The Australasian Investor Relations Association (AIRA) is proposing a “fast track” proposal to speed up the release to market of important financial results announcements and other price sensitive information during profit reporting seasons.

The initiative arises because more listed entities are issuing profit results, annual reports and other important performance announcements through the ASX before daily share trading commences.

AIRA’s Chief Executive Ian Matheson said today: “We have had a preliminary conversation with the Australian Securities Exchange about developing a fast track system to operate during interim and final results periods because of concerns that releases could be delayed by the large amount of other, non-sensitive announcements.

“A poll of our members shows that 69% of respondents are lodging their financial results to the ASX between 7:30am and 8:30am to give stock market analysts and investors more time to assess the results before trading commences. This is a critical period of the day, and some companies experienced delays in the latest reporting season.

“The survey also showed that 90% of those surveyed received acknowledgement of receipt back from the ASX within 20 minutes. The larger companies – particularly those in the ASX50 – attract considerable analyst coverage, and it’s important the analysts’ can provide informed responses to their clients as soon as possible before the market opens. That makes for a more orderly opening and is in the best interests of all investors.”

A fast track system would prioritize ASX releases so that the most time sensitive ones were made public more quickly. Less sensitive releases on issues such as substantial shareholdings, minor capital changes and change of directors’ interests would be sidelined until the peak period ebbed.

AIRA’s survey also found that, apart from more companies reporting first thing in the morning, larger ones were also releasing their financial results earlier in reporting seasons. Some 21% said they had already advanced their lodgment date or planned to do so next year. Also, 43% said they had changed their timetable or would do so next year to include release of their annual report with other financial announcements. One benefit of this is that it gives proxy advisers a longer lead time to research their recommendations on voting.

To read the full media release please click here. 

This media release was directly sourced from the Australasian Investor Relations Association (AIRA) website here. 

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) and the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Australia (IAB Australia) have jointly launched best practice principles for online advertising which is in the style of editorial content, commonly known as Native Advertising.

The Native Advertising Principles are a consumer protection tool for advertisers to reference, aimed at ensuring readers can readily distinguish between what is paid-for advertising versus editorial content in the online environment. They bring together the guidance of both the AANA and IAB Australia at a time when brands are increasingly delivering editorial-style content in digital formats.

“We are delighted to have been able to work with IAB Australia to deliver these Native Advertising

Principles. They will help ensure that people know when they are viewing independent commentary and when they are viewing paid-for content in the form of native advertising,” Simone Brandon, Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs at the AANA said. “Responsible, respected and innovative marketing is at the heart of what our members stand for and these principles will help guide advertisers so that they are transparent and ethical in how they communicate about their brands online.”

Alice Manners, CEO of IAB Australia commented: “The rise of native advertising and storytelling by

brands is fundamentally shifting the way in which we, as an industry, need to consider advertising.

The Native Advertising Principles are an important addition to the IAB Australia’s Advertising Playbook and the AANA’s Code of Ethics and we expect they will provide valuable guidance to

advertisers and publishers alike.”

The Native Advertising Principles will require advertisers to provide consumers with a prominently

visible cue so they immediately know the content is paid-for advertising – for example, these cues

could be the use of the brand’s logo in or around the content or the use of a different design, font

or shading to clearly differentiate it from the editorial content.

“With the increasing potential for blurred lines between editorial and paid-for advertising, it’s timely

that these principles are being launched to provide guidance to advertisers and publishers about

how they should guarantee transparency for consumers,” said Matt Tapper, Managing Director

Global Markets, Lion Beer, Cider and Wine and new Chair of the AANA Board.

Ed Harrison, IAB Australia Chairman and CEO of Yahoo7 said: “Native advertising is a strategically

important format for our industry, particularly in our drive towards monetising mobile. Its ability to

provide a seamless consumer experience is exceptional, but its success will ultimately be defined by ensuring the advertisements are clearly delineated and defined for consumers.”

This media release was directly sourced from the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) website here. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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