Sector and AuSAE News

  • 01 Dec 2015 4:05 PM | Kerrie Green

    The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has welcomed today’s Government announcement of a final reform package for retail life insurance.


    “The Government’s final response to proposals by The Hon Josh Frydenberg MP on 25 June and the FSI Report, is a sensible outcome that will help ensure the sustainability of the industry,” CEO of the FPA Mark Rantall said.


    Mr Rantall commended Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Small Business Kelly O’Dwyer for consulting and listening to the profession and addressing industry concerns that arose from the earlier June announcement.


    A key area of concern for business sustainability had been the new retention (‘clawback’) provision of three years for commissions. As a result of combined representation by the AFA and FPA, the provision will move from a three to a two year clawback period.


    The Government has announced that these changes will apply across all channels, including personal advice, general advice and direct life insurance.


    Mr Rantall said “The FPA supports the need for a model that enables financial planners an appropriate amount of time to transition. We believe that the staged approach to the new commission structure achieves this.


    “The FPA also believes that expanding education, strengthening enforcement and removing other conflicted payments, including volume rebates and payments, is necessary to the overall package of initiatives.”


    The Government also announced that the industry will have responsibility for widening Approved Product Lists, through the development of a new industry standard.


    Mr Rantall concluded: “Today’s announcement is a sensible outcome, and one that will help ensure the sustainability of the industry. We are deeply committed to supporting members through these changes and encourage members to make use of The FPA Life Insurance Advice Guide. This comprehensive resource can be accessed in the FPA Member Centre.


    The final reform package will start on 1 July 2016. The Government has said that ASIC will undertake a review of the reforms in 2018, to assess whether the implemented measures are operating as proposed.


    This media release was directly sourced from the Financial Planning Association of Australia website here

  • 01 Dec 2015 3:33 PM | Kerrie Green

    Chairman of beyondblue Jeff Kennett said today’s announcement by the Turnbull Government is a defining moment for mental health care in Australia and he commends Health Minister Sussan Ley for having the courage to instigate structural reform by dismantling a badly-integrated system in favour of building a regional one that works for people closer to home, wherever they live in Australia.


    “It’s about time someone had the guts and foresight to overhaul the system to focus on the needs of people rather than providers. We need to get the maximum bang for our buck by spending taxpayers’ dollars where they have the greatest impact.


    This is exactly the kind of leadership we need to help the three million people who at any one time have depression or anxiety, and the hundreds of people who attempt to take their lives or the seven who die by suicide every day in Australia – and their families.


    Today’s theme of national leadership with a focus on regional planning and delivery is broadly what individuals and families have been demanding, and what the National Mental Health Commission has recommended.


    Although while still silent on detail, beyondblue supports in principle the Government’s redirection of funds to the Primary Health Networks (PHNs) because they are best placed to understand local needs, and to deliver and monitor performance and outcomes for their communities. The introduction of low-intensity early intervention services is extremely welcome and beyondblue’s successful NewAccess program proves this works. We look forward to assisting the PHNs in any way we can.


    However, we do have some reservations about the level of support the PHNs will need to help them adjust to their rapidly increasing responsibilities. This will demand exemplary governance and having people with personal experience of mental illness and suicide at the table to ensure they understand the complexities of mental health issues in their communities.


    beyondblue has long articulated the need for a single and easy entry point to the system for people with mental health conditions. Today, knowing where to start too often depends on who you know. We think using technology and a central phone line is essential. We look forward to hearing more about how the new mental health digital gateway will direct people to the help they need promptly and compassionately.


    Everyone in Australia should know who to phone or where to go to get help if the need arises, just as they know what to do if they have a physical injury or illness. It should be exactly the same for mental health problems.


    We also applaud the greater focus on protecting and building resilience in children. In particular, we are encouraged by the move to replace the current myriad of school mental health programs by a single initiative serving the early years through to high school to end confusion for teachers and parents.


    We congratulate the Government on its new approach to suicide prevention and the commitment of additional funds to provide team-based support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are at greater risk of psychological distress and suicide than the broader Australian community. beyondblue’s Way Back Support Service trial, which supports people who are released from hospital following a suicide attempt, is proving to be very successful and we look forward to working with all tiers of government and the PHNs to see how well this would fit into a stepped care model.


