would when his four opponents crashed into one another got ‘so low’ as to require his services. In The Age, be ‘most welcome’ to make the move into Queensland and fell to the ice, allowing him to cruise past their Peter Costello contributed that ‘NSW Labor was one politics. The Australian said Newman was uncontested tangled bodies, and into the history books. giant Ponzi scheme which has now collapsed’. when he won preselection for the Labor-held seat of Ashgrove, in Brisbane’s inner-northwest. Even though Barry breaks election promise Unparliamentary conduct he is yet to win the seat, ABC online reported that The Australian reported that freshly elected New Social researcher and author Hugh Mackay Newman was elected leader of the opposition by his South Wales premier Barry o’Farrell quickly broke commented in The Age on the state of parliamentary LNP colleges on April 4. an election pledge by dumping several frontbenchers. proceedings in Australia. He described the existing The move reduced the numbers of his Nationals style of political discourse as ‘schoolyard scrapping’, Government plays the hokie pokie and wins coalition partners and left only five women in his 22 claiming that ‘by world standards, Australian The Australian’s Nikki Savva wrote a commentary strong cabinet. parliamentary behaviour is appalling.’ piece on gaming laws and the Gillard Government’s seemingly half-hearted efforts to discourage problem Bipartisan appointments NSW has a hole in bucket gambling. She noted that, while Labor is looking for According to The Australian Financial Review, New The New South Wales State Treasury told incoming ways to tackle problem gambling, mainly stemming South Wales premier Barry o’Farrell appointed Premier Barry o’Farrell that there was a $4.5 billion from poker machines, it is also receiving vast former Labor advisers to ‘top public sector jobs’. Chris hole in the government’s budget. The Financial Review amounts of revenue from the pokies which often goes Eccles was appointed head of the department of the reported the warning also alleged that the state’s AAA unnoticed. She cited the example of the Canberra Premier, after previously holding the position for South credit rating could be under threat, which may force Labor Club, which has donated over $2 million to Australia’s Labor government. the new Coalition administration to reassess its policy Labor since 2006, almost exclusively consisting of agenda. money made from poker machines. Seat goes green After a close race, the Greens have won the New National’s NSW success Wilkie on pokie reform South Wales seat of Balmain. The Age reported that The Australian predicted that the New South Wales Federal Independent MP andrew Wilkie laid down candidate Jamie Parker beat Liberal James Falk National Party would push for a bigger role in the the gauntlet to Labor on poker machine laws, saying by more than 1,000 votes. The lower house seat in state’s new Coalition government. Emboldened by a he will withdraw his support for Gillard’s minority the state’s inner-west is the first in the history of the strong electoral performance, in which they picked up government if they are not backed. However, The Greens. seven additional seats, the Nationals are expected to Australian reports that the proposed laws, including champion a range of policies targeted at the regions mandatory gambling limits, have ‘divided the and the bush. The Greens, on the other hand, failed

3 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

government benches’, with the clubs industry lobbying question time, saying that Parliament is ‘degenerating hard to keep current poker machine arrangements. into bouts of nastiness.’ However, Kitney praised tony abbott’s quote: ‘Having the guts to say before an Barrage of threats to Windsor election that you will introduce a new tax constitutes The Australian reported that the Australian Federal real leadership. Those are the guts that this Prime Police were investigating death threats against Minister does not have.’ He also congratulated Julia independent MP tony Windsor, who has been Gillard for saying: ‘His (Abbott’s) fear campaign on receiving up to 500 abusive emails a day since his dollars and cents ends today because he himself has decision to side with Labor. Windsor and his fellow acknowledged there is not enough information to independent MP rob oakeshott have both been at know what the price is.’ the centre of an angry backlash from voters in their electorates, who are furious at their choice of Labor Gillard finding carbon debate taxing over Liberal. According to a front-page article in The Australian, Julia Gillard’s controversial carbon tax plan damaged Mocking the suburbs her leadership, negatively affected public support for Greg Melleuish, associate professor in the school of action on global warming, and dropped Labor to its history and politics at the University of Wollongong, lowest primary support level on record. Statistics from wrote an opinion article in The Australian entitled Newspoll showed that, as of March, tony abbott was ‘Polls are won in the suburbs’, which argued that closer to Gillard as preferred prime minister than he Labor should stick with its suburban ‘Aussie battler’ had ever been. roots and stop changing its policies to try and court the Green vote. Polls look ruddy bad for Gillard Newspoll results delivered a further blow for Julia tax robs Keneally of campaign gas Gillard, showing that Kevin rudd was still preferred Already embattled NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to her as Labor leader, nine months after she deposed was further robbed of election momentum before him. Greg Sheridan wrote a related article in The March 26 by Julia Gillard’s proposed carbon tax, Australian, saying that very little has improved in the with more than 75 per cent of voters unconvinced Labor leadership since Gillard took over from Rudd. He the measure would do anything to help the quoted an anonymous ALP caucus member who said environment, according to an article in The Australian. that ‘the only difference (since) last year is that now The information was obtained by internal Liberal we’re led by a ranga instead of the Ruddster.’ Party opinion polling that was then provided to The Australian. Gillard kicks goals on White House visit She said she was more likely to play at full-forward We’re just too different… for the Western Bulldogs than challenge for the Labor The Australian’s Paul Kelly wrote a lengthy feature leadership, and if her recent White House exploits are article on the many problems stemming from the anything to go by, Julia Gillard might not have been formal alliance between Labor and the Greens. His lying. Gillard made headlines around Australia for her main argument was that the two parties have deeply game of Aussie kick-to-kick with Barack obama in conflicting ideologies, and that for as long as this is the Oval Office. The Australian’s Matthew Franklin the case, there will always be numerous setbacks to gave a positive analysis of Gillard’s visit, describing her any policy decision. clichéd speeches and gifts as ‘Vegemite diplomacy’ but saying that it was well-managed and effective. Greens need to trim edges A follow-up article, also in The Australian, reported Greens leader Bob Brown came under political and a strengthening of Gillard’s commitment to the US’s diplomatic pressure to rein in his party’s senator- military efforts in Afghanistan, and her concession elect lee rhiannon. Rhiannon, whom The Australian that the war would last at least a few more years. described as ‘hard-left’, has been courting controversy by maintaining her support for a radical boycott of tearjerker Julia Israel. Brown rejected Julia Gillard’s assertion that If it hadn’t been delivered in that trademark Aussie the Greens had been hijacked by socialist ideologues, twang, one could be forgiven for thinking that Julia but chastised his college for her radical anti-Israel Gillard’s speech to the US Congress had been made stance. by the most patriotic of Americans. The Australian’s Matthew Franklin, who was in Washington DC Brown blushes red to witness the speech, described the speech as After the tony abbott appeared at a conservative rally, ‘drenched in overblown rhetoric, even corniness, but Greens Leader Bob Brown demanded an apology expertly tailored to tug at US heartstrings.’ from him. Brown claimed that the opposition leader should apologise for a poster at the demonstration Sa Premier at risk of becoming an also-rann referring to Julia Gillard as ‘Bron’s bitch’ which he South Australian Premier Mike rann is Australia’s labled ‘offencive’. However, the Herald Sun revealed longest serving current state leader, but devastating that Brown recently hired an economics adviser who’s opinion poll figures showed that his reign might be comedy act features a pig called amanda Vanstone. coming to an end, The Australian reported. Figures released on March 10 showed the Rann government’s that was uncalled for… primary support was only 29 per cent, the lowest The Australian Financial Review’s Geoff Kitney wrote since 1995. Rann has been Premier since 2002. an article criticising politicians’ behaviour during

4 LETTER FROM CANBERRA

Windsor pokie deal under fire the same number of seats as Labor, but were unable BooK: Great Crises of Capitalism The poker machine deal that helped Labor form a to form a minority government. P. d. Jonson is a keen reader of Letter from minority federal government with the New South Wales Canberra and we are pleased to feature his new Independent tony Windsor came under increased denying the climate skeptic label book, Great Crises of Capitalism. pressure from clubs, who claimed that the deal will In federal parliament Christopher Pyne defended his threaten their future, The Australian Financial Review colleague after Julia Gillard labelled tony abbott a Formerly Chief reported. Julia Gillard promised the independent MP ‘climate change denier’. The Australian said Pyne’s Economist at the that Labor would implement his reforms as part of the complaint claimed the prime minister was trying to Reserve Bank, P. D. deal to form minority government, but now she has paint the Liberals as ‘climate change extremists’ and Jonson – who has also just two months to convince state governments to that the term was deliberately reminiscent of the term written in Quadrant, agree to the reforms. ‘Holocaust denier’. The Australian and elsewhere for more Forgetting the aBC of balanced journalism CLImATE CHANGE. than a decade under After an episode of the political show Q&A in which the nom de plume Julia Gillard was accused by whistle-blower Julian ENVIRONmENT. Henry thornton – assange of treason, The Australian’s dennis summarises four Shanahan launched a scathing criticism of the ABC, ENERGy centuries of capitalism, a period which has included describing its treatment of the PM as ‘worse television terrible wars, as well as much financial instability terrorism than Seven’s “shit happens” ambush on Electric prices to shock that seems to be occurring ever more often. Dr tony abbott.’ An update from ross Garnaut to Julia Gillard was Jonson argues in this shown to The Australian. Professor Garnaut put work against imposing Sticking together the cost of a carbon tax at $4 to $5 a week for the ever more constricting One week before the NSW state election, The average household. He called for an urgent inquiry regulations, and thereby Australian’s NSW political correspondent imre into a ‘prima facie’ case of price ‘gouging’ caused by killing the goose that Salusinszky noted that, for the first time in history, poor electricity regulation in Australia. The update to lays the golden eggs. the Liberal party would likely win enough seats to the prime minister was the eighth and final revision Devising sensible set up its own government without the help of the before a comprehensive second report is due at the policies, he maintains, National Party. However, Salusinszky said that there end of May. Federal Energy Minister Martin Ferguson can and will reduce was no reason to believe the Liberals would break up quickly rejected Garnaut’s call for more regulation on the damage down by the Coalition, and that the National Party would be electricity markets, and denied that price rises were economic downturns. represented in the government. the result of ‘gouging’ by electricity generators. This book deserves the attention of governments, professional investors, and managers of (individual PM not so progressive Start small on carbon tax or family) finances. The Australian’s Sid Maher wrote an article arguing The Australian Financial Review reports that Treasury that Julia Gillard’s stance against gay marriage and has advised the Gillard government to start with a ‘thought provoking, visionary and challenging, euthanasia show her to be a cultural conservative, low carbon tax to ensure a smooth transition to an Great Crises of Capitalism is a rare insight into and not the progressive thinker that many had once emissions trading scheme. The report estimates a $30 the history and future of the world economic regarded her as, despite the fact that she is an carbon tax could cost Australian households an extra order.’ unmarried atheist. $863 per-year. Households should be compensated Stewart McArthur MA CANTAB, Former MP in the through tax cuts, Treasury said, but reportedly warned Howard Government Swan left with voids to fill against making the cuts so generous as to redistribute Australia’s spate of natural disasters, and the wealth. ‘Since the scheme’s primary purpose is to ‘there are few more exciting or consequential increasingly important debate over a carbon tax, change behaviour it should not be used to change stories in the history of our civilisation than distracted the federal government from finding the distribution of the tax burden across different the boom and bust of markets and capitalist replacements for a number of key economic and incomes,’ Treasury officials said. economies. Jonson paints a long history with regulatory roles that will soon become vacant, The confident strokes, clarity and good humour, Financial Review reported. Treasurer Wayne Swan Garnaut the great capturing the recurring excitement. a book that came under increased pressure to fill the positions, ‘The brilliant, successful and these days seemingly you won’t put down until the last boom has including two key places on the board of the Reserve omnipresent ross Garnaut’ has his economics career busted … and then you will wonder about the Bank of Australia. The other positions that needed put under the microscope by Chris Kenny of The boom and bust that come next.’ filling were for the chairman of ASIC and the chairman Australian, who found that the climate change adviser Professor Ross Garnaut, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, of the ACCC. may not be as infallible as some have made out. Kenny University of Melbourne wrote that ‘Garnaut’s influential forecasts on climate Gillard points barrel at o’Farrell change are those of an economist, not a scientist, and ‘Great Crises of Capitalism is heavy-duty In her speech at the NSW Labor Party’s election may be as rubbery as some of his past economics economics disguised as a good read. Peter campaign launch, Prime Minister Julia Gillard took a forecasts’. A number of Garnaut’s predictions that Jonson presents a thoughtful analysis of one swipe at Liberal leader Barry o’Farrell, saying that he were way off the mark were given as evidence of his of the most important (and worrying) problems wasn’t revealing his policies ‘because he knows that imperfections. facing capitalist economies, the world over; what he’s got planned will not be supported by the extreme volatility in financial markets leading families of NSW.’ Carbon price comparisons to widespread crisis and the consequent The Australian Financial Review says the Productivity damage done to citizens, commerce and tasmanian liberal now on mainland Commission has warned against relying too heavily industry.’ Jonathan Hawks of the Tasmanian Liberals will on international comparisons of carbon schemes to take up a senior posting with his party in Canberra, determine how to price carbon in Australia. Malcolm Richmond; (former) Executive Director, reported The Financial Review. Hawks was state Hamersley Iron; (current) Visiting Professor, director of the party for three years. He oversaw the Business School, University of Western Australia election campaign last year, in which the Liberals won

5 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011 abbott vs abbott Fossil fuel subsidies face the axe Niki Savva, columnist in The Australian, commented Up to 17 fossil fuel subsidies – costing a total of CARbON TAx that tony abbott failed to take his own advice on how more than $8 billion a year – may have to be cut for to discuss the carbon tax. Only two weeks after telling Australia to fulfil a commitment it made to the G20, ridout refuses to support carbon tax his cabinet to stick to economic arguments against The Financial Review reported. The subsidies, whose According to The Australian, Labor’s closest business the tax, and avoid being drawn on an environmental existence the government originally denied to the adviser, Heather ridout, refused to throw her weight debate, ‘there he was doing the exact opposite’. international forum, need to be scrapped in order behind a carbon tax, sparking further calls from Savva remarked that ‘there is no threat to Abbott’s for the government to honour its commitment to tony abbott for the plan to be scrapped. Ridout, the leadership now, except the threat he poses to himself’. ‘eliminate or phase out inefficient fossil fuels.’ Australian Industry Group chief executive, would not support Julia Gillard’s proposal to introduce a fixed renewable energy costs Solar boom takes the wind out of energy carbon price from July 1, 2012, and an emissions Graham lloyd, environmental editor for The The Australian reported that a huge increase in solar trading scheme three to five years later. ‘The jury is Australian, wrote an interesting piece about efficiency panel sales poses a threat to wind-farm developments very much still out on the introduction of a carbon in the renewable energy sector. He writes that ‘solar in Australia over the next three years, and that the price in Australia, with industry very concerned about energy is non-polluting but the burning question is low price of energy makes it impossible to justify the competitive impacts,’ Ridout told The Australian. how to produce it cost-effectively’. The discussion is investment in the industry. Experts have warned that Geoff Carmody, a co-founder of Access Economics particularly pertinent in the context of the unfolding the price of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and former senior officer in the Treasury, wrote an Japanese nuclear crisis and the Gillard government’s needed to be $45-$50 to spark investment in wind opinion piece in The Australian that was highly critical carbon tax plan. energy, $10-$15 above the price as of early March. A of the proposed trading scheme, saying that it would related article in The Financial Review reported much ‘be bad both for Australia and the world.’ A subsequent Queensland floods, Victoria and NSW pay more drastic figures, with a spokesperson from wind article in The Australian reported that independent MP The Financial Review reported on the Commonwealth power producer Infigen Energy saying that the price tony Windsor was also among those not prepared Grants Commission’s flood relief calculations, needed to be closer to $100. One REC represents one to support Gillard’s carbon tax. The Financial Review which showed that NSW and Victoria, much to the megawatt hour of renewable electricity generation. quoted Windsor as saying that Labor had ‘jumped the anger of their state premiers, will actually pay more Another recommendation for the wind energy industry gun’ with its proposal. The Financial Review’s laura than Queensland for that state’s flood and cyclone to become more viable would the imposition of higher tingle later wrote that Windsor ‘holds the key to the reconstruction. Embattled Queensland will pay only 5 than expected price on carbon. emissions plan’, because of his strong position in per cent of the total $5.8 billion damage bill, with the Parliament. rest to be paid by the other states, sparking calls for a Which ranks higher, the Bishop or the review of the funding rules. abbott? Gillard and turnbull carbon copies on policy Julie Bishop contradicted her boss tony abbott It might have cost him his position as leader of the Cost of staying green? Just pay as you by saying that Australia must still consider nuclear Liberal Party, but Malcolm turnbull has remained pollute power, despite the recent nuclear disaster in Japan. faithful to the creation of a carbon tax, and now he is Environmentalists have called for motorists to pay for The Australian reported that Bishop went against throwing his support behind political foe Julia Gillard. the full cost of their greenhouse pollution, suggesting Abbott’s party line, which was that the Coalition had Geoff Kitney wrote an article in The Financial Review that cost-of-living increases should be compensated no policy to promote nuclear power. comparing the two opposing politicians’ surprisingly for through the tax and welfare system, not by giving similar stances, and highlighting the irony that, at discounts at the petrol bowser. In a similar vein, Murray’s no darling in government’s eyes present, they are each other’s greatest supporters. The Australian reported that ross Garnaut, the david Murray, chairman of the $71 billion Future A Newspoll published in The Australian showed that government’s climate change adviser, argued against Fund, was no certainty to be re-appointed to his Gillard had suffered setbacks in the pivotal state of the exclusion of transport from a future carbon pricing position, The Financial Review reported. Murray, Queensland since she announced the carbon tax. The scheme. ‘It is hard to see the case for exempting whose term expired in early April, has been publically ALP’s primary vote slipped below its disastrous level petrol,’ Professor Garnaut said, with his reason critical of several government initiatives, including the at last August’s election, to 46 per cent two-party being that the government would end up paying the mineral resource rent tax and the national broadband preferred. cost of any special exemptions. Beth Webster and network. This attitude has done him no favours in the russell thomson, both from the Melbourne Institute eyes of certain Labor politicians. abbott would scrap carbon tax of Applied Economic and Social Research, wrote an The Financial Review reported that Opposition leader opinion piece in The Australian supporting Garnaut’s Carbon offset ideas wanted tony abbott would abolish Labor’s planned carbon argument. Their main contention was that, if petrol The Department of Climate Change and Energy tax after the release of new figures showing that, even were not taxed, the huge difference would have to be Efficiency ran an advertising campaign requesting if the price were as low as $15 per tonne of emissions, unfairly made up by the coal and gas-based electricity submissions with ideas on methods to reduce carbon the scheme would still cost Australian big business industries. pollution from Australian farms. Submissions can be about $5 billion a year. Abbott subsequently admitted made year-round on their website. his belief that climate change was real, but stuck Good luck! by his stance that a tax was not the solution to the The Australian says the Greens will attempt to use Cold shoulder on coal compensation problem. ‘I am all in favour of doing the right thing by their position as possible kingmakers in Queensland’s The federal government’s chief climate change the environment because we’ve only got one planet, up-coming Queensland election to demand a advisor, ross Garnaut, criticised compensation for and we’ve got to look after it, and we’ve got to hand it moratorium on the state’s mining industry. Greens coal-fired electricity generators provided for under on to our kids and grandkids in better shape than we spokeswoman larissa Walters told the paper a carbon tax. The Age wrote that the final update found it. But we have to do it in ways that don’t make the major issue facing the state was the rapid to his 2008 climate change review declared the the life of ordinary people worse,’ Abbott said. development of the mining industry. ‘Both parties billions of dollars in compensation to be unnecessary. seem to be equally committed to a big expansion of He recommended a loan guarantee system as a Your jobs will still be safe, cough cough the coal industry and the creation of a new coal seam better alternative. The update also found evidence Climate Change Minister Greg Combet declared that gas industry,’ she said. Walters will enter the Senate that electricity distributors had been allowed by even jobs in high-polluting industries will remain safe on July 1. government regulators to make too much money on under Labor’s carbon pricing scheme, The Australian investments in infrastructure. reported. Combet was confident that Labor would strike a deal with the Greens that would keep jobs

