60 minute read
COLUMNIST ARTICLES
Providing Your New Employees With A Safe And Healthy Start To Their Employment With You
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY
By Mark Felton
As we come out of another lockdown, with the promise of an ongoing period of normality, a number of businesses are ramping up with a degree of confidence, and are working hard to hire new staff. How do employers continue to maintain a culture of continual improvement for the health and safety of their team, whilst adding new members?
As an employer you have an obligation to provide and maintain safe plant (machinery and equipment), provide and maintain safe systems of work, ensure the safe use, handling, storage or transport of plant or substances, keep workplaces in a safe condition, free of risks to health (for example, ensure fire exits aren’t blocked, and the worksite is generally tidy), provide suitable facilities for welfare, give your employees the necessary information, instruction, training or supervision to enable them to do their work in a way that is safe and without risks to health.
But how do you ensure that you do this from the very first moment a new employee joins your organisation? You do this by creating, and continually adapting and improving, an Induction Program. An effective Induction Program will greatly reduce something being missed that may result in an incidentimpacting on the health of the new team member and/or those around them. An effective Induction Program is consistently applied in a consistent time frame, and clearly outlines the employer’s expectations of their employees. It covers the risks that are associated with the roles carried out, along with the steps that must be taken to properly manage these risks. It is then imperative that an acknowledgement from the new employee, confirming their participation and understanding of the training received, is effectively recorded.
Some businesses have informal systems that are delivered by key personnel. What happens if this key person is away or things just get busy and important elements are overlooked. How does an employer defend themselves when an employee has hurt themselves because of a poor understanding of the risks involved and the expectations of their new employer?
I can assist employers by reviewing their current systems with them, and how they relate to the tasks carried out, highlighting any shortcomings. I can then assist in the development of an effective Induction Program. Checks are put in place to monitor the effectiveness of any improvements, to ensure that going forward they are sound and comply with the Act, and most importantly keep them and their employees informed, and healthy and safe, whilst boosting profitability. Please feel free to contact Mark Felton at Beaumont Advisory on 0411 951 372 or mfelton@beaumontlawyers. com.au for an obligation and cost free initial discussion.
Mark Felton
Occupational Health & Safety Beaumonth Advisory www.thebeaumontgroup.com.au
Mark has a varied work experience, including 12 years in manufacturing as a manager and 19 years as a financial planner. He uses his wide range of experience and knowledge to quickly identify the right course of action, and uses his expertise to help you solve any problems.
Areas of Expertise
º WHS/ OHS º Manufacturing º Regulatory Compliance º Safe Working Practices º Succession Planning º Business Management º Operations
Contact Details
mfelton@beaumontlawyers.com.au
03 9727 1376
www.thebeaumontgroup.com.au/lawyers/
MARK FELTON
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY
Coffee Creations for Christmas
COMMERCIAL COFFEE MACHINE
By Ivana Smith
When we think of Christmas food, we drool over thoughts of turkeys and hams, or seafood and salad. By the time it comes to dessert, we dream of puddings or pavlovas.
Why not plan for the end of the meal a light but refreshing coffee dessert? Here are four to whet your appetite.
Italian crema di caffé To strong hot coffee, add a little sugar and refrigerate until very cold. Whip cream until soft peaks form, slowly drizzle the cold coffee in and beat until thick. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour, then gently mix together.
Sprinkle with cocoa or chocolate flakes, layers of crushed amaretti cookies, cinnamon or top with a couple of chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Espresso martini slice Grease lightly a 16x26 cm slice tray and line with baking paper that overhangs the two long sides. Break 250 g of plain chocolate biscuits into a food processor with 2 teaspoons of coffee granules and process until finely crushed. Add 90 g butter and process until combined. Press evenly over the base of the prepared pan. Place in the fridge.
Of 400 g dark chocolate, reserve 1 square and roughly chop the remainder. Melt the chopped chocolate, 200 ml cream, 2 tbsp coffee-flavoured liqueur (such as Tia Maria or Kahlua) and 1 tbsp of coffee granules in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, without the bowl touching the water. Stir until melted and smooth, pour over the biscuit base and place in the fridge for 2 hours.
Melt 180 g white chocolate, 1½ tsp oil and reserved dark chocolate square in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Again, don’t let thebowl touch the water. Stir until smooth, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Pour the filling into the base, quickly spreading to the edge. Decorate with chocolate-coated coffee beans. Place in the fridge for 2 hours. Use a hot dry knife to cut into small squares to serve.