    Finally, we commend the Government’s commitment to addressing stigma as a barrier to people getting help.


    We look forward to seeing the detail on all the recommendations and we stand ready and willing to help deliver this innovative and ground-breaking reform package.”


    This media release was directly sourced from the beyondblue website here

  • 01 Dec 2015 3:27 PM | Kerrie Green

    Australian Red Cross is delighted to announce the appointment of Judy Slatyer as its new Chief Executive Officer.


    Born and bred in Australia, Judy is an international leader with a distinguished career spanning roles in the Not For Profit, private and government sectors as well as a passion for humanitarian and environmental advocacy.


    Since 2008, she has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) International, based in Switzerland … one of the world's largest conservation organisations, with 6,500 staff working in over 100 countries.


    Her career also encompasses more than five years as CEO of Lonely Planet Publications based in Melbourne and ten years with Telstra, where her most senior role was Chief of Consumer Sales for Telstra Retail.


    Australian Red Cross President Michael Legge said Judy had an outstanding track record and was ideally suited for her challenging new role.


    "I am confident her diverse background of experience and perspectives will underpin her success as our CEO" said Mr Legge.


    "Last year Red Cross celebrated our Centenary of service in Australia and Judy is the ideal person to lead us as we continue to respond to rapidly changing humanitarian needs in our second century of service to the Australian community and beyond" he said.


    Judy will start with Red Cross on Monday 29 February 2016. In the meantime, Australian Red Cross Blood Service CEO Jennifer Williams has kindly agreed to continue in her interim, extended role as CEO of both organisations.


    This media release was directly sourced from the Australian Red Cross website here

  • 01 Dec 2015 3:19 PM | Kerrie Green

    As the longest running Australian survey into family businesses, Family Business Australia and KPMG are delighted to share our 2015 Family Business Survey results - available on the website.


    Since 2005 FBA has sought to better understand the unique nature, opportunities and challenges of family owned businesses, and in this year’s survey we have gone deeper, to identify the characteristics of high performing family businesses in an ever changing business environment.


    Conducted by the University of Adelaide’s Family Business Education and Research Group, our 2015 Survey reveals nearly 80 percent of family businesses are feeling optimistic about their future growth prospects.


    The survey also highlights key trends that are shaping the future of Australian family business:

    • Balancing of family and business issues remains the biggest challenge.
    • Family businesses believe technological change is creating disruptions in the way business is done, but in a positive way.
    • Governance mechanisms are evolving, allowing for greater agreement and communication – 52 percent of family businesses now have a formal board (up from 39 percent in 2011).
    • Although there is still work to be done in exit / success preparation, family businesses are overall much more prepared than in 2013.
    • CEOs believe their successor needs to work on his/her financial management, strategic planning and leadership/management skills.

    We hope you will find the 2015 survey findings of interest. To download it, click here.


    This information was directly sourced from Family Business Australia. 


  • 01 Dec 2015 3:03 PM | Kerrie Green

    The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia has welcomed a new President, Phillip Randall, and bid a fond farewell to Adrian Basso.


    Phillip Randall takes the position in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of Hope 103.2, one of Sydney’s oldest community radio stations.


    “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to serve the sector. Community broadcasting continues to play a vital role in Australian media and Australian communities. I look forward to working with the CBAA Board and wider sector to ensure that community broadcasting can continue to thrive,” said Randall.


    After beginning his media career in Albany, WA, in 1977, Randall has had more than 35 years experience in media. Since 2007, he has been involved in the push for a digital radio future for community broadcasting and is the Chair of the Digital Radio Consultative Committee. Randall has been a CBAA Board member since 2008, and was most recently Vice President.


    The CBAA has also farewelled outgoing President Adrian Basso, whose sustained and outstanding contribution to the community broadcasting sector was recognised at the 2015 CBAA Community Radio Awards over the weekend.