6 LETTER FROM CANBERRA

NURTURING IDEAS

INSPIRING MINDS

CREATING FUTURES

The conference that changes minds 16–18 November 2011 Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

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Experience over 35 world class Australian and international keynote speakers, leaders, artists and thinkers AND master classes, deep conversations, “Thank you for hosting the best performances and a gala dinner. conference I’ve ever attended. Featuring: You pulled off an amazing, Raymond Kurzweil (USA leading entrepreneur life changing event like it “The Singularity”) was routine. I feel inspired Dr Edward de Bono (UK) and re-energised to be a change Professor Daniel Dennett (USA leading cognitive scientist agent at work.” & philosopher) Paddy Miller (USA “The Innovation Architect”) Delegate from CSC Professor Stephen Heppell (UK education & technology guru) Brendan Boyle (Partner IDEO, Design Thinking Stanford) Dr Troy Flanagan (USA Ski & Snowboard Association) Alison Watkins (CEO Graincorp) Simon McKeon (Australian of the Year) Michael Rennie (Managing Partner McKinsey & Co.) Mike Smith (CEO ANZ Bank) Steve Vamos (President Society of Knowledge Economics) “ The challenges and opportunities Mehrdad Baghai (Author “As One”) Pip Marlow (Managing Director Microsoft Australia) of a super-connected world” James Moody (CSIRO) Dr Rufus Black (Thought leader, ethicist) A rare opportunity to learn, think, connect Hugh Mackay (Social researcher) and share ideas with some of the world’s most Dr Amantha Imber (Inventium) influential thinkers under one roof. Inspire your Deborah Cheetham (Indigenous opera singer) leadership and achieve business success. Victor Finkel (2011 World Debating Champion) Don’t miss Creative Innovation 2011! Tania de Jong AM (Founder Creative Universe) Stefan Cassomenos (Composer, Conductor, Pianist) Charles Kovess (Australia’s Passion Provocateur) And more..... Chairs and Ambassadors: Hugh Morgan AC, Sir Gus Nossal AC, Allan Fels AO and others...

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QaNtaS lends its wings to tax In what might be seen as an unlikely show of support, QANTAS chief executive alan Joyce threw his weight Coffee, Minister? behind the Labor government’s proposed carbon tax. Joyce told The Financial Review that a carbon A guide to Melbourne’s political scene featuring price was an essential step in weaning Australia’s ministerial offices, government offices and nearby energy and transport industries off coal-fired energy coffee shops. and non-sustainable fuels. Joyce, whose airline spends $3.7 billion on fuel annually, said it was also Whether you’re a visitor or a veteran, it’s your essential of Australia to meet its emissions reduction handy guide to Melbourne’s laneways. commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.

Order online at www.affairs.com.au From little tax, big tax grows Results of a report by the Australian National University which were published in The Financial Review suggested that any carbon tax implemented in the coal industry safe, after Greens leader Bob that current policy fails in the most important area: by the Gillard government should start small, but Brown’s declaration that his party was ‘open to ensuring business certainty. would need to increase rapidly in coming years. looking at the impact on trade-exposed industries.’ The report said that it was politically impractical to Union leaders subsequently called for tariffs on tax: yes, tariffs: no introduce the carbon tax at the required level, but imports from countries without a carbon tax, in a bid A front-page article in The Australian reported Trade that once the public had become used to the tax, to secure Australian jobs further. Minister Craig Emerson’s outright rejection of the rate would need to rise rapidly in order to have the suggestion that Australia should subject other any appreciable effect on carbon emission levels. A rio demands carbon compensation countries to trading tariffs if they refuse to toughen subsequent article in The Australian said that charges The Australian reported mining giant Rio Tinto’s their environmental laws. Dr Emerson said that on greenhouse emissions could rise by up to 315 per demands for more generous compensation and protectionism and trade barriers risked pushing cent when the carbon tax is changed to an emissions industry protection as part of Julia Gillard’s proposed Australia into a ‘depression,’ a clear blow to the green trading scheme in 2016. carbon tax than was offered by then-Prime Minister lobby. Kevin rudd in 2009. Rio’s Australian managing Gillard’s China comments slammed director, david Peever, said that the international Carbon audits Julia Gillard’s use of China as an example of positive community’s failure to reach a global deal on carbon Random carbon audits will be undertaken on climate change action to justify her carbon tax drew prices meant that Rudd’s original compensation businesses throughout the year as the government widespread criticism from opposition politicians scheme was ‘not an appropriate starting point for tries to verify emission levels before the introduction and analysts alike, The Australian reported. In her discussions in 2011.’ of its carbon tax next year, The Financial Review appearance on the ABC’s Q&A program, Gillard said revealed. that China was ‘closing down a dirty coal-fired power abbott winning carbon popularity contest generator at the rate of one every one or two weeks,’ Geoff Kitney wrote an analysis piece in The Financial Garnaut proposes heavier cuts and used this as justification of her policy of action Review applauding tony abbott’s ‘highly effective’ The Financial Review reported on climate change on climate change. What Gillard failed to mention, anti-carbon tax campaign and warning that Julia expert ross Garnaut’s warning that carbon emission however, is that China continues to build coal power Gillard faces a tough battle to win back grass-roots cuts would have to be more severe than first thought, plants as quickly as it destroys them, and is still the support for her cause. Kitney wrote that ‘senior Labor if they were to make a genuinely positive impact on country most reliant on fossil fuels. caucus members say they are dismayed about how the environment. In an update to his 2008 climate ill-prepared the government seems to have been for change report, Garnaut revealed that the rise in sea Figures will be scrutinized: Greens the Abbott anti-ETS campaign.’ level has been greater than had been projected in Greens MP Christine Milne warned businesses that 2007, and that changes in the physical and biological any claims made regarding the impact of a carbon Emitters don’t want tax – what a surprise! environment has also occurred at a greater rate than price on profitability and jobs would be intensely The Financial Review reported that the nation’s mainstream science had predicted. scrutinised, The Financial Review reported. In a biggest CO2 emitters have called for the government subsequent article, also published in The Financial to postpone the proposed carbon tax, claiming Review, opposition finance spokesman andrew

8 LETTER FROM CANBERRA robb was quoted as saying that Milne’s threat was proposed legislation on the National Broadband iBM snares contract ‘deeply offensive and ill-informed.’ Network. The surprise changes apparently sparked The Australian Financial Review announced that IBM fears that NBN Co. would have too much power to had been appointed by NBN Co. as the prime systems Gillard gives abbott ‘free kick’ strike favourable deals with Telstra, at the expense integrator of its operational and business support Former Liberal party leader John Hewson wrote an of smaller competitors. According to The Age, the systems. The three-year deal is reported to be worth opinion piece in The Financial Review that was critical government later ‘tweaked’ the changes to enshrine $200 million. IBM will implement and manage the of Julia Gillard’s handling of the carbon tax, and the network as ‘open-access, wholesale only’. national broadband network’s core technology warned that she risked losing backbench support. systems. Hewson noted that carbon tax legislation won’t be The Australian revealed that Country independents introduced until September, and that this has given rob oakeshott and tony Windsor have agreed to telstra’s suspect separation tony abbott the opportunity to run a non-stop scare a deal with Labor, securing the passage of the NBN An opinion piece in The Australian Financial Review campaign for six months which will undoubtedly have laws though parliament. The deal does not guarantee discussed the upcoming structural separation of a negative effect on the public’s view of the tax. uniform pricing under the network, and has been Telstra in a post-National-Broadband-Network criticised by the Nationals, who are concerned that environment. It was written by Matt Healy, who is people living in the bush will have to pay much more chairman of the Competitive Carriers’ Coalition, an bROAdbANd & ICT than those in urban areas. The Financial Review said industry association representing the interests of non- the result was good news for Telstra shareholders dominant telecommunications carriers. He highlighted NBN politics continue because it removed one of the final areas of suspicions held by competing telco companies that The Australian Financial Review says that federal uncertainty around the government reforms. Telstra may be fudging the process of structural Communications Minister Steven Conroy stunned separation in order to maintain its monopoly. industry executives by releasing amendments to

a tiMElY ViEWPoiNt: death of the australian brand This pair of retail giants owns everything. They own grocery retailers, Andrew Zur, PhD candidate at MBS liquor outlets, hotels, service stations and even entire shopping centres where they use brute force to restrict potentially competitive trading Aggressive pricing policies by practices. Australia’s unique grocery duopoly are holding entire local industries to They own the farms, the manufacturing plants and the distribution chain, ransom. more so in the case of Woolworths, but Coles is catching up quickly. This is called vertical integration. Underpinning this, is a Faustian bargain with the devil which is being One of the only things they don’t own presently are pharmacies because waved in consumers’ faces by Coles government legislation prevents this. If they did, pharmacies would and Woolworths for a short term immediately spring up inside every supermarket, with consumers mixing benefit. The questions is, do we sign ice cream with their heart medication in their shopping basket. it? Incidentally, Australia also has the highest density of supermarkets per As an Australian consumer, do we care? Is ignorance bliss? If I can get capital in the world. No matter which suburb you live in, you are in close it for a dollar, do I put my head in the sand and think don’t ask, don’t tell, proximity to about four supermarkets. don’t want to know? All of this has to do with something that’s known in the retail industry Hypothetically we should all care about ethical issues. Fairtrade chocolate as market orientation. Market orientation involves looking at what your and coffee are perfect examples of this. A lot of us do, but only up to a customers want, what your competitors are doing and how you can work point and that point happens to be when we pull out our wallet at the and build relationships with your collaborators. checkout. Coles and Woolworths do this fantastically well. They know what their Price is always going to be a number one issue for consumers when it customers want. They are always looking at how they can outdo their comes to grocery items. With price wars there’s always going to be an competitors. And they are always working with their collaborators to immediate winner—the consumer—and an even bigger winner, which lower the price and get a better deal. is the supermarket chain. But it boils down to who do these people answer to and at what point do The downside is there has to be a loser in all of this as well. That we let it slide to, before it’s too late and we pass the point of no return. loser, depending on the outcome of the Senate Economics References Committee’s hearing into the impacts of supermarket chains’ pricing The current losers are our dairy farmers, beer manufacturers and decisions on the Australian dairy industry, could well be entire local chicken producers. There are more to come. These price wars are all industries, not just one or two manufacturers. based on the retailer’s home brand. If they continue, iconic farmer brands will disappear, rebranded simply as a home brand. Right now the dairy farmers, beer manufacturers and chicken and egg producers are caught up in the ‘price wars’. My question is, who is going Despite an inquiry being launched this week, government agencies are to be next in the line of fire? inherently slow to make change.

Australia is one of the only places in the world where such a powerful If we want to make an immediate impact, it’s up to us as consumers to duopoly exists. Coles and Woolworths dominate 80% of the marketshare be smart and vote with our heart, not our pocket. of what we spend on groceries. The other 20% is provided by the IGAs, the Friendly’s, FoodWorks, Aldi and Franklins. Andrew Zur is a PhD candidate at Melbourne Business School, the University of Melbourne.