Choc-Kahlua cappuccino custard pie
Process 1 cup flour, ¼ cup cocoa, 1/3 cup icing sugar and a pinch of salt in a food processor until well combined. Add 125 g butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Lightly whisk 1 egg in a small bowl. Into the food processor with the motor running, add the egg and 1 tsp vanilla and process until the dough just comes together. Gather the dough together into a disc, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 200C (fan-forced 180C). Roll out the dough from the fridge between 2 sheets of baking paper until 4 mm thick. Use to line the base and sides of a pre-greased 23 cm cake tin with removable base. Trim any excess dough. Place tin on a baking tray in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill.
Line the dough with baking paper, fill with pastry weights or rice and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the paper and pastry weights or rice. Bake for a further 10 minutes or until golden. Set aside to cool slightly on the baking tray.
Meanwhile, place in a saucepan 250 ml milk, 1/2 cup caster sugar, 250 ml cream and ½ cup caster sugar over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add 100 g milk chocolate, 1 tbsp cornflour and ¼ cup Kahlua. Stir until chocolate has melted. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla. Slowly pour in milk mixture, whisking constantly until thickened. Pour custard mixture into cooled tart tin. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until custard is just set. Set aside to cool completely. Place in fridge to chill.
Use electric beaters to beat 1 cup cream and ¼ cup Kahlua in a large bowl until firm peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 1 cm plain nozzle. Pipe peaks of cream on top of the pie. Lightly dust with cocoa powder.
For an unforgettable Christmas meal, try one – or all – of these scrumptious coffee desserts!
For advice on coffee and how to supply it to office spaces and clubs, contact Ivana at ivana.smith@xpressodelight. com.au.
Ivana Smith
Commercial Coffee Machine Xpresso Delight 0418 393 085 www.xdcoffee.com.au
Six Mythbusters on Hiring A Good Architect
ARCHITECT
By Kathy Ismail
If you are building a new home, extending or renovating a current one or subdividing a block, you will manage much better if you employ an architect.
If you think an architect is an unnecessary expense, these 6 points may convince you otherwise.
1 ‘I know what I want’
Sure you do, but is it possible to build it where you want it? Do you have the expertise and math's skills to design a building which will last? Can you advise the builder, fill out all the forms for the local council’s requirements, adhere to government regulations...?
Architects have tertiary education qualifications, are licenced and keep up to date with current and emerging trends in areas such as design, construction and green energy. This means you can draw on their knowledge for ideas and complex design solutions to problems.
2 ‘I saw it on the internet and I want one the same’
The images you saw on the internet were most likely advertising a building company. They obviously will have presented their very best image, but how flexible will their design be for?
Working within a given set of parameters, architects apply creative innovation to produce a viable and practical house that fits your family lifestyle or business premises that optimally uses the location space. They will expand your vision as to what is possible whereas a builder will give you just what you ask for. Importantly, a good architect knows how to work in specified conditions within a budget limit while following numerous policies, regulations and building codes.
3 ‘I’ll make sure it’s built the way I want it so I’ll manage the project myself’
Seriously, do you really want to negotiate and coordinate with the builder, the building materials supplier, the local council, the interior designer and the landscape designer yourself? Do you even have the time?
An architect can manage the project, including paperwork, site visits and reviews, from the first council permit to handing over the keys when finished. (Hint: councils respond better and more quickly to an architect’s request that to private individuals.)
4 ‘I’m sure I told them that!’
Every industry has its own lingo, and construction is no different. Business and home owners don’t always use the terms to use that a builder does, resulting at times in misunderstandings and incomplete instructions.
An architect acts as a ‘translator’. Architects and builders speak the same ‘language’ so nothing gets overlooked or lost.
5 ‘I’m too busy to contact everyone’
Building a house, office or business premises means talking to lots, and lots, and lots of people! It also takes several months (years?) to finish such a project. Do you have the time and energy, and more crucially, the patience and people skills to deal with all the different people you need to deal with?
Architects are master team members. They coordinate with their internal team (the people who work in their business), the construction team, planning officials, surveyors and, of course, you. A good architect advocates for your goals and needs and makes sure all parties involved are satisfied.
6 ‘Something’s gone wrong! How do I fix it?’
Completing a large-scale project such as building a home or office will always develop a few problems here and there. And it’s almost a given that a problem tends to occur when you least expect it to. It could be something as minor as odd-coloured tiles arrived. The current blocked supply chains are hampering the delivery of timber, delaying building the structural walls. The council doesn’t give you permission to do something inherent in the design. Do you have the knowledge of how to solve it?
A professional architect is trained and prepared to handle whatever may come. If a problem is one of design, you will find that an architect is adaptable with design and flexible enough to change the plans. This contributes to resolving issues efficiently and quickly, which avoids escalating costs – always a bonus! If it's a lack of supply of your chosen materials or a legislative matter, a good architect has the experience to offer an alternative solution.