    “As well as our ongoing activities to support community radio stations and the wider sector, Adrian has been instrumental in our Commit to Community Radio campaigns and an incredible champion for our cause. To Adrian, I say thank you for your support and confidence, and for the immense amount of time, energy and passion you have put into the role of President,” said CBAA Chief Executive Officer Jon Bisset.


    Basso welcomes Phillip Randall’s appointment. “I’m delighted that Phillip has been elected President. His experience and knowledge of the sector will be invaluable in the role and I wish him all the best.”


    Following the CBAA’s Annual General Meeting, Melanie Withnall and Peter Rohweder retain their roles as Board Members.


    Community broadcasting is a vital part of the Australian media landscape. More than 350 permanently licensed community radio stations across the country provide a diverse range of viewpoints that enrich the social and cultural fabric of Australian society and contribute to public interest outcomes, foster social inclusion, generate a high level of local content and contribute to media diversity. The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) champions community broadcasting by building stations’ capability and creating a healthy environment for the sector to thrive.


    This media release was directly sourced from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. 

  • 01 Dec 2015 2:47 PM | Kerrie Green

    Today Fitness Australia launches iLearn its new online education platform to support fitness service delivery by trainers, instructors, fitness business owners and managers.


    Lauretta Stace, CEO of Fitness Australia, the national peak industry association says “iLearn is a practical way to make national standards easier to access and implement. Sessions are evidence-based with a focus on day to day delivery of fitness services.”


    Sessions will include advice from industry experts, practical case studies, tools and resources. “They’ll also be interactive which will allow people to connect and create networks with other learners, speakers and experts”, says Stace.


    “For trainers and instructors, iLearn will develop your knowledge on industry standards and increase your ability to meet national standards.” It will provide them with tools to grow their networks, and offer a 24-hour online option for obtaining CEC’s.


    Benefits for fitness business owners and managers include developing building blocks for excellence in service delivery, learning best practice strategies to achieve high quality services, and minimising business risk.


    Stace encourages all fitness providers to use this new platform as “it also highlights avenues for connection between our industry and the health professions, providing a comprehensive and collaborative approach to your service.”


    The library of iLearn sessions will extend to a range of exercise guidelines and any new standards that come into effect in future.


    Check out and participate in our range of sessions by visiting ilearn.fitness.org.au


    For more information please contact: Angela Palogiannidis, 02 8036 0608, angela@fitness.org.au


    This media release was directly sourced from Fitness Australia on 25 November 2015. 


  • 10 Nov 2015 3:08 PM | Kerrie Green

    Enterprise Care’s exclusive 228 pages 2015/2016 Not for Profit Remuneration Report is the largest and most comprehensive report providing timely, relevant, practical and in-depth remuneration information. It includes multiple options for the critical benchmarks and important remuneration salary levels in the Australian Not for Profit sector.


    The Enterprise Care Not for Profit Remuneration Report is the most reliable and professional go-to-resource for all of your queries concerning remuneration across the whole of your organisation. The Report covers operating budgets, number of employees, locations, types of organisations and more.


    With this Report you can be confident that you are informed and fully across all of the changes that are occurring in like Not for Profit organisations.


    Whether it is a query as to:

    • Salary levels for CEOs, Executives and Managers
    • Remuneration comparison across location, number of employees and operating budget
    • Benchmarking data for key roles

    We have the answer for you.


    For close to two decades, Enterprise Care’s Remuneration Report has been the leading Not for Profit sector’s go-to-guide for all aspects relating to salary, benefits and remuneration benchmarking.


    By acting now and completing your order you will have use of this vital resource.


    Click HERE to order this valuable publication. Enterprise Care is offering AuSAE members a discounted price to purchase this report, to access this price please follow this link


    For purchase by Not for Profit organisations only. Corporates/Consultants must purchase the Consultants Manual.


  • 06 Nov 2015 9:17 AM | Kerrie Green

    This information was sourced directly from 1800RESPECT and Redback Conferencing. 


    1 in 4 women has experienced physical or sexual violence by their partner, boyfriend or date – frontline workers working with women are in a unique position to make a difference...


    The rate of violence against women in Australia is unacceptable. But with the support of key community leaders like you we can help to increase the safety and support of women and children experiencing the impacts of sexual assault, domestic and family violence.