9 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

10 continued pg 15... LETTER FROM CANBERRA benefits for more than six months. An analysis Wayne Swan before a final report in September. The by Australian social affairs writer Stephen lunn buSINESS. ECONOmy. Australian reported that South Australia’s ‘Mr Fix It’, claimed the move achieved three things:Measuring It appealed Public Opinion for over 65 Years - The Roy Morgan ResearchBruce Centre Carter Ltd., would also take part in the review. to Abbott’s ‘John Howard base’, it offeredA.B.N. Abbott’s 92 004 433 265 - QualityRoy System MorganT ACertified Researchx to AS/NZSLtd. ISO 9001Carter & ISO is 20252currently a managing partner at Ferrier own policy agenda rather than ‘carping’ atA.B.N. Julia 91 007 092 944 – Quality System Certified to AS/NZS Hodgson,ISO 9001 and chairs the Olympic Dam taskforce, Gillard’s, and it highlighted the Coalition’s record of Mortgage insuranceFinding may No. increase 4648 having previously chaired South Australia’s Economic fiscal discipline. However, it was acknowledged Availablethat In The Australian on Website:Article Financial No. Review www.roymorgan.com 1319 mortgage brokers Development Board. He specialises in corporate Abbott’s proposals did not differ greatly from Labor’sAvailable criticised on the On Website:federal March government’s www.roymorgan.com 18, ban2011 on home loan solvency and has worked in economic management position, in broad philosophical terms. exit fees. TheyOn argue April that the 6, decision 2011 could increase at government levels. ‘I understand horizontal fiscal interest rates and initial charges, deterring first-home equalisation and I’ve been involved at a high level with Qantas fliesClear into union majority dispute of AustraliansbuyersRoy from enteringMorgan (61%) the market.Online don’t In aStore bid wantto make Nuclearstate finances,’ PowerCarter told The Plants, Australian. The Herald Sun reportedbut that do Qantas want urged unionto exportthe governmentAustralian Uran reconsider iumState the forof ban, the ‘Peacefulthe Nation mortgage purposes’ (59%) leadersIn to the remain first committed Morgan to itsPoll latest taken round after of brokingthe devastating industry has Japanesealso claimed earthquakethat the policy andHigh tsunami dollar squeezes and subsequent states problems workplace negotiations. The airline is facing industrial would provide a major free kick to the big four banks The Australian Financial Review claimed that the actionat from the multiple Fukushima sectors nuclearof its labour power force, plantby forcing a clearLife smaller majority competitorsbe ‘Inside’ of out Australians of business. it (61%)soaring do not Australian want dollarnucle wouldar powerstrip $1.4 plants billion from in Australia – up 26% since September 1979. However, a majority of Australians (59%) say Australia ‘should including pilots,Traditional engineers, Australianbaggage handlers pastimes and of entertaining friends and enjoying thestate outdoors revenue over have the nownext 18been months. The paper export Uranium to other countries for peaceful purposes’ according to a special telephone Morgan Poll taken refuellers. Thesurpassed Transport Workersby the Union household is in talks computer, Parting shot according to the Roy Morgan Statesaid ofthe the shortfall Nation would report, occur because a a higher over the last two nights this week, March 16/17, 2011. with Qantas,major representing study 9000 of AustraliansQantas employees spanning RBA board over member a decade donald with McGauchie almost declared a million value interviews. currency eats into US-dollar-dominated mining over hotly contested job security provisions. that he would not seek a third term, reported The royalties for states. The majority of Australians (59%, down 3% since June 1991) support exporting Uranium to other countries for In the twelve months to DecemberAustralian 2010, . 80%The outgoing of the McGauchie population warned used that a the computer at home, up dramatically Plant‘peaceful operatorsfrom steelpurposes48% themselves in March’ compared for1999. closures toIn 34% the same RBA’s(up 3%) periodchallenge that there ofdon’t keeping have want inflation been to export. realunder changes control However inCall Auonly forstralian NFP44% regulator supportleisure activities.exporting Steel-makersUranium could to beother forced countries to close plants for their and ‘nuclearwould become power more needs challenging,’ while given 50% the of size Australians of A range don’ oft wantsubmissions to export provided for theirto Treasury ‘nuclearThe powerlargest needs leisure.’ activity decline was the day trip in the car, which slipped from 50% to 40% between 15,000 jobsMarch could be 1999 lost if anda carbon December price were 2010. to theOther Labor notable government’s drop-offs deficit and include the impact entertaining of its suggested friends that and Australia’s relatives, not-for-profit down sector be introduced,The majority according of to Australiansa report in The 61%Financial (up 26%workplace since policy. September ‘The changes 1979) that have believe taken placeAustralia should should be regulated not develop by a national nuclear body, but power that such Review. Thefrom additional 71% $300 to –65%, 400 million in steady a year declinein in both since industrial March relations 1999, policy and seeingand fiscal movies policy isregulation down from should 50%not burden to 46%. directors with additional plants to supply electricity, while only 34% (down 18%) of Australians believe Australia should develop nuclear power tax could forceHowever, plant closures, Australians said BlueScope have Steel continued under tothe visit current prof governmentessional make sporting it considerably events, andcosts galleries or responsibilities. and museums Treasury figures at show that plants to supply electricity and 5% can’t say. chief Paul O’Malley,similar whose rates Portto MarchKembla steelworks1999. harder to manage monetary policy,’ he stated in The the sector consists of around 600,000 entities, and is wouldIf not Australia be viable under were the tochanges. develop nuclear powerAustralian plants,. a large majority (73%, up 23%worth since about September $43 billion to 1979) GDP annually, of Australians but currently Australian Leisure Activities would oppose a nuclear power plant being built in their area compared to just 12%has (down no national 6%) regulator. that would agree to a Shiftingnuclear sands power of student plant workers being built in theird isasterarea while budget a further 13% (down 8%) would be anxious but not oppose it – The National Retailers Association launched a After a spate of natural disasters at home and CharteredB ase:Secretaries Australian Australia Populaion chief 14+ tim Sheehy campaignmeaning for 80%the abolition a total of 25% the three-hour (down minimum14%) would overseas, not oppose federal Treasurer a nuclear Wayne power Swan plant has been being toldbuilt The in theirAustralian area. that it would be better for shift Aprovision plurality for school of71% Australians students, The (49%) Financial object preparing to other the countries public forUsed abu toughilding a budget. computer nuclear The Agepower at homeAustralian plants comparedSecurities and to onlyInvestment80% 37% Commission, that say Reviewother reported. countries The NRA should argued buildthat three-hour nuclear powermade particularplants. note of Treasury advice predicting not the Australian Tax Office, to regulate the sector shifts after school hours were unrealistic, given that that Japan’s earthquake and tsunami were likely to in the short term. ‘If the NFP sector is to benefit from storesGary often closeMorgan early says:on weeknights, and has wound key exports such as iron ore and coal.Entertained Japan is the friends/relativessame approach provided to 65% the private sector, proposed that60% the minimum shift should be halved to Australia’s second-largest trading partner. Swan said you don’t ask the body that administers taxation 1.5 hours, so“Australian long as parents50% opinions agree. on nuclear powerin the paper have that changed the government significantly would have overto ‘do athe lastlegislation 30 years to regulate with it.’ 61% Contrary (up to26% the proposals since September50% 1979) of Australians now saying they don’t want nuclear power plants in Australia while just lot of things in the budget that would not be popular’ made to SawTreasury, a themovie Australian 46%Institute of Company Unions’ pay34% rise (downpush anything 18%) supportbut casual the developmentto achieve the of surplus nuclear it wanted. power plants. Directors said that subjecting NFP directors to a ‘fit Unions applied“Despite renewed48% not pressure wanting on nuclearthe Gillard power in Australia a majority of Australians (59%,and proper down purpose 3% sincetest’ was June ‘unduly 1991) onerous,’ and governmentsupport in40% an attempt the to export ensure thatof Uraniumthe pay and forVictoria ‘peaceful wants purposes its slice’ of although GSt pie only 44% supportwas more the appropriate export forof theUranium regulation forof banks and conditions ofnuclear casuals, contractorspower needs and hired and labourers more AustraliansVictorian Premier (49%) ted don’t Baillieu want was otherfurious countriesover Tooka insurance toa buildday companies. trip nuclear in a powercar 40% plants than are on par withthose permanent that do employees (37%). doing the same Commonwealth Grants Commission decision which job, The Australian reported. A subsequent article in meant a $2.5 billion cut in Victoria’s GST revenue thanks but no thanks, say charities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Following on from the recent disaster in Japan at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, these results show that The Financial Review 19%reported a further union push, overWent the next to fouran years,art gallery, The Australian museum, reported. orThe antique Financial exhibitionReview reported19% that not-for-profit aimed to securethere20% a payis no rise likelihood of about $30 of a weekAustralians for The supporting commission decided nuclear that power the money as shouldpart of go Australia’s organisations energy politely mix rejected to reduce a proposal from the those on minimumcarbon wage, emissions as well inas thea percentage next few years.”to Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern federal government to have the Australian Taxation increaseThis for morespecial highly-skilled telephone workers. Morgan Poll wasTerritory, conducted citing Victoria’s over the good last fiscal two health, nights, strong March Office 16/17, or the 2011 Australian with Securities an Australia- and Investments 14% Wentproperty to market professional and low wages sports growth as events reasons (eg.Commission cricket, regulate football) their sector. 13% However, the wide cross-section of 635 Australians aged 14+. 740 fewer telemarketers out there… why the state didn’t need extra help. sector welcomed plans to cut red tape in exchange for After losing a0% major contract with Telstra, direct uniform reporting by the 600,000 NFPs in Australia. marketing specialist Salmat was forced“Do to you dump believe 740 tAustraliaax distribution should review develop nuclear power plantsThe functions to supply of a possible electricity regulatory to Australia? body would ” FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2 4 9 -99 00 05 07 jobs, and took a huge hit c-99on the share- market, c-01The Thec-0 AustralianSepc-03 Financial c-0ReviewMar reported16/17,- thatc-06 the include- assessing organisationsc-0 forc-10 tax concession Australian reported.Mar EmployeesDe in theDec regional centresDe Dedistribution Deof $50 billionDe in GoodsDec and ServicesDe Tax Decstatus, registeringFederalDec-08 and VotingDe regulation IntentionDe NFP companies, of Wagga Wagga,Source Geelong: Roy Morganand Bundaberg Single Source,were at Australianreceipts populationto1979 the states 14+, would average go2011 under 12 monthreview. movingThe averageand collecting Mar corporate99 – Dec and 10, financialn = 54,991. information. the worst risk of redundancy, while workers in the paper hypothesised14+ that14+ the GillardElectors government’s ALP L-NP Greens Others Can’t say company’s SydneyHoward CBD Seccombe, office were more Head likely of to Client decision Services, could diffuse Roy the Morgan increasingly Research, sour federal- says:accounting giant makes deloitte-ful deal % % % % % % % % hold on to their jobs.“As computer usage has becomestate almostnegotiations ubiquitous, on policies we from are health seeing to thea shiftThe away Financial from Review traditional reported thatsocial Deloitte Touche Yes,activities develop towards nuclear more power computer plantsmining based tax. 52 activities, 34 and Australians 34 living 29Tohmatsu individual 39 closed lives.its deal 29 to buy high-profile 36 economic 18 The contractsNo, don’t between develop Telstra nuclear and Salmat power were plants 35 61 61 66consultancy 54 firm Access 66 Economics, 64 which will 65 running for between“The five implications and eight years, are so mostenormous GSt forreview online players shopping, banking and socialexpand networking, the accounting as well giant’s as for economics and of the affected staffbusinesses were long-term wanting employees. to communicateCan’t An sayFormer Labor with 13 premier their Johncustomers 5 Brumby andwill 5join prospects. forces 5 infrastructureThese 7trends division and 5 by more 60 staff. are -In recent years, 17 inside source at Salmatmonitored told The by Australian Roy Morgan that staffTOTAL Researchhis former 100and Liberal reported New 100South in the Wales State 100counterpart of the Nation 100Access report.” 100Economics 100has earned 100up to $15 million 100 were dedicated to Telstra, and that the centres would Nick Greiner to undertake a sweeping review of the annually in fees. The takeover is an example of how undoubtedly have to close unless Telstra renewed the GST distribution system. The review, due in February the big four accounting firms are looking to diversify For more information,401 Collins Street, Melbourne,or to purchase Victoria 3000, the G.P.O. complete Box 2282U, Australian Melbourne, Victoria State 3001, of the Australia Nation report. contract. 2012, will provide an interim report to federal treasurer beyond their traditional realms of tax and auditing. Tel: (03) 9629 6888 Fax: (03) 9629 1250 (03) 9622 8387 Email: [email protected] Website: www.roymorgan.com Visit Officesthe Roy also in:Morgan Sydney, Brisbane, Online Ad Store:elaide, Perth, www.roymorganonlinestore.com London, Auckland, and USA 1115 1 MARCH1 MARCHto 4 APRIL to 42011 APRIL 2011

NBN laws will strangle competition: telstra digital age, The Financial Review reported. The review is considerable confusion on the ground in relation to Telstra has expressed concern that the Gillard is to be chaired by former managing director of IBM the transition period between NBN Co and Telstra, government’s proposed NationalMeasuring BroadbandMeasuring Public Network Opinion Public Glenfor Opinion over Boreham 65 for Years ,over who - will65 RoyThe Yearsbe MorganRoy joined -Morgan The byResearch Malcolm Roy Research Morgan Ltd. long Centre,Research which Ltd. 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Despite announced.Finding ConroyFinding No. saidFinding 4647‘we No.have No. to4647 move 4650 from the australia in space continuing with its $11bn plan to joinAvailable the project,Available ontwentieth-century Website: on Website: regulationwww.roymorgan.comMarchFinding in www.roymorgan.com2011 the No. old Figures world,4650 to the The Space Industry Innovation Council has put Telstra wanted changes to the next set of NBN convergedAvailable world, ontheMarch newWebsite: digital 2011 world.’ www.roymorgan.com Figures Conroy also pressure on the government to use the rollout of the legislation, which sets guidelines for the NBN Co saidOnAvailable that MarchplanningOn onfor March 18,the Website:On NBN 2011 April has 18, ‘rapidly www.roymorgan.com 6,2011 2011 accelerated National Broadband Network to boost Australia’s building the national network. the arrival of the convergentOn mediaApril age 6, in 2011 Australia.’ fledgling space industry. The Australian reports that L-NP L-NP(50.5%) (50.5%) just in just front in frontof ALP of (49.5%)ALP the(49.5%) council wants Australian industry participation in Employmentoptus joins NBN uproar up 30,000 to 10.8NBN million;threatens small Full-time it companies employmentthe satellite (7,482,000, project for the NBN and up hopes 14,000) the project & TheEmploymentOptus,Part-time latest Australia’sThe telephone latest second-largest employment telephone upMorgan 30,000 telco, Morgan Pollcomplained (3,318,000,conductedto Poll 10.8An conducted ITmillion; overanalyst up the told over 16,000).last TheFull-time thetwoFinancial last nights, ReviewFewertwo employment March nights,that thelooking 16/17,Marchwill generate 2011, 16/17, for(7,482,000, new showswork 2011, jobs and the shows (863,000,export L-NP up opportunities. the 14,000) L-NP down The & (50.5%,thatPart-time legislation(50.5%, down currently 5% downemployment in before a 5% week) federal in a now week)parliament (3,318,000,has now onlygovernment’s has a slight only up nationalalead slight 16,000). over broadband lead the over networkALPFewer the (49.5%, has ALP thelooking (49.5%, upsatellites 5%) for will upon be 5%) aworkused Two-Party to on cover a(863,000, Two-Partythe three per cent down of the preferredcould favourpreferred basis. 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Underemployed • In March 2011 Australia’s total unemployment as measured by Roy Morgan wasI N863,000duSTRIAL (7.4%), down opened• upA bylarge, •the proposedA but large, falling, legislation. but majorityfalling, majority of electorsby Optusof electors(68%, and Telstra, down (68%, by providing 4%) down agree services 4%) that toagree certain Prime that Minister Prime Minister Gillard liedGillard about lied the about the • 64,000In March (down 2011 0.5%) Australia’s from February totalrural unemployment areas 2011, forgotten but upby as 27,000the me bigasured telcos.(% unchanged) byHowever, Roy Morgan since wasMarchRE 863,000 LATIONS2010. (7.4%), down. telstra proposedhandballsproposed service carbon obligation taxcarbon before to tax NBN the before Federalimproved the Federalelection technology electionwhen provided she when bystated the she NBN ‘There stated would will ‘There be nowill carbon be no taxcarbon under tax the under the • 64,000 (down 0.5%) from February 2011, but up 27,000 (% unchanged) since March 2010. Co GovernmentTheGovernment Roy I lead.’Morgan I lead.’ March 2011make ‘underemployed’ it much easier for* bigestimate companies has to risenservice substa ntiallyE mpto 866,000LOym (7.4%),ENT up Telstra’s• Opinion current•• The197,000 universalOpinion is Roy still (1.7%)service Morgandivided is stillobligation but Marchdividedon is Oppositiondown(USO) 2011 on 19,000 Oppositionremote ‘underemployed’ Leader (0.5%)areas, and TonyLeader since therefore Abbott’s *March Tonyestimate take a significantAbbott’s2010. promise has risen slice promise ‘to of substa rescind’ ‘tontially rescind’ the toGovernment’s 866,000 the Government’s (7.4%), up 197,000 (1.7%) but is down 19,000 (0.5%) since March 2010. will be handedproposed• overIn proposedto total NBN‘carbon Coin if March a ‘carbonshareholdertax’ legislation 2011 tax’ vote an onlegislation estimated ifsmaller the Liberal groups’ 1,729,000if the already PartyLiberal (14.8%)limited is Partyelected: market of is Australiansshare. elected:44% support 44% wereSystemic supportrescinding unemployed skills rescinding theshortage legislationor the legislation cf. cf. July 1 accepts the proposal, The Australian reported. Up to eight million Australian workers don’t have 46%• opposeIn‘underemployed,’46% total rescinding opposein March rescinding 2011upthe 133,000legislation. an estimatedthe (1.2%)legislation. 1,729,000 on February (14.8%) 2011. of Australians were unemployed or The USO is under an obligation to ensure that basic Mobile speed at risk the reading, writing or numeracy skills to undertake ‘underemployed,’ up 133,000 (1.2%) on February 2011. Votingtelephone IntentionVoting services• Overall Intentionare available full-time to all Australiansemployment on inA Australiareport in The for Financial March Review is 7,482,000 warned that (up mobile 14,000 training since for February professional 2011 jobs. andThat’s up the a assessment large an equitable •basis,Overall531,000 no matter full-time since where March theyemployment live.2010) The and inphone part-time Australia speed andemployment for coverage March are is 3,318,000 likely7,482,000 to be affected (up (up 16,000 14,000by of since sincea damning February February report, 2011 2011which but andwas down uppublished a large in The Thenew latest policyThe telephonethat latest 531,000154,000led to telephone the Morgan sincehandover March Morgan Pollwas madeconducted2010)2010). Poll to and conducteda part-time governmentover the overemployment planlast to twothe cut capacity lastnights, 3,318,000 two available March nights, to(up the 16/17, March 16,000big 2011,Australian 16/17, since shows February 2011,from onthe shows 2011anation’s Two-Party buton 11 adown Two-PartyIndustry Skills preferredaddresspreferred the basis ‘wide154,000 the discretion’ basis L-NP since thegiven (50.5%, L-NPMarch to Telstra (50.5%, down2010). under 5%) downtelcos. now 5%)The has possibility now only has ofa theslight only slowdown leada slight caused over lead a the rift overin ALP Councils.the (49.5%, ALP The (49.5%,counclilup 5%). claims upThe Australia’s5%). L-NP The international L-NP primarythe previous primaryvote •framework. isThere 42.5%, vote areA issubsequent nowahead42.5%, 468,000 of report ahead the in (downALP Theof the 35.5%. 56,000the ALP Labor onSuppor35.5%. Party February overt Suppor forhow 2011 thethe sale tminor forbut of the$1up partiesbillion 12,000minor worth showssinceparties competitiveness March the shows Greens 2010) the is 12%, AustraliansGreensunder (upthreat. 12%, 2%) lookingThe (up report, 2%) for titled andAustralian Others/and revealed• Others/IndependentsTherefull-time that agreements areIndependents work. now 10%, were468,000 An beingadditional(down 10%, made(down 1%). (down 395,000 56,000of broadcasting 1%). onAustralians February spectrum are2011 should looking but be upmanaged, for 12,000 part-time with since ‘Nowork, March More (down 2010)Excuses’, 8,000 Australians called on for February a newlooking campaign for to to allow NBN Cofull-time2011, access butto Telstra’s work. up 15,000 existingAn additional since pits and March 395,000the 2010). spectrum Australians being crucial are to looking the operation for ofpart-time high- addresswork, (downendemic 8,000 shortfalls on Februaryin basic skills among Alsopipes. releasedAlso released today is todaylast weekend’s is last weekend’s Face-to-Facespeed Face-to-Face devices Morgan like iPhones, MorganPoll iPads (conducted andPoll BlackBerries. (conducted March 12/13,the March workforce. 2011) 12/13, It sayswhich 2011) ‘an overarchingalso which alsoblueprint for • 2011, but up 15,000 since March 2010). showed showeda swingThe aback swinglatest to Roy theback MorganALP to the away unemploymentALP from awayAttorney-General the from L-NP estimate the three r L-NPobert is days2.4% McClelland three beforeabove days led the the thebefore 5.0% chargetelephone the currently actiontelephone Morgan on quoted language, MorganPoll: by literacy the L-NP ABSPoll: and numeracy’for L-NP February must be 2011. (51.5%,telstra: (51.5%,down NBN’s• Theback-up2.5% down latest in 2.5%a Roy week) Morganin aahead week) unemployment of ahead thefor ALP some of the of (48.5%,estimate the ALP spectrum (48.5%, upis to2.4% 2.5%) be put aboveup aside on 2.5%) fora the emergencyTwo-Party 5.0%on a currentlyTwo-Party implemented.preferred quoted preferred basis. by the basis. ABS for February The Australian revealed2011. that Telstra has a contingency services, a move which was unsurprisingly supported Theplan Roy to Theprovide Morgan Roy back-up MorganGovernment broadband Government to ConfidenceAustralians Roy Morgan Confidence byRating fire, Unemployed police isRating down and ambulance is2 downpoints and services.2 to‘Underemployed’* points 118 However, – to 52.5% 118 – Bewareof 52.5% Australians Estimate of Australians say Australia say Australia is should‘heading isthe ‘heading Gillardin the government’s rightin the direction,’ right huge Roydirection,’National while Morgan 34.5%Communications while Unemployed say34.5% Aust Minister sayralia Stephen Aust and is ralia ‘heading Conroy‘Underemployed’* is wanted ‘heading in to the Paul wrongin Kellythe Estimate ,direction. wrongeditor-at-large direction. The Lookingof The latest Australian, Thefor latest wrote sell the entire spectrum, as that would help the federal weeklyBroadband weeklyRoy Network Morgan Roy plan Morgan Consumerfail. The contingency,Consumer Unemployed Confidence Confidence or ‘Underemployed’* Rating Ratingfor the weekendfor‘Underemployed’* the weekend of March of an 12/13,UnemployedMarch interesting 2011,12/13, observation wasFull-time 2011, onLooking118.8 the was workplace Part-timeup for118.8 relations up 3.3ptswhich from would3.3pts Marchinvolve from rolling 5/6, March2010 out 2011. a 5/6,low-cost 2011.Unemployed mixture ‘000 budget or ‘Underemployed’* return to surplus% more strongly‘Underemployed’*‘000 than had% been trap‘000Unemployed in which% Julia Full-time Gillard seemsPart-time to be caught. of broadband technologies,Jan–Mar2010 comes 2010 despite Telstra 1,688‘000 initially forecast.14.7% ‘000815 7.1% He‘000873 said that7.6% a defining491 conflict of this382 Labor era Garyhaving Morgan alreadyGary agreed Morgan says:Jan–MarApr-June to an $11 says: 2010 2010billion compensation 1,6881,592 14.713.8 815844 7.17.3 is 873748unfolding7.66.5 inexorably 491437as Australia 382311struggles to agreement. Apr-JuneJuly-Sep 2010 2010 1,6031,592 Further obstacles13.813.7 in NBN deal844866 7.37.4 manage748737 a ‘once6.56.3 in a century’437400 resources311337 boom with “Both Morgan“Both July-SepOct–DecMorgan Polls (face2010 Polls to (faceface 1,6031,741toand face Telstratelephone) and pulled telephone) out 14.713.7show of its theagreement show ALP866915 the togaining putALP an7.47.7 $11 gainingmuch its 737826 ofFair much the Work 6.37.0 ground ofAct, thewhich groundlost400442 has weakenedafter lost a337384 productivity,after a terribletelstra tries terriblecouple to popOct–Dec of couple‘cherry-picking’ weeks.2011 2010 of Prime weeks. laws Minister Prime 1,741 Ministerbillion Gillard deal with Gillardand14.7 NBN the Co andGovernment to shareholders the915 Government onhave July7.7 1,begun haveflexibility826 to begun explain and7.0 toworkplace explaintheir442 proposedchange. their ‘The proposed384 rumble of carbonNBN Co warnedcarbontax and thatJan–Mar tax alsoa bid2011and potentialfrom 2011 also Telstra potential coto mpensatoryhave 1,715 co becausempensatory measures of concerns14.5 measures thatfor the lower terms802 for wereinco lower ‘nome 6.8longer incohouseholds mealarm913 households is soundingand7.7 although from and Labor’s484 although a friends clear and429 a enemies’, clear Months majority‘cherry-picking’majority of AustraliansrulesJan–Mar dumped of Australians 2011would, (54%, if successful, down (54%, 1,715 3%) down practicable,’still 3%) oppose still The14.5 theopposeAustralian carbon thereported.802 tax,carbon aThe rising tax, 6.8move anumber risingHe913 said. numberof KellyAustralians7.7 states of Australiansthat484 Gillard(38%, cannot up (38%,429 escape up the March 2010 1,721 15.3 885 7.9 836 7.4 456 380 seriously undermine theMonths government’s $36 billion threatened to delay the massive project, as access problem because ‘it goes to the viability of her main 5%) are5%) now are supportingApril now 2010 supporting Gillard’s Gillard’s 1,653proposal. proposal. If the 14.4measure If the measure is 893enacted is enactedinto7.8 law into Australia760 law 6.6Australia is still448 splitis still as splitto312 as to investment in the NationalMarch Broadband 2010 Network, The1,721 to Telstra’s network15.3 of ducts and885 conduits would7.9 be achievement836 7.4 and the policy456 on which Labor380 defeated whetherwhether Tony MayAbbott Tony 2010 shouldAbbott rescindshould1,687 rescindthe legislation the legislation14.6 if he wins if hethe893884 wins next the election:7.6 next election: 46%760803 say 6.946% Abbott say 448466 shouldAbbott notshould312337 not Financial Review reported.April 2010The provisions were 1,653put needed before 14.4much of the work could begin.7.8 NBN John Howard’6.6. He blames ‘the squeeze’ on a Chinese rescind rescindthe carbonMayJune the 2010taxcarbon if he’s tax elected if he’s1,6871,435 whileelected 44% while say 44% 14.612.4he should. say he should.884753 7.66.5 803682 6.95.9 466397 337285 in place to stop NBN’s rivals, such as Telstra, from Co’s response was very civil, with chief executive resources boom that has driven up the Australian JuneJuly 20102010 1,4351,677 12.414.4 753940 6.58.1 682737 5.96.3 397367 285370 “Theconstructing improved“The their own improvedJulyAugust high-speedstanding 2010 2010 networksstanding for the in certain forGillard1,6771,612 the Mike GillardGovernment Quigley Governmentsaying14.413.7 alsothat it wascomes 940894 also‘worthwhile aftercomes 8.17.6 takingPr afterime dollar, Minister737718Prime in turn,6.36.1Minister received damaging367448 received the competitiveness rare the370270 rare‘while FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE honourareas before ofhonour the addressing NBNAugustSeptember ofis rolled addressing 2010 out.a 2010joint Such construction sittinga joint 1,5201,612 of sitting US the Congress time of USto get Congress the13.113.7 and right alsooutcome.’ and the894764 alsodevastating the 7.66.6devastating newslabour’s718756 from news new Japan6.16.5 industrial from of Japansystem 448384last isweek’s ofa dead last weight270372 week’s on any would effectively makeSeptemberOctober the NBN 2010 useless,2010 an NBN 1,5201,664Co 14.013.1 764904 6.67.6 solution756760 via 6.56.4revived productivity’.384360 Australian372400 Industrial majorFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE earthquakemajor earthquake and resulting and resulting tsunami tsunamiand subsequent and subsequent issues withissues the with Fukushima the Fukushima nuclear nuclearpower plant.power plant. spokesperson said. OctoberNovember 2010 2010 1,6271,664 NBN digging itself14.013.7 into a hole904812 7.66.8 Group760815 chief 6.46.9Heather ridout,360465 widely recognised400350 for PollingFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PollingexperienceNovemberDecember experience covering 2010 covering more 1,6271,931than more Changes 70 than years to installation70 16.513.7shows years procedures inshows times1,028812 as in a ofresult times crisis 8.86.8of the of like crisisher903815 duringconstructive like7.76.9 theduring dealings last 502465 with theweek thelast Labor the week 401350 government, the incumbentaCCC backsincumbent tpoliticalelstra,JanuaryDecember o ptuspolitical party 2011 2010 usually party expusually 1,8181,931eriences NBNexp haveeriences a jump been 16.515.1a insourcea jumptheir of frustration support.”in 1,028their870 and support.” confusion8.87.2 recently903948 called7.77.9 for a new 502459review of the IR401489 laws. JanuaryFebruary 2011 2011 1,8181,596 13.615.1 870669 7.25.7 948927 7.9 459524 489403 ElectorsThe AustralianElectors were asked: Competitionwere “asked:If a Federaland “ If Consumera FederalElection for Election forthe theland Housedevelopmentfor the ofHouse Representativesindustry, of TheRepresentatives Financial were held were today held — today which — party which party Commission (ACCC)FebruaryMarch acknowledged 2011 2011 that, without1,729 1,596 Review reported.14.813.6 Under the previous669866 system, project5.77.4 tough927863 love7.97.4 on welfare524468 403395 wouldproper receive regulation,would yourreceive NBNMarch Cofirst could your2011 preference?” become first# The preference?”a threatGillard1,729 to Government’s developers would 14.8‘Fair dig Worktranches Austra 866for communicationlia’ Act7.4 was implementedThe863 Australian7.4 on reported January468 the 1, t2010,ony 395a bbott had existing phone companies if it starts# Theoffering Gillard retail Government’sreplacingForcables further into the Forwhich Howard ‘Fair further informationTelstra Work Government’swould information Austra install: wireslia’ ‘WorkAct without: was Choices’ implementedcommitted Legislation. the onCoalition January to sweeping 1, 2010, welfare reform replacing the Howard Government’s ‘Work Choices’ Legislation. services, The Financial GaryReview reported.Morgan:Gary Morgan: Officecharge. That+61 Office changed3 9224 +61 over 52133 9224the newMobile 5213 year, Mobile+61with 411promises. +61 129 411 094 Under 129 the proposed094 policies, unemployment developers now funding the installation while NBN benefits would be suspended in areas where there is review of new mediaMichele laws Michele Levine: Levine: OfficeCo oversees +61 Office the 3 process.9224 +61 5215 3The 9224 industry Mobile 5215 bemoaned Mobile+61 411unskilled +61 129 411 093work 129 available, 093 such as fruit picking. Also, 401 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, G.P.O. Box 2282U, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Communications Minister Stephen Conroy the confusion surrounding the transition, with work for the dole would be mandatory for people 401 CollinsTel: (03) 401 Street, 9629 Collins401 Melbourne,6888 Collins Street, Fax: Street, (03)Melbourne, Victoria 9629 Melbourne, 12503000, Victoria (03) G.P.O.Vict 9622 oria3000, Box 3000,8399 G.P.O. 2282U, G.P.O.Email: Box Melbourne, [email protected] 2282U, 2282U, Melbourne, Victoria Melbourne, 3001, Victoria Victoria AustraliaWebsite: 3001, 3001, Australia www.roymorgan.comAustralia announced a review to update media laws forOffices the alsospokesperson in: Sydney, Gordon Brisbane, templeton Adelaide, saying Perth, Canberra,that ‘there Auckland, younger London than &50 USA who had been on unemployment Tel: (03) 9629Tel: 6888(03)Tel: 9629Fax: (03) (03)6888 9629 9629 Fax: 6888 1250(03) Fax: 9629(03) (03) 9622 12509629 8387 (03)1250 9622Email: (03) 83879622 [email protected] Email:8399 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.roymorgan.com Website:Website: www.roymorgan.comwww.roymorgan.com Offices alsoOffices in: Offices Sydney, also also in: Brisbane, in:Sydney, Sydney, Ad Brisbane,elaide, Brisbane, Perth, Ad Adelaide,elaide, London, Perth, Pe Auckland,rth, London, Canberra, andAuckland, Auckland, USA and London USA & USA 12 1210 continued pg 15... LETTER FROM CANBERRA Carbon Tax Questions Abenefits majority for more of electors than six (54%)months. opposeAn analysis the Gillard Government’s proposed legislation toWayne ‘place Swan a price before on a final carbon’ report in – September. The by Australian social affairs writer Stephen lunn buSINESS. ECONOmy. Australian reported that South Australia’s ‘Mr Fix It’, including a clear majority of L-NP supporters (83%), however only 27% of ALP supporters and just 15% of Greens claimed the move achieved three things: It appealed Bruce Carter, would also take part in the review. supporters oppose the proposed legislation. TAx to Abbott’s ‘John Howard base’, it offered Abbott’s Monthly Average Carter is currently a managing partner at Ferrier Althoughown policy agendaonly 38% rather of than electors ‘carping’ support at Julia the proposed legislation, a majority of ALP supportersHodgson, and (62%) chairs and the GreensOlympic Dam taskforce, Gillard’s, and it highlighted the Coalition’s record of MortgageMonthly insurance Average may increase having previously chaired South Australia’s Economic supporters (72%) agree with the proposal but only 12% of L-NP supporters want this legislation. March 2011 fiscal discipline.12 However, it was acknowledged that In The Australian Financial Review mortgage brokers Development Board. He specialises in corporate Roy Morgan March 2011 QuestionAbbott’s proposals 112: did not differ greatly from Labor’s criticised the federal government’s ban on home loan solvency and has workedUnemployment in economic management Roy Morgan position, in broad philosophical terms. exit fees. They argue that the decision could increase at government levels. Estimate‘I understand 7.4% horizontal fiscal “In recent weeks Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced the Gillard Government will seek to ‘placeUnemployment a price on 10 interest rates and initial charges, deterring first-home equalisation and I’ve been(Down involved 0.5%) at a high level with carbon.’Qantas flies Do into you union support dispute or oppose the Gillardbuyers Government’s from entering the proposedmarket. In a legislation?”bid to make state finances,’ CarterEstimate told The Australian 7.4% . 10 The Herald Sun reported that Qantas urged union the government reconsider the ban, the mortgage (Down 0.5%) leaders to remain8 committed to its latest round Electorsof broking industry has also claimedFederal that the policyVoting High Intention dollar squeezes states Roy Morgan workplace negotiations. The airline is facing industrial would provide a major free kick to the big four banks The Australian Financial Review claimed that the 8 March March Research action from multiple sectors of its labour force, by forcing smaller competitorsALP outL-NP of business. Greens soaringOthers Australian Can’t dollar say Roywould Morgan strip $1.4 billion from including pilots, engineers, baggage handlers8-10, 2011 and 16/17, 2011 state revenue over the nextResearch 18 months. The paper 6 ABS Seasonally refuellers. The Transport Workers Union is in talks Parting shot said the shortfall would occur because a higher % % % % % % % Adjusted with Qantas, representing6 9000 Qantas employees RBA board member donald McGauchie declared value currency eats into ABSUS-dollar-dominated Seasonally mining over hotly% of workforce contested job securitySupport provisions. 33 that he 38would not seek 62 a third term,12 reported 72 The royalties 23 for states. 25 Adjusted 4 ABS Original