    This November, in partnership with the Federal Government, 1800RESPECT will launch a national campaign to educate frontline workers about the important role they can play. Anyone that works with women - teachers, GPs, nurses, police, counsellors, emergency services, local government or community health workers and many others - can make a difference by learning how to recognise the signs and respond.


    We need the help of peak bodies and organisations throughout Australia to reach the thousands of workers who can make a difference to the lives of millions of women needing to reach out.


    Join us for a live webcast to find out about the new 1800RESPECT online toolkit for frontline workers and discover how to implement our 16 Days of Action campaign throughout your organisation.


    A live Q&A Session will also be held. This will be a great opportunity to contribute ideas and ask how you and your organisation can get involved.


    Please see below for important event information. Together, we can make a difference.


    Who: Kelli Browne - 1800RESPECT and Dr Tina Campbell 

    When: Monday 16 November 2015

    Time:12.00pm - 12.45pm Sydney Time 

    Where: Online - join via your computer 


    Register here today 

  • 03 Nov 2015 9:04 AM | Kerrie Green

    The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) has won the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation Award at the 2015 AUT Excellence in Business Support Awards.


    TIA was one of 10 category winners, with the Supreme Award going to Advanced Security Group. A full list of 2015 winners is below.


    The Awards are the only national performance measure for New Zealand organisations that provide business support. Applications are judged by evaluators from the AUT Business School with oversight from the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation.


    “TIA provides support to large and small businesses in the tourism sector to achieve tangible benefits for the industry and New Zealand. It has been instrumental in developing the Tourism 2025 industry growth framework which outlines a clear vision for all tourism operators to work towards. TIA also has strong relationships with central and local government. I was impressed with TIA’s enthusiasm for New Zealand, and the way its communications and processes ensure member bodies are well supported,” category evaluator and AUT Lecturer in Accounting Gillian Craig says.


    TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says the Award recognises the efforts TIA makes to support its 1500 members and the wider tourism industry.


    “TIA is the only national, private sector organisation that represents all sectors of the $30 billion tourism industry, including accommodation, transport, activities and attractions. With a membership ranging from large stock exchange listed corporates through to small owner-operated businesses, TIA strives to meet the needs of a diverse business community. This Award is a valuable third party recognition that we are achieving high standards in our sector,” Mr Roberts says.


    AUT Dean of Business and Law, Professor Geoff Perry says: “These Awards are important to AUT because they allow us to recognise the best providers of business support in New Zealand. Business support organisations and individuals make a significant but often unseen contribution to the performance of businesses, helping behind the scenes with everything from dispute resolution, research and legal services to security, compliance and logistics. This celebration of the business support sector is a great opportunity for the AUT Business and Law Schools to join with the business community and celebrate excellence.”


    The Awards were celebrated with a gala dinner at the Langham, Auckland on 29 October, attended by more than 600 business leaders and members of the business community.


    More information about the Awards: www.aut.ac.nz/business/ebsa


    2015 AUT EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS SUPPORT WINNERS


    Supreme Award Winner: Advanced Security Group


    Category Award Winners: 


    IMNZ Business < $5M Turnover Management Services 


    Joint Winners: New Zealand Dispute Resolution Centre 

    Altris Limited


    ICG Business < $5M Turnover Sales & Marketing 


    Winner: Perceptive Research


    Idealog Business < $5M Turnover Technology (non-cloud) 


    Winner: Pure SEO


    Idealog Business < $5M Turnover Technology (cloud) 


    Winner: GeoOp


    IBM Business $5M - $20M Turnover 


    Winner: Advanced Security Group


    Fuji Xerox Business $20M+ Turnover 


    Winner: Netlogix


    New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation Not for Profit 


    Winner: Tourism Industry Association New Zealand 

    Highly Commended: The Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand


    Drake New Zealand Government 


    Winner: Business.govt.nz (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) 

    Highly Commended: Plant & Food Research


    AUT International Business Export Support

     

    Winner: AJ Park


    Fuji Xerox Leadership 


    Winner: Stefan Preston (Ingenio)


    For further information, please contact:

    Ann-Marie Johnson 

    Communications Manager 

    Tourism Industry Association New Zealand 

    DDI: 04 496 5001 

    Mobile: 027 600 4565 

    Email: ann-marie.johnson@tianz.org.nz


    This media release was sourced directly from the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand. 