% of workforce Australian. The outgoing McGauchie warned that the Oppose 57 54 27 83 15 73 59 (Trend) Plant operators4 steel themselves for closures RBA’s challenge of keeping inflation under control Call for NFP regulatorABS Original Steel-makers could beCan’t forced say to close plants 10 and would become 8 more challenging, 11 5given the size 13 of A range 4 of submissions 16 (Trend) provided to Treasury 15,000 jobs could2 be lostTOTAL if a carbon price 100were to the Labor100 government’s 100 deficit and100 the impact 100of its suggested 100 that Australia’s 100 not-for-profit sector be introduced, according to a report in The Financial workplace policy. ‘The changes that have taken place should be regulated by a national body, but that such 2 TheReview Morgan. The additional Poll $300also asked– 400 million electors a year whether in in boththey industrial believe relations Prime policy Minister and fiscal Julia policy Gillard regulation lied about should the not prburdenoposed directors carbon with additional tax.tax could A large force 0 plantmajority closures, of saidelectors BlueScope (68%) Steel agree under that the Gillard current governmentlied including make it 86% considerably of L-NP costssupporters, or responsibilities. 48% of Treasury ALP supportersfigures show that chief Paul O’Malley, whose00 01 Port 01Kembla02 02 steelworks02 03 03 harder to05 manage05 06monetary06 policy,’ he stated in 09The 09the sector10 consists of around 600,000 entities, and is and 49% of 0-00Greensr-00l-00 - supporters.r-01 - - Although-03- l-03 -04onlyr-04l-04 9%- rof-05l-05 L-NP- sl-06upporters-07-07l-07 say-08-08 l-08that -Gillardl-09 -10 didn’tl- lie,-11-11 sizeable minorities of would not be viablep under thep changes. p Australianp. worth about $43 billion to GDP annually, but currently JanA JuOct-JanA Jul-01Oct-JanAprJul-02Oct-JanAprJuOct-JanA JuOct-04JanA JuOct-JanApr-06JuOct-JanAprJuOct-07JanAprJuOct-08JanApr-09JuOct-JanApr-10JuOct-10JanApr ALP supporters (39%)00 01 and01 02Greens02 02 supporters03 03 (29%)05 also05 06 say that06 Gillard didn’t09 lie. 09 10 -00r-00l-00 - r-01 - - -03- l-03 -04r-04l-04 - r-05l-05 - l-06 -07-07l-07 -08-08l-08 - l-09 has-10 nol- national-11-11 regulator. p p p p QuestionShifting sandsJan 2A: ofJuOct- studentJan2000A Jul-01 Oct-workersJanAprJul-02Oct-JanAprJuOct-JanA dJuisasterOct-04JanA JubudgetOct-Jan2005Apr-06JuOct-JanAprJuOct-07JanAprJuOct-08JanApr-09JuOct-JanApr-10JuOct-10JanApr2010 The National Retailers Association launched a After a spate of natural disasters at home and Chartered Secretaries Australia chief tim Sheehy “Prime Minister 2000Gillard has claimed that she has not broken2005 an election promise in which she 2010stated – ‘There will be no Garycampaign Morgan for the abolition says: of the three-hour minimum overseas, federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has been told The Australian that it would be better for carbonshift provision tax underfor school the students,Government The Financial I lead.’ Dopreparing you thinkthe public Prime for aMinister tough budget. Gillard The Agelied aboutAustralian this Securitiespromise?” and Investment Commission, GaryReview Morgan reported. says:The NRA argued that three-hour made particular note of Treasury advice predicting not the Australian Tax Office, to regulate the sector shifts“The after schoolMarch hours 2011Roy were unrealistic, Morgan given employment thatElectors that Japan’s estimates earthquake show and rising tsunamiFederal employment were likely Voting to (10,800,000, inIntention the short term. up ‘If 30,000 the NFP sectorfrom is to benefit from February 2011) and a contracting overall workforce due to more people studying and retiring (11,664,000, stores“The often March close early 2011Roy on weeknights, MorganMarch and employment has woundMarch estimateskey exports such show as ironrising ore and employment coal. Japan is (10,800,000,the same approach up 30,000 provided from to the private sector, proposedFebruarydown that 33,000) the 2011)minimum has and shift led ashould tocontracting a besignificant halved to overall dropAustralia’s workforcein unemp second-largestloyment dueALP to trading more (863,000,L-NP partner. people Swan downGreens studying said 64,000). youOthers and don’t Thisretiring ask is Can’t thethe (11,664,000, bodysecond say that administers taxation 8-10, 2011 16/17, 2011 1.5 hours,downsuccessive so 33,000)long as drop parents has in agree. ledthe toRoy a significantMorgan monthly dropin the inpaper unemployment unemp that theloyment government estimate (863,000, would have– now down to ‘do at a64,000). 7.4% legislation (down This to 0.5%). isregulate the second it.’ Contrary to the proposals lot of things in the budget that would not be popular’ made to Treasury, the Australian Institute of Company “However,successive dropdespite in thethe Royfall inMorgan% unemp monthlyloyment, % unemployment Australia’s % underemployment estimate % – now % at(866,000, 7.4% (down % up 197,000) 0.5%). % has risen Unions’ pay rise push anything but casual to achieve the surplus it wanted. Directors said that subjecting NFP directors to a ‘fit Gillard lied 72 68 48 86 49 73 84 Unions“However,significantly applied renewed despite in March pressure the andfall on inisthe nowunemp Gillard almost loyment, identical Australia’s to its levelunderemployment in January (870,000). (866,000,and Theproper up series197,000) purpose of test’ flooding has was risen ‘unduly onerous,’ and governmentsignificantlydisasters in Gillardan alongattempt in didn’tMarch Australia’sto ensure and that the iseast 19 nowpay coast and almost ledVictoria identicalto 23 many wants Auto its straliansits slice 39 level of GSin volunteeringt January 9pie (870,000). 29 and helpingwas 23The more out seriesappropriate with of 16 the floodingfor theinitial regulation of banks and conditionsdisastersclean of upcasuals, overalongCan’t contractors several Australia’s say andweeks hired east intolabourers 9 coast February. ledVictorian to This9many Premier co Aummunity tstraliansed 13 Baillieu support volunteeringwas 5 furious for reconsover 22 and a truction helpinginsurance 4 of out companies. flood with damaged -the initial are oncommunities par with permanent could employees explain doing part the same of the reasonCommonwealth for February’s Grants Commission large decision– but temporarywhich – fall in clean up overTOTAL several weeks100 into February. 100 This community 100 support 100 for recons 100truction 100 of flood 100damaged job, Thecommunitiesunderemployment. Australian reported. could A explainsubsequent part article of inthe reasonmeant a fo$2.5r February’s billion cut in Victoria’slarge – GST but revenue temporary thanks – fall but in no thanks, say charities TheThe Financial final question Review reported related a further to Opposition union push, Leaderover the Tony next Abbott’sfour years, promiseThe Australian ‘to rescind’reported. theThe Gillard Financial Government’s Review reported legislationthat not-for-profit underemployment.“Despite news of skills shortages by some in the media, today’s Roy Morgan employment estimates show ifaimed elected. to secure Marginally a pay rise of more about $30electors a week (46%) for Theoppose commission Tony decided Abbott’s that thepromise money should‘to rescind’ go organisations the Gillard politely Government’s rejected a proposal from the that there is a significant ‘segment’ of the Australian workforce (14.8%) that is looking for employment or proposedthose “Despiteon minimum ‘carbon news wage, tax’ of as skills legislationwell as shortages a percentage if elected by some tothan Queensland, in support the media, Western (44%). today’s Australia Royand the Morgan Northern employmentfederal government estimates to have show the Australian Taxation increasethatlooking for there more for highly-skilledis more a significant hours. workers. This ‘segment’ is a resource of theTerritory, AustralianAustralia citing Victoria’s must workforce utilisegood fiscal (14.8%)to continuehealth, thatstrong growing is lookingOffice the or for theeconomy. employmentAustralian Securities or and Investments However, a large majority of L-NP supportersproperty (75%) market support and low Abbott’s wages growth promise as reasons compared Commission to only regulate 18% oftheir ALP sector. supporters However, the looking“The Roy for Morgan more hours. unemployment This is a resource and underemployment Australia must estim utiliseate to (1.729 continue million) growing is very the similareconomy. to a figure and740 fewer15% telemarketersof Greens supporters. out there… A clear majoritywhy the of state ALP didn’t supporters need extra help. (71%) and Greenssector supporters welcomed (80%) plans to docut rednot tape want in exchange for quoted by Judith Sloan in an article in Monday’s Australian which mentioned as many as two million AbbottAfter“The losing to Royrescinda major Morgan contractthe ‘carbon unemployment with Telstra, tax’ ifdirect electe and dunderemployment compared to only estim 16%ate of (1.729L-NP supporters. million) uniformis very reporting similar by tothe a 600,000 figure NFPs in Australia. marketingquotedAustralians specialist by Judith Salmatwho couldSloanwas forced contributein toan dump article 740 more in tMonday’s –ax incl distributionuding Australian those review on thewhich Disability mentioned Support as Themany Pension.” functions as two of milliona possible regulatory body would Questionjobs,Australians and took 3 :a huge who hit on could the share contribute market, The more The – inclAustralianuding Financial those onReview the Disabilityreported that Supportthe include Pension.” assessing organisations for tax concession Australian reported. Employees in the regional centres distribution of $50 billion in Goods and Services Tax status, registering and regulation NFP companies, This“Do Roy you Morgan support survey or oppose on Australia’s Opposition unemployment Leader Tony Abbott’s and ‘underemployed’* promise ‘to rescind’ is based the onGovernment’s weekly interviews proposed ‘carbon of Wagga Wagga, Geelong and Bundaberg were at receipts to the states would go under review. The and collecting corporate and financial information. Thiscoveringtax’the Royworst legislation JanuaryMorganrisk of redundancy, if 2007survey elected?” – Marcwhileon Australia’s workersh 2011 in andthe unemployment in papertotal hypothesised220,178 andAustralians that‘underemployed’* the Gillard aged government’s 14 andis based over onwere weekly interviewed interviews face-to- coveringfacecompany’s including January Sydney 4,522 CBD 2007 officeinterviews – Marcwere moreh in2011 Marchlikely and to 2011.in decisiontotal 220,178 could diffuseAustralians the increasingly aged sour 14 federal- and overa ccountingwere interviewed giant makes face-to- deloitte-ful deal face*Thehold including on‘underemployed’ to their jobs. 4,522 interviews are those in Marchpeople 2011. whostateElectors are negotiations in part-time on policies work from or health consultants Federalto the ThewhoVoting Financial are Intention looking Review reported for more that Deloitte Touche work. (Unfortunately the ABS does notMarch measuremining tax. this March figure in their monthly unemploymentTohmatsu closed survey.) its deal to buy high-profile economic *TheThe contracts‘underemployed’ between Telstra are and those Salmat people were who are in part-time workALP or consultantsL-NP Greens consultancywho areOthers lookingfirm Access for Can’t Economics, more say which will work.running (Unfortunately for between five and the eight ABS years, does so most 8-10,not measure 2011GSt review this16/17, players figure 2011 in their monthly unemploymentexpand the accountingsurvey.) giant’s economics and of the affected staff were long-term employees. An %For Former further Labor premier %information John Brumby % : will join% forces infrastructure % division % by 60 staff. % In recent years, insideSupport source at Abbott Salmat told rescinding The Australian tax that staff 44For his former further Liberal 44information New South 18Wales : counterpart 75 Access 15 Economics 47 has earned 19 up to $15 million were dedicated to Telstra,Gary and that Morgan: the centres would Office Nick +61 Greiner 3 9224 to undertake 5213 a sweeping Mobile review +61 of the 411 annually129 094 in fees. The takeover is an example of how undoubtedlyOppose have Abbott to closeGaryMichele rescinding unless Morgan:Telstra Levine: taxrenewed theOfficeOffice 45 GST +61+61 distribution 33 92249224 system. 46 52135215 The review, 71Mobile due in February 16+61 411 the 80129 big 093 094four accounting 43 firms are 32 looking to diversify contract. MicheleCan’t Levine: say Office 11 2012, +61 will provide3 9224 10 an interim 5215 report Mobile 11 to federal treasurer+61 9 411 beyond129 5 093 their traditional 10 realms of 49 tax and auditing. TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 1315 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

% intending to take next 12 months a holidayto in the % intending ` having already agreed to an $11 billion compensation Next Holiday will be Overseas is unfolding inexorably as Australia10% struggles to 9% Obese 27% agreement.20% 10% 7% Further obstacles7% in NBN deal 7% manage a ‘once in a century’ resources boom with 23%6% Telstra pulled out of its agreement to put an $11 its Fair Work Act, which has weakened productivity,

telstraFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE tries to pop ‘cherry-picking’ laws billion deal with NBN Co to shareholders on July 1, flexibility and workplace change. ‘The rumble of 0%

NBNFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Co warned that a bid from Telstra to have because of concerns that the terms were ‘no longer alarm is sounding from Labor’s friends and enemies’, 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 0 0 1 -0 -0 -0 -0 -1 r r r n-0 r n-1 r n-1 ‘cherry-picking’ rulesan-06 dumpedp would,ul-06 if successful,an-07 p practicable,’ Thean-08 Australianp ul-0 reported. The movep ul-0 He said. Kelly statesp thatul-10 Gillard cannot escape the J A J Oct-06 J A Jul-07 Oct-07 J A J Oct-08 Ja A J Oct-09 Ja A J Oct-10 Ja seriously undermine the government’s $36 billion threatened to delay the massive project, as access problem because ‘it goes to the viability of her main 2% 3 monthly moving average Underweight 2% investment in the National Broadband Network, The to Telstra’s network of ducts and conduits would be achievement and the policy on which Labor defeated Financial Review0%Source reported.: Roy Morgan The provisions Single were Source put (Novemberneeded before2005 –much January of the 2011, work average could begin. sample NBN per quarterJohn Howard’ n=5,240).. He blames ‘the squeeze’ on a Chinese N.B. A small percentage of holiday intenders cannot nominate where they will be going on their next holiday. As a result, the in place to stop 1NBN’s rivals, such as Telstra, from Co’s response4 was very civil, with chief executive7 resources boom that has driven up the0 Australian percentages-0 -01 shown as-02 intending to-03 go overseas -or0 domestic on-05 their next holiday-06 do not- 0add to the total-08 intenders.-09 1 p c c c c c c constructing etheir own high-speed networks in certain Mike Quigley saying that it was ‘worthwhile taking dollar, in turn, damaging competitiveness ‘while areas beforeJaneS theDec NBN Ianniello, is rolledDec out. International Such constructionDe DirectortheDe time ofto get Tourism, theDec right outcome.’ TravelDe & Leisure,De Roylabour’s MorganDec new industrial Research,De system says:is a Dedead weight on any would effectivelySource: makeRoy Morganthe NBN useless, Single anSource, NBN Co Australians 18+, average 12 monthly moving averagesolution Sept via 01 revived – Dec productivity’. 2010, n =51,851. Australian Industrial spokesperson said. “Holiday intention is downNBN slightly digging in itself January into a holecompared to the previousGroup chiefyear Heather and may ridout, continue widely recognised to for Similar shiftsdecline are reflected in February in attitudes with Changesthe to weightheavy to installation fall loss. in As proceduresconsumer of December as confidencea result 2010, of the 64%followingher ofconstructive the discussions population dealings with reportedaround the Labor thethey government, aCCC backswould t elstra,like introductionto o ptusbe able to oflose a Carbonweight, TaxcomparedNBN haveand beenimplications to a 62% source in of March frustrationfor the 2001. costand confusion of living. recently called for a new review of the IR laws. The Australian Competition and Consumer for the land development industry, The Financial Despite this,“For those those who Australians considered thata low are fat intending diet a way to of take life a declined holiday, from an overseas 36% to 33%destination between is Marchincreasingly 2001 Commissionand December(ACCC) acknowledged 2010, and that, the without number Reviewof Australians reported. Under consta the previousntly watching system, project their weighttough lovewas ondown welfare from 42% to proper regulation, NBNbeing Co could chosen, become with a threat the to strongdevelopers Australian would dig dolla tranchesr making for communication an overseas holidayThe Australian relatively reported cheap. the t ony abbott had 40% over the same period. existing phone companies“By if contrast,it starts offering less retailAustralians cables into are which intending Telstra would to installtake wiresa domestic without committedholiday. the This Coalition trend to sweeping could welfare be reform services, The Financial Review reported. charge. That changed over the new year, with promises. Under the proposed policies, unemployment Norman Morris,exacerbated Industry in the Communications short-term, as the Director, recent floods Roy Morgan and Cyclone Research, Yasi could says: deter some Australians developers now funding the installation while NBN benefits would be suspended in areas where there is review of new“Our media risingfrom laws holidaying weight is likely in Queensland.” an indicationCo oversees of the our process. changing The industry lifestyles. bemoaned But despiteunskilled more work Australians available, such becomingas fruit picking. Also, CommunicationsForoverweight more Minister information, andStephen obese, or weConroy to seem purchase tothe becoming confusion the complete lesssurrounding interested Holiday the intransition, dieting Travel with and Intention weightwork for watching. Leadingthe dole would Indicators be mandatory Report. for people announced a review to update media laws for the spokesperson Gordon templeton saying that ‘there younger than 50 who had been on unemployment Please visit theVisit Roy the Morgan Roy Morgan Online OnlineStore for Store: morewww.roymorganonlinestore.com information: www.roymorganonlinestore.com 1410 continued pg 15... LETTER FROM CANBERRA benefits for more than six months. An analysis Wayne Swan before a final report in September. The by Australian social affairs writer Stephen lunn buSINESS. ECONOmy. Australian reported that South Australia’s ‘Mr Fix It’, claimed the move achieved three things: It appealed Bruce Carter, would also take part in the review. to Abbott’s ‘John Howard base’, it offered Abbott’s TAx Carter is currently a managing partner at Ferrier own policy agenda rather than ‘carping’ at Julia Hodgson, and chairs the Olympic Dam taskforce, Gillard’s, and it highlighted the Coalition’s record of Mortgage insurance may increase having previously chaired South Australia’s Economic fiscal discipline. However, it was acknowledged that In The Australian Financial Review mortgage brokers Development Board. He specialises in corporate Abbott’s proposals did not differ greatly from Labor’s criticised the federal government’s ban on home loan solvency and has worked in economic management position, in broad philosophical terms. exit fees. They argue that the decision could increase at government levels. ‘I understand horizontal fiscal interest rates and initial charges, deterring first-home equalisation and I’ve been involved at a high level with Qantas flies into union dispute buyers from entering the market. In a bid to make state finances,’ Carter told The Australian. The Herald Sun reported that Qantas urged union the government reconsider the ban, the mortgage leaders to remain committed to its latest round of broking industry has also claimed that the policy High dollar squeezes states workplace negotiations. The airline is facing industrial would provide a major free kick to the big four banks The Australian Financial Review claimed that the action from multiple sectors of its labour force, by forcing smaller competitors out of business. soaring Australian dollar would strip $1.4 billion from including pilots, engineers, baggage handlers and state revenue over the next 18 months. The paper refuellers. The Transport Workers Union is in talks Parting shot said the shortfall would occur because a higher with Qantas, representing 9000 Qantas employees RBA board member donald McGauchie declared value currency eats into US-dollar-dominated mining over hotly contested job security provisions. that he would not seek a third term, reported The royalties for states. Australian. The outgoing McGauchie warned that the Plant operators steel themselves for closures RBA’s challenge of keeping inflation under control Call for NFP regulator Steel-makers could be forced to close plants and would become more challenging, given the size of A range of submissions provided to Treasury 15,000 jobs could be lost if a carbon price were to the Labor government’s deficit and the impact of its suggested that Australia’s not-for-profit sector be introduced, according to a report in The Financial workplace policy. ‘The changes that have taken place should be regulated by a national body, but that such Review. The additional $300 – 400 million a year in in both industrial relations policy and fiscal policy regulation should not burden directors with additional tax could force plant closures, said BlueScope Steel under the current government make it considerably costs or responsibilities. Treasury figures show that chief Paul O’Malley, whose Port Kembla steelworks harder to manage monetary policy,’ he stated in The the sector consists of around 600,000 entities, and is would not be viable under the changes. Australian. worth about $43 billion to GDP annually, but currently has no national regulator. Shifting sands of student workers disaster budget The National Retailers Association launched a After a spate of natural disasters at home and Chartered Secretaries Australia chief tim Sheehy campaign for the abolition of the three-hour minimum overseas, federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has been told The Australian that it would be better for shift provision for school students, The Financial preparing the public for a tough budget. The Age Australian Securities and Investment Commission, Review reported. The NRA argued that three-hour made particular note of Treasury advice predicting not the Australian Tax Office, to regulate the sector shifts after school hours were unrealistic, given that that Japan’s earthquake and tsunami were likely to in the short term. ‘If the NFP sector is to benefit from stores often close early on weeknights, and has wound key exports such as iron ore and coal. Japan is the same approach provided to the private sector, proposed that the minimum shift should be halved to Australia’s second-largest trading partner. Swan said you don’t ask the body that administers taxation 1.5 hours, so long as parents agree. in the paper that the government would have to ‘do a legislation to regulate it.’ Contrary to the proposals lot of things in the budget that would not be popular’ made to Treasury, the Australian Institute of Company Unions’ pay rise push anything but casual to achieve the surplus it wanted. Directors said that subjecting NFP directors to a ‘fit Unions applied renewed pressure on the Gillard and proper purpose test’ was ‘unduly onerous,’ and government in an attempt to ensure that the pay and Victoria wants its slice of GSt pie was more appropriate for the regulation of banks and conditions of casuals, contractors and hired labourers Victorian Premier ted Baillieu was furious over a insurance companies. are on par with permanent employees doing the same Commonwealth Grants Commission decision which job, The Australian reported. A subsequent article in meant a $2.5 billion cut in Victoria’s GST revenue thanks but no thanks, say charities The Financial Review reported a further union push, over the next four years, The Australian reported. The Financial Review reported that not-for-profit aimed to secure a pay rise of about $30 a week for The commission decided that the money should go organisations politely rejected a proposal from the those on minimum wage, as well as a percentage to Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern federal government to have the Australian Taxation increase for more highly-skilled workers. Territory, citing Victoria’s good fiscal health, strong Office or the Australian Securities and Investments property market and low wages growth as reasons Commission regulate their sector. However, the 740 fewer telemarketers out there… why the state didn’t need extra help. sector welcomed plans to cut red tape in exchange for After losing a major contract with Telstra, direct uniform reporting by the 600,000 NFPs in Australia. marketing specialist Salmat was forced to dump 740 tax distribution review The functions of a possible regulatory body would jobs, and took a huge hit on the share market, The The Australian Financial Review reported that the include assessing organisations for tax concession Australian reported. Employees in the regional centres distribution of $50 billion in Goods and Services Tax status, registering and regulation NFP companies, of Wagga Wagga, Geelong and Bundaberg were at receipts to the states would go under review. The and collecting corporate and financial information. the worst risk of redundancy, while workers in the paper hypothesised that the Gillard government’s company’s Sydney CBD office were more likely to decision could diffuse the increasingly sour federal- accounting giant makes deloitte-ful deal hold on to their jobs. state negotiations on policies from health to the The Financial Review reported that Deloitte Touche mining tax. Tohmatsu closed its deal to buy high-profile economic The contracts between Telstra and Salmat were consultancy firm Access Economics, which will running for between five and eight years, so most GSt review players expand the accounting giant’s economics and of the affected staff were long-term employees. An Former Labor premier John Brumby will join forces infrastructure division by 60 staff. In recent years, inside source at Salmat told The Australian that staff his former Liberal New South Wales counterpart Access Economics has earned up to $15 million were dedicated to Telstra, and that the centres would Nick Greiner to undertake a sweeping review of the annually in fees. The takeover is an example of how undoubtedly have to close unless Telstra renewed the GST distribution system. The review, due in February the big four accounting firms are looking to diversify contract. 2012, will provide an interim report to federal treasurer beyond their traditional realms of tax and auditing.

15 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

ViEWPoiNt: rethink large it Projects Cameron Clark So is there a solution for this?

Governments and large commercial organisations seem to operate in Usually the simple solutions are the best so try this one. a consistent pattern when it comes to IT projects – they never seem to work. They are either cancelled after millions of dollars have been spent, Instead of undertaking a massive project with ten or more recalcitrant fail to meet expectations or are very late and way over budget. departments whining and moaning at every turn, change the rules. Make it ‘bottom up, not top down.’ For those few that crash through the final gate, another challenge awaits in trying to get users to accept the new system. Users seem to sense First locate an area of users that look like they understand what is these troubled programs and quickly generate a passionate hate for required. Test their knowledge, desire, vision, enthusiasm and if it feels the new system, complaining that the system is difficult to use, doesn’t right, engage them as the Business Analysts along with a small team operate correctly or doesn’t match the required workflow. from the IT department that can be trusted to keep to the script.

Why is it that projects like Health Smart or Ultranet or some of the major Try a combination of carrot and stick (“The future of our organisation is banks’ key software upgrades, to name but a few miscreants, are either in your hands” or “If you stuff this up…”) until you feel the message has complete failures or a waste of funds? got through.

In the majority of cases, large IT projects fail at the same two places. Then set the rules: The first fatality occurs right at the beginning when the project is being • A small team is an effective team scoped and designed. It is very difficult to get the requirements correct • The management footprint should be modest but firm when the design is overseen by ten or more departments each with their • Encourage experimentation and innovation own vested interests and possessing a willingness to fight over each and • Bend the rules. All that documentation overhead (Risk Management, every point. In some cases these groups would rather kill the pig than Asset control, etc.) can be completed at a later stage. have the piglets! • Build a live prototype that can be quickly and easily amended to act as a proof of concept. It doesn’t matter if it is finally discarded or Typically the project starts re-done three times over. being bent out of shape at this very point, making it impossible This process will have a system up ready to be road tested with another for it ever to be implemented in level of users. Once proven it is a much easier task to expand a successful any reasonable timeframe or system upwards and outwards. within budget. The requirement specifications start to blow out The best part is that these users become a key part of the Change and dramatically increase in Management team and will act as champions and trainers down the complexity and scope – the track when the going gets tough. Myki project would make a very good case study. Most of what is produced will not be wasted as it will either be right, be close to right, show that the initial project concept was flawed or identify Instead of trying to limit the scope, the exact opposite occurs. The project another path. is more than likely doomed at this point but cannot be stopped for all the right yet wrong reasons. A key reason to adopt this methodology is that there will be no public embarrassment. The cost will have been so low it won’t be noticed The second failure point is at the delivery end. Let’s assume that amongst the general waste and politically, should it turn out to be a somehow the IT development team has been able to deliver the software failure, it can be nipped in the bud to quietly and discreetly slip under the system based upon the ever-moving requirements. In most cases, the waters with barely a ripple or sound. vital human factor relating to the Change Management process has been overlooked or compromised and users awake one Monday morning to a Cameron has spent 30+ years in the Information Technology arena with new system. It will have been accompanied by a raft of wall posters or a concentration on the software industry. He is passionate about the notices all outlining teamwork and the benefits of the new software. You impact and opportunities that have now arisen with the rise of the social could look at these posters as a type of corporate graffiti. When users networking phenomena, witnessing a change starting to flow through all hate a system you can almost guarantee failure and that the recovery levels and areas of society. Cameron has spoken at the Australia Club, costs will exceed the original software systems budget. Australian Computer Society, Australian Institute of Management and INTAC 2008 (Aged Care) on the subjects of “Networking” and the “Impact What follows is the embarrassment phase which lasts longer that the of Social & Business Networks” on corporations. project itself and has been known to linger for decades.

ato to analyse tax shortfalls revenue budgeted for by the government decreased aSX seeks approval for Singapore marriage A new analysis system that highlights to the to an even larger degree. The Financial Review reported that ASX Ltd and government several areas where less tax is collected Singapore Ltd shifted their strategy and recognised than budgeted is to be introduced by the Australian Norway-style wealth fund? No way! the need for the support of both major Australian Taxation Office, The Financial Review reported. So Federal Treasury refused to support a Norwegian- political parties to proceed with their proposed $8.4 far, analysis has shown that the before-tax profit of style sovereign wealth fund to handle Australia’s billion merger, rather than simply relying on cross- companies increased substantially in 2010, but tax revenue windfall from rising commodity prices. bench votes. However, a follow-up article predicted

16 LETTER FROM CANBERRA that political roadblocks would be too great and that Pratt to return to australia the $11.5 billion revenue from the carbon tax to the deal would not pass through Parliament. anthony Pratt, son of the late businessman richard revive Henry’s controversial tax reform blueprint. The Pratt and heir to the Visy empire, plans to return to Australian said federal Treasurer Wayne Swan called ato investigates tax dodges Australia to run his father’s packaging business, The tax cuts a ‘live option’ for carbon tax compensation. The Australian Taxation Office announced a Australian reported. Pratt has been based in the US, However, he rejected revisiting the Henry tax reforms, crackdown on the cash economy, launching an running Pratt Industries for two decades. pointing out that the Henry’s proposed reforms would investigation into 46,000 businesses suspected of force some low- and middle-income earners to pay under-reporting their cash sales, and targeting a New Macquarie chief more. The Australian Financial Review said there is further 110,000 individual taxpayers believed to be The first independent chairman of Macquarie Group no appetite among senior ministers for the idea, as willing participants, The Financial Review reported. was appointed, The Financial Review reported. At it would amount to a twofold tax hike on their core New IT systems, which can match reported income his inauguration, Kevin McCann paid tribute to his electorate. against existing records, are enabling the crackdown. predecessor david Clarke, who was forced to step down after a long battle with cancer. Business slams summit autopsy on ‘death fund’ investment Labor’s planned October tax summit came under The Financial Review reported that the Victorian Secretive Samuel scathed heavy criticism from company directors and tax Funds Management Corporation (VFMC) was Marketing and distribution company Metcash was experts, who said that its exclusion of the carbon under investigation by KPMG at the behest of the outraged to discover that Australian Competition price, the mining tax and the GST rendered it Victorian Government, after a suspicious billion-dollar and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chief Graham essentially useless. The Financial Review reported investment in a so-called ‘death fund.’ VFMC, which Samuel had held a secret meeting with rival that businesses were also concerned that the summit manages about $35 billion in public funds, made the Woolworths in December of 2010 regarding the would only be held over two days, saying that it investment in The Life Settlements Wholesale Funds purchase of Franklins, and demanded that Samuel would be too short to canvas a full overhaul of the in 2007, and has since seen a 30 per cent loss, in explain himself. The revelations severely undermined tax system. Some comments about the proposed contrast to a positive return across the rest of VFMC’s Samuel’s credibility, as the ACCC continued with its meeting were published by the paper, including those investments. Federal Court bid to block Metcash’s $215 million of Qantas chairman leigh Clifford, who remarked, takeover of Franklins, The Australian reported. ‘We’re having tax reform on the run and that’s what labour-hire firms should recruit a tax lawyer concerns me… You can’t tackle tax reform in an ad The Australian Taxation Office could fine recruitment Undercover financial probe hoc way because it is inter-related’. Former Board agencies and labour-hire firms up to $2.75 million The Australian Financial Review revealed that the of Taxation chairman dick Warburton said that each for participating in a tax-dodge which splits Australian Securities and Investment Commission the ‘GST should be included… because it’s such a income between workers and their spouses, The will mount an undercover surveillance operation big part of the collection process’. david Mortimer, Financial Review reported. Taxpayers and employers targeting financial planners’ advertising to retirees. chairman of Leighton Holdings and Australia Post, who are using the scheme have been given until April The paper said that during the financial crisis, such argued that ‘if you’re going to have a summit then it 30 to contact the ATO and explain themselves before planners utilised flawed strategies, resulting in often- should be a comprehensive review… You should put it starts investigating. irrecoverable losses. Roughly 80 ‘shadow shoppers’ everything on the table and see what changes need to will visit financial advisers and report back to ASIC be made for the good of the country’. When it comes to business, what’s in a name? Executive pay laws before Parliament The Federal Government ran an advertising campaign New laws to clamp down on big executive bonuses JuSTICE in The Financial Review to inform businesses about were scheduled to be debated in Federal Parliament, the new national business registry system, which The Financial Review reported. Shadow assistant airport parking should be implemented in 2012. The idea behind treasurer Mathias Cormann was confident that a The Australian Competition and Consumer the system is that businesses will no longer have deal could be struck which would avoid the need for Commission proposed that the government scrutinise to register their name in each different state, which the laws to be referred to another committee. The whether carparking facilities are adequate when it should save time and money. The cost of registry is laws would involve a controversial ‘two strikes’ rule, assesses the master plans which airports are required negligible – $30 for one year and $70 for three years. which would result in the spill of a board following to produce. The Australian said the ACCC hoped the Information can be downloaded at www.innovation. shareholder protest votes. measure would discourage airports from delaying gov.au/businessnames the construction of new carparks in order to charge double trouble for taxpayers higher prices. The proposal was in a new submission Politicians make dodgy claims The Ken Henry tax reforms were revived were to Julia Gillard’s from her chief economic advisory It’s official: politicians are the members of society most temporarily revived by climate change advisor ross organisation, the Productivity Commission. likely to rip off the tax office. Documents obtained by Garnaut, who proposed that the government use The Australian under Freedom of Information laws revealed data from an Australian Taxation Office analysis of tax returns from 2008-09, which showed that members of parliament were the most ‘at risk’ of making dodgy claims in their tax returns. tax win for law firms The Financial Review reported that large law firms were closer to converting from traditional partnerships to a corporate model after a decision from the Australian Taxation Office that reduced the risk that incorporation would trigger major capital gains tax bills.

17 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

and Amcor agreeing to a $500 million settlement over Australia’s population growth to slow to its weakest price-fixing charges, The Financial Review reported. pace in four years. The slump was largely attributed to The case, headed by the Australian Competition and foreign students leaving the country, and exacerbated Consumer Commission (ACCC), marked only the labour shortage concerns. second instance where victims of a cartel in Australia have been compensated. timor detention centre fails East Timor has knocked back Australia’s proposed legal move full of pro bono-fits refugee processing facility on its soil. Prime Minister In a move that could benefit hundreds of under- Julia Gillard’s idea was dismissed by East Timor’s privileged clients, Victorian lawyers are pushing for top diplomat’s deputy as ‘not a priority’, in an reforms that would allow them to do more pro bono interview with The Age. The Australian reported that work, The Financial Review reported. Currently, after it became clear that the plan to build a centre Victorian corporate lawyers are only allowed to serve in East Timor was a write-off, the Gillard government their employer, a rule which does not exist in other announced plans for a new detention centre to be imogen Phillips, traveling the world and pictured eastern states. A national reform of these rules is built 35km southeast of Darwin The 1500-bed facility, here in her scholarly finest, recently worked as currently being floated, but many believe the Victorian which is estimated to cost $9.2 million, would be an intern with Affairs of State while she was in system should be changed immediately so lawyers situated at Wickham Point, and is another example Melbourne. She continues her travels to New can aid people affected by recent natural disasters, of the Labor government’s detention woes after more Zealand and Africa this year while wending her way such as the Victorian floods. than two years of boat arrivals. Timorese politicians back to the UK to read English at Cambridge. declared that the original plan to build a centre in their Judge to step down country had received ‘no momentum’ whatsoever. Huge implications in Hogan case The Financial Review reported that NSW Chief Justice The Australian says the ‘Timor solution’ would not be The Financial Review’s Hannah low wrote a feature James Spiegelman announced that he would resign part of final discussions at the Bali ministerial summit. article outlining the potential ramifications of actor on May 31, days after his 13th anniversary in the Paul Hogan’s plan to sue the Australian Crime position. Speed-up for skilled visas Commission for compensation of its failed five-year In a victory for the mining industry, the federal criminal tax investigation of him. Low says that, if the government agreed to speed up the approval of case is successful, the number of ACC prosecutions ImmIGRATION temporary skilled migration visas as part of a could decrease significantly, and investigations could campaign to address fears of a skills shortage. take longer and be even more secretive. Morrison misinterpreted According The Financial Review, the program would A report in The Sydney Morning Herald said that mean fast-tracked visas for 1000 adult apprentices. Club’s pokie campaign federal Liberal immigration spokesman Scott Clubs are reportedly considering fighting the federal Morrison suggested to shadow cabinet that the We predicted a riot government’s poker machine reforms in the High Coalition politically capitalise on growing concerns The Immigration Department announced that the Court. The Australian Financial Review also says about ‘Muslim immigration’, Muslims in Australia’ Christmas Island detention centre would be scaled clubs may campaign against Labor MP’s in marginal and the ‘inability’ of Muslims to integrate. In the face down in response to week-long, violent riots, The electorates at the next federal election in an attempt of the row that erupted, Senior Liberal MP andrew Australian reported. The move was a big win for to derail the gambling limits on all poker machines by robb broke shadow cabinet confidentiality to defend local residents, who had long claimed that the centre 2014. his colleague, claiming Morrison had been deliberately was overcrowded and warned that riots of this scale misinterpreted. Michelle Grattan at The Age summed were inevitable. It took nearly 200 federal police, did aSiC really need to chop down the up the situation well, saying that ‘a high level leaker armed with teargas an ammunition, to finally get the Forrest? has taken a shot at the immigration spokesman, and centre under control in a show of brute force. The Two of the three judges on the panel that found the opposition has been spectacularly splattered Immigration Department is now shipping asylum mining magnate Andrew Forrest guilty of misleading with mud’. Morrison had earlier come under fire for seekers to mainland detention centres as it was investors have questioned whether the case was his suggestion that taxpayers should not be flying announced the Christmas Island facility would not even worth ASIC’s attention in the first place, Hannah survivors of the Christmas Island boat tragedy to accept new detainees. Low wrote in The Financial Review. Judges Patrick Sydney for the funerals of their deceased family Keane and Arthur Emmett said it was a ‘curiosity’ that members. no evidence was produced to show that any of the FOREIGN AFFAIRS misled investors had sustained losses. Chief Justice Migration agents sex racket Keane said that this was ‘presumably because those An Age exclusive revealed that migration agents rudd’s views don’t fly who invested… have profited handsomely from that registered by the federal government are helping to In what looked to be the biggest rift so far between investment.’ Keane also said that the circumstances run illegal prostitution rackets across Melbourne. The former and current Labor leaders, Julia Gillard was around the case ‘may be said to raise a question as paper says that up to six migration agents had worked not prepared to back Foreign Minister Kevin rudd’s to whether the prosecution of this case by ASIC was with the mostly Asian syndicates that run illegal activism in support of a no-fly zone over Libya, The a game worth the candle.’ Justice Emmett agreed, prostitution in Melbourne and Sydney. Financial Review reported. saying that ‘the vigour with which the commission has prosecuted the proceeding against Fortescue is BCa wants more skilled migrants Why rudd just won’t go away curious.’ Angela Pearsall, a partner at Blake Dawson, The Business Council of Australia suggested that a The Australian Financial Review reported on a special said that ASIC is a ‘model litigant and needs to do larger intake of skilled migrants is the best solution foreign affairs dinner held on March 20 at Canberra’s things by the book, and it’s got to expect that its to a skills crisis caused by a lack of workers in the Hyatt Hotel. Julia Gillard addressed the room, conduct will be viewed in the context that civil penalty resources sector, The Financial Review reported. which included Australia’s ambassadors to the G20 proceedings are brought in the public interest.’ BCA chairman Graham Bradley supported an annual countries, who had been re-called at great cost for the immigration intake of around 180,000 a year, but special dinner. Kim Beazley flew in from Washington $500m cardboard cartel settlement suggested a one-off increase in intake this year to D.C, John dauth from London. The Financial Review Cardboard consumers who were over-charged for alleviate pressure on employers. The paper later says other guests included Australian business years had a landmark victory, with cartel-runners Visy reported that a recent record fall in migration caused leaders, top bureaucrats, journalists and academics