  • 30 Oct 2015 4:33 PM | Kerrie Green
    This month AuSAE welcomes Wendy Rapana, National President, Association of Administrative Professionals New Zealand (AAPNZ) as our Member in Focus. Wendy recently spoke with AuSAE about her role, challenges in the not-for-profit sector and the exciting times ahead for AAPNZ. 


    During your time as President of AAPNZ, the organisation has seen much change. What do you personally feel has been the biggest challenge the organisation has overcome?


    Like most not-for-profit organisations, retaining members and understanding member needs is always a challenge and AAPNZ is no exception. Another challenge we are experiencing is a shift, with many new members not necessarily wanting to join a group where they are physically located. Hence we are trying to figure out what a “virtual” organisation looks like so we can cater to this identified membership need.


    I heard about the innovative partnership between ShowGizmo and AAPNZ. Can you share how this partnership came about and the benefits it presents to AAPNZ members?


    Show Gizmo is the brainchild of Marie-Claire Andrews who used to be an administrative professional for a government agency in Wellington. Her manager signed her up with AAPNZ in acknowledgement that was her professional association and encouraged her to be the very best she could be in any role. She moved quickly into project administration and found her passion. Marie-Claire went on to develop ShowGizmo, an event management app, and is today the CEO of this very successful business.


    As AAPNZ’s qualifications have a focus on technology, this presented itself to be a wonderful opportunity to partner with ShowGizmo, I would discuss the attributes of the app with association strategic partners and in return AAPNZ received full use of the event management app at very little cost, of which we are very grateful.


    What exciting projects are underway at AAPNZ?


    At our annual conference last year, we were lucky enough to get Lucy Brazier, CEO and Publisher of the prestigious Executive Secretary Magazine, as an international keynote speaker. Lucy has 70,000 administrative professionals on her database and has a Twitter following of 5,000 that is very significant as she is a prolific social media user.


    We are currently discussing Lucy Brazier’s “Executive Secretary Live” event coming to Auckland in 2017. This event consists of six international speakers from around the world who have been in significant roles or done exceptional things in their role as administrative professionals. AAPNZ’s own Eth Lloyd (past president) will be one of these exceptional international speakers. AAPNZ will get a percentage of the event profit and a high level of international exposure.


    In other news, AAPNZ will again host the World Administrators Summit (WAS) in New Zealand in 2021, and will be Co-Chair at both the Germany 2018 and New Zealand 2021 events.


    What would you say to someone starting out in the not-for-profit sector with a view to become a future leader?


    The opportunity to be a leader in this sector is a significant event in anyone’s life and one not to be taken lightly. Working in the not-for-profit sector offers the opportunity to represent a passionate membership or support base and achieve great things for the relevant profession, cause and/or general public. I have, and am still enjoying, my role with AAPNZ. The 2016 NZ Census reported that 240,000 people identified themselves as administrative professionals under approximately 50 different job titles. AAPNZ only represent a small percentage of this figure so I know the organisation has a catchment and needs to keep focusing on letting these hard working professionals know we are here to support them. I’ve loved my nearly two years as the national president and am excited as to who will take over my role in early August next year at the annual event in Nelson. Watch this space!


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    AuSAE thank member Wendy Rapana for appearing in the October Edition of AuSAE Insider. AuSAE recognises a current member every month, acknowledging their success and ongoing commitment to advancing the not-for-profit sector. If you would like to share your story with other executives, please contact Kim Miller, GM Australia AuSAE at kimberley@ausae.org.au.


The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE)

Australian Office:
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011 Australia
Free Call: +61 1300 764 576
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955
Email: info@ausae.org.au

New Zealand Office:
Address: 159 Otonga Rd, Rotorua 3015 New Zealand
Phone: +64 27 249 8677
Email: nzteam@ausae.org.au

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