18 LETTER FROM CANBERRA rounding out the total attendance to roughly 10 or Westpac and the Bank of Melbourne more. However, the paper pointed out Kevin rudd’s After being dumped in 2004, the Bank of Melbourne Affairs of State, Letter from conspicuous absence on the night. Apparently, the was revived, much to the delight of Westpac CEO rumour on the night was that Rudd, who has been Gail Kelly. According to a feature in The Australian, Melbourne and Letter from so instrumental in steering the G20’s position, could BoM’s aim will be to provide better service, not lower Canberra conduct regular, not be in the room with Gillard speaking because of interest rates. BoM branches will replace 34 existing perceived antipathy. St George locations in Victoria, with a further 90 (usually) informal luncheons branches due to be opened over the next five years. Kelly said that the original decision to kill off the BoM and other events for clients bANkS had not been a mistake, rather, a decision made in a and subscribers at our Collins different environment. Which bank is giving away free cash?? St offices and elsewhere. A rogue computer system created chaos for Australia’s largest bank, causing 40 of its ATMs to spit out cash to RESOuRCES pleasantly surprised customers. The Commonwealth Express your interest Bank also experienced problems with its internet resource ramifications and phone banking services, payment systems and Heather ridout, chief executive of the Australian EFTPOS network, on top of the malfunctioning ATMs. Industry Group, warned that Australia’s resources - High speed rail, quarterly An article in The Australian reported that the ATMs, boom could force substantial restructuring of the which were cut off from the bank’s database, were manufacturing, tourism and agriculture industries, - Emergency services, bi- spitting out whatever cash the customer requested, The Australian reported. Ridout said that those monthly regardless of whether or not they had that much outside the resources industry could face a tough money in their account. Although it seemed like environment over the next 10-20 years because of a a perfect situation for the lucky customers who strong Australian dollar. - Major government contract stumbled upon these ATMs, police warned that people difficulties, regularly who kept the money could be charged with fraud and Need to manage wealth more resourcefully face up to 10 years in jail. ‘People should realise that The Financial Review wrote about Reserve Bank - eHealth, occasionally even though an ATM has dispensed cash, they are not governor Glenn Stevens’ warning that Australia entitled to that money and are committing a criminal needs to be scrupulous in its management of the - Lobbying 101 and 102, offence by keeping it,’ NSW Detective Superintendent effects of rising commodity prices and investment, if Col dyson said. the nation is to take full advantage of the resources regularly and as requested boom. Banks hit by strict ruling A stricter than expected interpretation of new global residential development critique banking rules by the Australian Prudential Regulation The Productivity Commission released a 400-page AFFAIRS OF STATE Authority means that the cost of holding liquid assets draft research report into planning, titled Performance A PUBLIC AFFAIRS FIRM will increase for Australian banks, The Financial Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Review reported. Planning Zoning and Development Assessments. e: [email protected] The Australian Financial Review, which examined the p: 03 9654 1300 Price-signal bans given go-ahead report, said that it sets out a comprehensive argument w: www.affairs.com.au The Financial Review reported the federal government’s for change. intention to continue with its controversial plan to ban ‘price signalling’ by the big banks, despite negative All three levels of government are held responsible feedback from the sector. However, the government for the failures of the process, as all three contribute Government to cross-check heroes of the conceded that laws against the private sharing of to ‘objective overload’ in the system. Commonwealth past pricing information between banks were too harsh, government criticism of the states’ planning The recent awarding of the Victoria Cross to Ben and softened the regulations to allow the discussion of is apparently exposed as sanctimonious, with roberts-Smith has prompted the government to prices in certain cases, such as banks joining together Canberra’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity set up an inquiry to find out whether the medal can, to lend money to large businesses. Conservation Act adding massively to the cost and or should, be awarded retrospectively to Australians time of decisions on urban development. The key who served heroically in past wars, The Australian Banks want a bit of the credit finding of the draft was that Australian planning does reported. Labor’s plan to scrap credit card over-the-limit fees not differentiate between those who make the rules, and outlaw credit limit upgrades got an angry reaction and those who implement them. Gillard supports obama’s barracks from the big banks, with CBA, Westpac and NAB filing Julia Gillard is open to the possibility of allowing more a submission to Treasury criticising the move, The US military forces to be based on Australian land, if it Australian reported. dEFENCE considered it necessary in light of the growing might of India and China, The Australian reported. Banking on an australian license Black Hawk down The Financial Review revealed that at least eight The Age reported that a military Black Hawk helicopter foreign banks had applied for Australian banking was stranded in Moran Reserve, St Kilda, when a part INFRASTRuCTuRE licences, in an effort to break into the largely secluded failure meant that it couldn’t take off after landing market. Big banks from Spain, India and China are in the park. The paper said the helicopter had been Smart future among those trying to capitalise on Australia’s trade taking part in counter-terrorist exercises that occurred An article in The Australian Financial Review predicted links to Asia, strong resource-based economy, high throughout March, during which it dramatically that soon we will enter an era in which technology can immigrant population and solid regulations. buzzed between skyscrapers in Melbourne’s CBD. tell tales on traffic, energy, waste, water, housing and trees – as well as people. Jenny Wiggins wrote that in the UK, the national Highways Agency has some

19 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

ViEWPoiNt: Swags for Homeless Despite the NERHP having strong federal multi-party support, along Tony Clark, Founder & Chairman, Swags for Homeless Ltd. with peak homeless bodies and 100+ charities across Australia who all believe the NERHP is an immediate must, in February Senator Arbib Federal families, housing and communities minister Jenny Macklin stated he has no discretionary funding and instead has requested that and minister for social housing and homelessness Senator Mark Arbib Swags for Homeless take the long approach and contact each state and are currently reviewing the Swags for Homeless $2.1 million National territory directly to implement the NERHP. Emergency Relief Homeless Program. The NERHP is an initiative of national charity Swags for Homeless (www. The NERHP aims to give swags.org.au). all homeless turned away from overflowing shelters Tony Clark founded the across Australia an outdoor national charity Swags for Emergency Relief Backpack Homeless to assist Australia’s Bed. This Bed is a 2.48kg street sleeping homeless with all weather and mosquito the internationally acclaimed, protected fire retardant life saving Backpack Bed™ backpack that converts into an outdoor bed with a built-in fire-retardant which provides dignified insulated mattress. The guiding principle of the program is ‘humanity not emergency relief to homeless politics.’ turned away from shelters. 3,000 have been distributed The Bed has won the world’s largest and most prestigious product design in the last 12 months via award for 2011, Germany’s Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’. It is the first time 100+ charities without any since 1955 that an Australian has won a ‘Best of the Best’ - and the first government funding. time a charity has won globally.

1,800 CCTV cameras watching the motorways. Its of Education, Michael Coutts-trotter, was the first Unlimited possibilities for new education regional control centres monitor traffic and send of many public servants who the paper said, would brand traffic control officers to clear roads after accidents. be summarily axed by the new Barry o’Farrell Australia’s $19 billion international education industry Perth’s main roads department is apparently adopting government. got a facelift under a new initiative from Austrade, The a similar system, installing CCTV cameras throughout Financial Review reported. The industry, which was the metropolitan area, as part of an ‘intelligent MySchools fails to expose bad teachers damaged by the high Australian dollar and bad publicity transportation systems’ project that will be monitored Melbourne-based writer, education commentator and surrounding attacks on Indian students, revamped its by a traffic operations centre 24 hours a day. Wiggins teacher Christopher Bantick wrote an opinion article in image with the slogan Future Unlimited,’ designed to also said, however, that the planned introduction of The Australian slamming the MySchool program for not link in with the broader ‘Australia unlimited’ branding smart meters in Victoria is under reconsideration, after having the guts to expose under-performing teachers. campaign. The move was sparked by figures showing criticism that their benefits have been exaggerated. He argued that, no matter how much funding a school that foreign students are the biggest spending group might receive, if incompetent teachers are allowed of all international visitors, having spent nearly $6.5 NSW post-election politics begins to work with students, the education system is still billion in 2010. The Australian hailed the first ‘political defeat’ to the failing. He expressed concern that teachers without recently elected Barry o’Farrell government in New any true understanding of language or numeracy Skills imbalance called out South Wales. O’Farrell was refused the re-allocation could groom their students to pass standardized tests The Business Council of Australia launched a higher of federal funding from one rail project to another. without actually teaching them anything. education report in conjunction with The Australian The Financial Review says he requested that $2.1 newspaper. The report recommended increased billion earmarked for the Parramatta to Epping rail co-operation between business and universities, link be diverted to the North-West rail project. Federal Professor ian Young to try to address severe imbalances developing in Transport Minister anthony albanese said the funds BE (Hons), MEngSc, Australia’s skills pool. The chair of BCA’s Education, would go back into general revenue. However, The PhD, FIEAust, FTSE Skills and Innovation Task Force is KPMG chairman Age reported that Julia Gillard insisted she could was appointed Vice- Michael andrew. work with O’Farrell, calling his approach ‘reasonable’ Chancellor of The in contrast to the ‘extremism’ of opposition leader Australian National international students make sizeable tony abbott. University in March contribution 2011, having previously An interesting graph published in The Australian Eddington re-appointed been Vice-Chancellor of compared the percentage of revenue from The experienced rob Eddington was re-appointed Swinburne University of international student fees across all of Australia’s as chairman of Infrastructure Australia as the Technology for 7 years. leading universities. Central Queensland University government battled to increase productivity on had the highest figures, with 35.8% of its revenue congestion-easing projects. School spending on par coming from international students, while the Information published on the MySchool website Northern Territory’s Charles Darwin University showed that private schools spend approximately the recorded the lowest at only 3.2%. Victorian giants EduCATION same amount of money on educating their students Monash University and the University of Melbourne which public schools do, The Australian reported. The had similar statistics, recording 18.8 % and 17.9% NSW Education head expelled report revealed that the extra money from private fees respectively, while the Australian National University The Australian announced the first head to roll under goes primarily towards buildings, sporting equipment was towards the bottom of the table at 8.2%. the incoming Coalition government in New South and other facilities, not on purely educational costs. Wales. Controversial head of the state’s Department

20 LETTER FROM CANBERRA review of student finances across the health sector and provide a framework The federal government’s student income support for the proposed e-health record program. IBM has AGRICuLTuRE & reforms were to be reviewed by a committee chaired been working in an advisory role on NASH for around by former University of Melbourne vice-chancellor five years, and already holds hundreds of millions of WATER Kwong lee dow, The Financial Review reported. The dollars’ worth of contracts with Health and Medicare. review would attempt to determine if recent changes Farmers’ milk will be spilt in Coles’ war to eligibility rules for youth allowance have helped Medicine policy leaves bitter aftertaste The Australian reported that Norco co-operative, a disadvantaged students. Labor’s decision to slash the number of new medicines representative of 165 dairy farms in northern NSW which it will subsidise, until the budget returns to and southern Queensland, warned that the milk price the business of academia surplus, has shocked clinicians and pharmaceutical wars started by Coles could have a devastating impact The Business Council of Australia’s education companies, The Financial Review reported. In a on the industry and Australian rural communities. taskforce launched its higher education policy controversial move, new listings to the $8.3 billion exclusively with The Australian. The taskforce Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be deferred, Vets have beef with Coles’ strategy alleges that graduates still lacked essential unless the medicines will save lives or else there is no Coles is under fire from all angles: this time from a attributes, especially in leadership, teamwork and existing treatment. group of leading veterinary and agricultural scientists communication. Representatives of the taskforce who condemned the supermarket’s ‘no added told The Australian, ‘suede patch tenured academics’ obesity campaign hormone beef’ promotion, claiming that it undermines are more interested in preserving the status quo Eric, described by the Herald Sun as ‘likeable but sustainable and ethical food production practices than working to produce graduates with the skills overweight’, will reportedly go to air as part of a $41 currently used by Australian farmers. necessary to succeed in business. million four-year anti-obesity campaign. Obesity Policy Coalition senior policy advisor Jane Martin The group is also critical of Coles’ move to stop selling told the Herald Sun that social pork produced sing ‘sow stalls’ – metal crates that HEALTH marketing providing people with prevent sows from turning round in their stalls and practical advice was accidentally crushing piglets. Veterinary professor ian Boost for disability support an important part lean told The Australian that ‘these decisions of Coles In a rare show of unity, both sides of parliament of the fight against are bad for the environment, bad for people and bad supported the Productivity Commission’s proposal obesity. She pointed for animals.’ for a high-cost national insurance scheme which out that Eric would will revamp disabled care services in Australia. A have to compete with Fewer emissions = rural profits: Garnaut feature article by Stephen lunn in The Australian expensive campaigns from Climate change advisor ross Garnaut said that the quoted the commission’s report, which said that companies that make and international community’s push to reduce carbon ‘the current disability support system is inequitable, market unhealthy foods. emissions could be a hugely profitable opportunity underfunded, fragmented and inefficient, and gives Health Minister Nicola roxon for rural Australia. The Financial Review reported people with disability little choice.’ Paul Kelly wrote said the TV, print and radio Garnaut’s claims that the development of technologies an opinion piece on the issue in The Australian which campaign was aimed at men for carbon sequestration – the capture and long- also supported the scheme, but suggested that a and women aged term storage of carbon dioxide – had increased formulated revenue plan, not a tax-hike, was the best 25 to 50 with substantially since 2008, and that, if embraced by way to fund the initiative. A subsequent article in The children. Australian rural communities, these technologies Financial Review reported that the scheme would cost could increase farm income. around $12 billion annually, $6.3 billion more than the Winners of e-health grant current system. The Australian’s Henry Ergas also The Australian reported that Health Minister Nicola Eggs thrown in Coles’ food fight wrote an impassioned opinion article supporting the roxon announced the successful bidders for the The Financial Review reported that the egg industry reform. $55 million e-health funding pot and unveiled nine had joined dairy farmers in a fight against Coles’ new sites for her $467m personally controlled record move to lower prices in key areas of its range. James Pathology cuts program. A second wave of sites were revealed, Kellaway, director of the Australian Egg Industry An article in The Financial Review reported that building on the three initial lead implementation sites Association, said that dropping the price of free-range the Gillard government plans to cut funding to the involving GP Partners in Brisbane, GP Access in the eggs was not economically realistic, and that the pathology sector in the May budget by nearly $3 NSW Hunter Valley and Melbourne East. The target for decision to phase out Coles-brand caged eggs was billion. The government is hoping to reach a mutually the first 12 sites is to enrol more than half a million ill-conceived and not fair on farmers. agreeable compromise with the industry as soon as Australians before the national launch of the PCEHR possible, but budget restrictions mean that funding (personally controlled electronic health record) next Woolworths milks anti-Coles sentiment cuts will be made with or without the sector’s year. The projects include some targeted on specific Woolworths weighed in on Coles’ decision to slash co-operation. One favoured alternative to the current regions or population groups, while others have a milk prices, saying that the price war could cause system is tendering out pathology services in regions national focus. an ‘unnecessary round of massive changes’ in a to specific players. dairy industry still recovering from Cyclone Yasi and More than 90 applications for grant funding were the floods, The Australian reported. In a submission Medicare bid fails received, indicating a high level of support for released by a Senate inquiry, the supermarket giant Medicare Australia’s bid for the $23.6 million e-health. In another development, the federal Health warned that Coles had forced down milk prices to contract to build the National Authentication Service Department has asked Deloitte, original author of the 1990s levels ‘overnight,’ yet the dairy industry was for Health was ironically beaten by IBM, Medicare’s National e-Health Strategy adopted by the Council of still paying 2011 input costs. own IT services provider, The Australian reported. Australian Governments in late 2008, to prepare an The contract was awarded by the National E-Health ‘addendum’ for the PCEHR business case. Deloitte Supermarket break-up proposal Transition Authority from its $218 million pool of will receive just over $155,000 to provide the material Senators Nick Xenophon and Bill Heffernan COAG-provided funds aimed to develop e-health in the six months to June 30. However, details about suggested breaking up supermarket retail giants infrastructure. During her announcement of IBM’s win, the design and governance of the PCEHR remain Coles and Woolworths, The Age reported. They Federal Health Minister Nicola roxon said the NASH scant, with Ms Roxon yet to release a draft concept of claim that other industries, such as diary farming are would improve the security of digital communication operations for public consultation promised this year. incurring collateral damage in an anti-competitive

21 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011 price war. However, a 2008 inquiry into supermarket Cattlemen forced out of national park At present, the Commonwealth has the power to competition by the consumer watchdog said grocery Australian cattlemen called for a High Court trial, override Territory laws, something which former prime retailing was ‘workably competitive’. in response to federal Environment Minister tony ministers Kevin Rudd and John Howard both relied Burke’s ruling that cattlemen must remove their upon to block previous attempts to legalise same-sex Collateral damage in milk war herds from Victoria’s Alpine National Park by April 8, marriage. However, a bill proposed by Greens leader Corner shops and milk bars could be the latest The Australian reported. Bob Brown, which would be supported by Labor casualty in Coles’ controversial ‘milk war,’ The would remove the Commonwealth’s right to veto Financial Review reported. The decision by Coles, australia’s fine wine territory laws, unless such a veto is approved by both and its closest competitor Woolworths, to sell milk An interesting item in The Weekend Australian houses of parliament. In response to this news, The cheaper than water will draw consumers away from discussed the testing protocols required to gain export Australian’s political editor Dennis Shanahan wrote an independent operators and increase market share approval. The Australian Wine Board introduced the analysis piece that criticised Gillard’s willingness to let for the large chains, a submission to the Senate tasting approval process in 1929 to stop the export of the Greens muscle her out on policy decisions. Paul from National Foods said. The Age said Franklins shoddy wine that could harm the countries reputation. Kelly, also from The Australian, wrote an article of a supermarket chain is losing $20,000 a week because Wine Australia’s compliance manager, Steve Guy, similar nature the next day. it could not compete, according to the company’s told The Australian ‘the inspectors are told simply that acting managing director. they are to protect the reputation of Australian wine… Hail of criticism forces Gillard to rethink There is really only one question they should be asking Just 24 hours after throwing her support behind a academics strike back at Coles when they taste: could this wine bring Australia into Greens-led proposal to restrict Commonwealth’s veto A full-page advertisement in The Australian was disrepute?’ over Territory laws which would subsequently open scathing about several of Coles’ recent campaigns, the door for same-sex marriage legislation, Julia including their ‘Australian Supermarket First: No Added Gillard backed down, saying that ‘the government Hormone Beef’ promotion, and their drastic lowering SOCIETy may reconsider the matter.’ In response to an angry of home-brand milk prices. The advertisement, which backlash from Labor MPs, and a barrage of media was paid for by a group of Australian scientists, Forrest puts pedal to metal criticism suggesting that she had caved to the claims that the ‘decisions of Coles are bad for the Fortescue Metals Group chief executive andrew demands of the Greens, The Australian quoted Gillard environment, bad for people and bad for animals.’ Forrest has replaced News Corp chairman rupert as saying that she had ‘sought further advice on the They argue that Coles’ campaigns, which appear to Murdoch as the nation’s wealthiest executive, issue,’ and was not prepared to make a final decision be environmentally and socially responsible, lack according to the 2011 BRW Executive Rich List. until later. Greens leader Bob Brown said that same- scientific backing and undermine modern farming sex marriage was only one of the issues affected methods. Vanstone’s republic by the Territories’ rights legislation, and that the bill Former Howard government minister amanda needed to be examined more broadly. Supermarket price wars Vanstone has argued in The Age in favour of The Herald Sun reported Fosters was temporarily an Australian republic. She said she wants all Gillard plays it straight withholding supplies from Coles and Woolworths to ‘constitutional arrangements to be our own’ and feels Julia Gillard stuck by her personal opposition to prevent its beers being sold below cost. Bart Becht, it will strengthen the Australian identity. gay marriage, despite previous policy decisions that global CEO of Reckitt Benckiser which owns brands could have opened the door for its legalisation, The that include Vanish, Harpic, Morteirn and Dettol, told aboriginal welfare Australian reported. Gillard also hit back at opposition The Australian Financial Review that the price war was Northern Territory political power-broker Gerry Wood suggestions that the Greens had hijacked Labor’s undermining brand image, and forcing companies to called on the Gillard government to cease welfare political agenda in the wake of a controversial policy reduce marketing investment if the battle were to payments as a way to end violence and social crisis backflip, with opposition leader tony abbott saying continue. among Aborigines. He was quoted in The Age, saying that the Greens’ gay marriage push was a sign that ‘we are bringing up generation after generation of they were running Gillard’s government. Her original it’s your dam fault! Aboriginal people who have never worked properly’. decision to back a bill put forward by the Greens, The Australian published the findings of a report by Wood said Centrelink payments, which are known one that would remove ministers’ rights to overturn the Queensland government which blamed river in the Territory as ‘sit-down money’, should be given Territories’ laws, was a step towards the legalisation flooding in January on inaccurate weather reports, to community organisations that could provide jobs, of gay marriage, and evoked angry responses from not mistakes from the government’s own Wivenhoe even if these were simply raking or mowing the grass. members of the Labor Right. Dam. These findings, however, were undermined The Age wrote that Wood had worked with Aborigines by a subsequent article published in The Australian for more than a decade, and in his opinion cutting Escaping the rat race which revealed that a ‘flood event log’ might show welfare would be hard but the government had to A surprising story published in The Australian revealed that operating procedures were not followed properly look at long-term solutions. In a letter obtained by that, contrary to widely-held beliefs, Australia’s in the disaster. If it is found that these procedures The Australian, traditional owners and elders in Alice population is actually moving away from big cities, not were ignored, the Queensland government could be Spings wrote to prime minister Julia Gillard, urging towards them. A $110,000 study commissioned by exposed to massive legal claims by residents and her to ‘sit down with us together in the dirt’ with tony the Gillard government, and conducted by academics insurers. abbott to develop an apolitical solution to the town’s from the University of Adelaide, found that the move to social crisis. regional areas was far greater than a temporary ‘sea- Council found lacking change’ effect, and would influence future settlement Sources from within Queensland’s dam management open door for gay marriage law policies, as well as the work of Population Minister authorities revealed to The Australian that the Brisbane Despite being personally opposed to gay marriage, tony Burke. City Council influenced the Wivenhoe Dam to make Julia Gillard removed obstacles to the social lower-than-justified releases of water at critical times agenda of the Australian Greens, a step towards the No more hidden a-genders during the floods. This caused a dangerous build-up possible legalisation of same-sex unions. An article Leading economist and Westfield board member of water in the dam, which subsequently led to huge in The Australian said that the Greens, on whom Judith Sloan wrote an opinion article in The Australian volumes of water being released at once, drastically Gillard relies to maintain her minority government, arguing against gender quotas for high-powered worsening the effects of the flood across the state. were also pushing the Prime Minister to facilitate a positions, saying that if women are to achieve high- conscience vote attempting to reverse a 1997 federal powered positions they need to earn them on merit. bill that outlawed Northern Territory euthanasia laws. In response, opposition Treasury spokesman Joe

22 LETTER FROM CANBERRA

Hockey argued that a quota might be necessary, but Global relief effort for Japan for the position of Chief Executive Officer based only as a last resort if all else fails. His argument was 100,000 Japanese soldiers were joined by aid workers in Canberra. The centre is one of the world’s based on the fact that female board representation and search teams from around the world in a huge leading collaborative research organisations remains at only 8.5 per cent, the same level as it was collaborative relief effort in tsunami-ravaged Japan, on carbon dioxide capture and geological 10 years ago. The Australian reported. storage. Applications can be made quoting reference number 5879 via email (search@ Gender audit for business Japan crisis hits economy watermarksearch.com.au) or mail (GPO Box 2708 A new reporting regime for businesses to be put Japan’s nuclear crisis caused havoc on global financial Sydney NSW 2001). Tel: (02) 9233 1200 before Parliament, and due to start in 2013, will focus markets, with a report in The Australian estimating on promoting gender equality in the workplace, The that $680 billion had been lost. Upon news of radiation Exciting medical position Financial Review reported. The system, which would leakages, Japan’s stockmarket fell a whopping 14 The Federal Government advertised for the affect all companies with over 100 staff, would force per cent in one day. It was predicted that these dire Canberra-based position of Chief Medical Officer business to periodically report ‘tangible outcomes’ on economic consequences would force the Reserve of Australia, to replace outgoing chief Prof Jim gender equality to Canberra. Government suppliers Bank to slash rates. Bishop. Applications can be made by contacting that fail to comply would lose their contracts under ian Hansen at [email protected] or the new rules, which would shake up the $24 billion Nuclear crisis shrouded in misinformation 0408 306 769. government procurement industry. The move was Gavin Atkins, a former employee of the Australian later slammed by businesses, who argued that extra Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, wrote Indigenous Land Corporation position reporting would be ineffective and would only increase an opinion article in The Australian that was heavily Director positions are available on the Board of red tape. critical of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s the Indigenous Land Corporation. Application kits (IAEA) communication with the public regarding can be downloaded at www.fahcsia.gov.au. For Worth $1m? Welcome to the club! Japan’s nuclear crisis. While Atkins acknowledged further information call 1300 883 460. Australia’s property boom has reached ridiculous that the IAEA is a highly respected and important proportions, with data published in The Australian organisation, he described their failure to explain basic Agricultural CEO wanted showing that 212 suburbs across the country have facts, such as what radiation levels actually mean, The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA) median house prices of $1 million or over. Information as ‘woeful.’ Atkins argued that some of the worst was advertising for the position of CEO, based in from property research firm RP Data showed that consequences of nuclear disasters in the past have Orange, NSW. Applications can be made quoting the number of suburbs in the ‘million dollar club’ has been social and psychological, and that the IAEA was reference number 5881 by email (search@ increased by 55 since last year, and by an astounding responsible for minimising this by making sure that waermarksearch.com.au) or mail (GPO Box 2708 134 since 2005. the public is informed as completely and accurately Sydney NSW 2001). Tel: (02) 9223 1220 as possible. Super smart money Murray-Darling position A ‘smart money’ special in The Australian Financial Foreign governments urge evacuation The Murray-Darling Basin Authority was Review warned readers of penalties that can be As the Japanese nuclear disaster worsened, The advertising for a four year, part-time board applied for over-contributing to ones superannuation. Australian reported that foreign governments and position. Applications can be made to ‘The Australian Taxation Office continues to issue companies were urging their people to get out of Tokyo [email protected] or by wildly disproportionate tax penalties for relatively as soon as possible, with fears that radiation from the contacting Sue Grant on (02) 6274 2668 small sums that exceed the annual amounts that can stricken Fukushima reactor could move south. The be contributed to super’. The special estimated that disaster was rated the worst since the Chernobyl Ambulance chief position more than 48,720 of those who breached their caps meltdown in 1986. The Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA), last year are likely to be issued with penalty tax bills, which is the peak body for the ambulance in some cases 93 per cent, or even 138 per cent on Japan faces double energy blow industry, was advertising for the position of CEO. ‘amounts simple common sense would determine George Friedman, chief executive of STRATFOR, Applications can be made before April 18 to John were the result of inadvertent mistakes’. wrote an article in The Australian warning that Japan’s Mollett on (02) 9964 9099. reliance on nuclear power and oil as its two primary sources of energy had left it doubly vulnerable in the National Health Call Centre NATuRAL dISASTERS wake of its nuclear disaster. The National Health Call Centre Network is a government owned group that operates an Government to review disaster insurance integrated national electronic health information In the wake of the recent spate of natural disasters, AppOINTmENTS, JObS service. It aims to improve efficiency and the Gillard government launched a review into effectiveness of the Australian healthcare system. natural disaster insurance policies, The Financial ANd TENdERS Review reported. The review, which was designed to be comprehensive, covered such issues as non- appointments insurance, underinsurance and the possibility of Former Public Service secretary Patricia Scott WANTED subsidising premiums for those in the highest risk was appointed to run the Productivity Commission’s areas. inquiry into long-term disability care. Scott is a A young dreamer to join a former economist with the Reserve Bank and deputy rebuilding chief learns from past mistakes secretary at Industry.Mandarin speaker and Bachelor luncheon discussion on High John Fahey, the former NSW premier now in charge of Economics Frances adamson was appointed Speed Rail in Melbourne in of overseeing the government’s $5.6 billion disaster by Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin rudd as the new relief package, plans to learn from the mistakes of the ambassador to China. April. bungled Building the Education Revolution program, The Australian reported. Fahey has been reading Brad Jobs orgill’s assessment of the failings of the government’s Environmental research position Email [email protected] $16bn education stimulus package as an indication of The Co-Operative Research Centre for or phone 03 9654 1300. what not to do in his current position. Greenhouse Gas Technologies was advertising

23 1 MARCH to 4 APRIL 2011

LETTER FROM CANBERRA

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of land and water supplies, in defiance of opposition deductibility to the fund-raising effort. As the author of Supreme Court Justice Hartley Hanson, who was a policy. Coalition Treasury spokesman and Liberal MP Joe a purported education revolution herself, Gillard lauded Queen’s Counsel before becoming a judge 16 years ago, Hockey said he strongly opposed the idea of a registry. McKillop as an education pioneer who believed in the has been promoted to the Court of Appeal. transformative power of a good education. Handicapped Good Job In The Age, Michelle Grattan wrote that Andrew Peacock, Hope they make it… The National Breast Cancer Foundation seeks a chief back in his old electorate of Kooyong, committed a howler The Herald Sun reported that courts cleared the way executive officer [email protected]. when heEXCLUSIVELY said that ‘you’d have to be pretty handicapped for $100K+14-year-old Dutch girl Laura D ekker to set sail on Tenders not to appreciate that this government is dissolving before her quest to solo circumnavigate the world and become The Government wants to know how Australia should your eyes daily’. This would have been unfortunate even if the youngest person to do it. The Age reported that Kiwi commemorate the Anzac Centenary. All Australians the LaborJOBS candidate for Kooyong AND had not been blind. TALENTadventurer Jeremy Burfoot will try to travel the 32,000 are asked to put their ideas and suggestions forward kilometres from London to New Zealand by jet ski. The to a National Commission about how the Australian 51-year-old pilot will spend up to 12 hours a day astride a community can be engaged to mark the Anzac Centenary, www.sixfigures.com.auSOCIETY jet-ski on his journey to the southern hemisphere. www.anzaccentenary.gov.au. God help her Australia’s first atheist celebrated the achievement of APPOINTMENTS, JOBS AND The Department of Health and Ageing invites Australia’s first saint when Julia Gillard told an audience applications for the fifth round of funding under the at Sydney Town Hall that Mary McKillop embodied TENDERS National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program, the spirit of Australian egalitarianism, The Australian www.health.gov.au/tenders. reported. The Prime Minister was speaking at a dinner Appointments to raise funds for the celebration McKillop’s canonisation Greg Moriarty has been appointed as Australia’s next The Productivity Commission invites public participation on October 17. The audience of Catholic eminences were ambassador to Indonesia, replacing career public servant in an inquiry into the case for microeconomic reform in pleased when Gillard pledged $1.5m of Commonwealth Bill Farmer, who has served in the role since 2005. Australia’s urban water sector, www.pc.gov.au. money towards the celebrations and extended tax !"#!$%&#' DE,F.)2'G$ 8&-0'))) ))9,4')) ) ) ) ) ))))) :%1,3&!,-&.3)))))))))))) (//%'!!))))))))))))) ))))));.!-$./')) ) ))))) ;+.3'<=,>)))))) ?4,&0)))))) H2E0.+),F.)2'G$ D+'E"')F,--,$+'/G)*.%)H) )&!)'3$0.!'/)5,7,#0')-.)(**,&%!).*)A-,-'6).%))) $+,%1')H))))))))))))))))))))-.))!)I&!,))!)C,!-'%$,%/))!)(4'> D,%/)9"4#'%

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