Contact KIR Architecture at contact@ kirarchitecture.com.au for help with all your building projects. We are always happy to answer any inquiries.
Kathy Ismail
ARCHITECTURE KiR ARCHITECTURE 0422 026 962 www.kirarchitecture.com
Victorian Ombudsman Criticized COVID Border Exemption Scheme
By Warren Strybosch
Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass, has found the Department of Health’s COVID border restriction exemption scheme to be ‘unjust’ and ‘inhumane’.
Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton, declared New South Wales as an “extreme risk zone”. Thus, Victoria closed its border with NSW on July 9.
In September, Ms. Glass made an investigation into the handling of the Department of Health’s border restrictions. She discovered a lot of complaints were submitted, including many denials of exemptions despite people being fully vaccinated and/or returning negative COVID test results.
Even Castlemaine resident, Marianne Allan, who had multiple letters from her doctors stating that she needed medical treatment for her advanced pancreatic cancer at home, still received many denials for related to her permission for an exemption to return to Victoria. Ms. Glass found that many of the complaints relating exemptions not being provided for what she considered legitimate reasons. For instance, people were denied entry to people complained to the Ombudsman after being denied exemptions to travel back to attend funerals, attend vital medical appointments, to take care of an ill family member, to care for their animals, and to obtain employment. This led some people to become broke and homeless because they were unable to return to their home of origin.
Ms. Glass fully understood the need to close the border which was based on the DOH’s advice, but she believes the regulations relating to the border scheme need to be reviewed in light of what transpired.
"I recognise that the Department of Health's intentions were to protect people in Victoria from a dangerous virus that had already seeded through cross-border incursion and that the department was under enormous pressure dealing with the exigencies of the public health emergency.” She said.
She also added, "While we did not review all decisions and I do not suggest that all were unfair, the overwhelming majority of applications did not get to a decisionmaker at all, and the guidance did not change even as case numbers in Victoria grew and the risks evolved."
The result was some of the most questionable decisions I have seen in my over seven years as Ombudsman," Ms. Glass said.
"There is no doubt the government provided explicit warnings to Victorian residents interstate.
"But people still reasonably relied on a traffic light system which previously would have seen them come home under strict conditions."
'People felt caught up in a bureaucratic nightmare'
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Support Local Artists As They Return To The Stage
After two devastating years of cancellations and postponements, Melbourne’s independent live music industry is slowly recovering. As we work to rebuild, our Local Artist Appeal will continue to underpin our pledge to restore confidence to our city's beloved musical ecosystem.
Festive Season Hours 2021-22
Stock up on summer reads and ease your way into the festive season!
Our library hours will be modified in the lead up to Christmas and the new year, but our after hours chutes will remain open 24/7 for your returns. Don't forget, you can enjoy our digital library anywhere, any time!
By Warren Strybosch
As a business you might be able to claim some, if not all, of the costs but it really depends on when and where you hold your Christmas party, who’s invited, and how much it costs per guest.
Work Christmas parties are considered entertainment (although many are less than entertaining) and therefore can be subject to Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). In Australia, in the financial year 202021, the FBT rate is 47%, which is a great reason to try and avoid it.
What is the location of the Christmas Party?
If you hold the Christmas party at your office or work premises, and supply food and drink to your employees, then this is normally exempt from fringe benefits tax. If you hold the Christmas function at a restaurant or any type of function venue, then you must keep the cost below $300 per staff person. Given the event is held ‘infrequently’ and below the minor benefit exemption of $300, this should avoid FBT implications, and the cost can be deductible to the business.
Who you invite may be an issue.
Inviting current employees, their partners or family, and clients to a Christmas party held either at the business or off-site:
• Employees only and costs per head less than $300 each - no FBT as minor benefits exemption applies. More than $300 each: at business - no FBT, at a restaurant - FBT applies. • Partners or family and cost per head less than $300 each - no FBT as minor benefits exemption applies. More than $300 each - FBT applies. • Clients - at business or at a restaurant - no FBT & no tax deduction.
What about a gift to your employees?
You need to be careful with this one. A gift to an employee is deductible and avoids FTB implications if it is under $300 and given infrequently e.g. at Christmas time.
The only care you need to take here is when you give the gift to an employee or their family member at the Christmas party. If the meal and gift is more than $300 in total, then you might have an issue with FBT. Our advice, is to give the gift on a different day if both the meal and gift will be over $300.
The Staff Christmas parties – what can be claimed?
Not all gifts are equal.
It is important to make sure that the gifts qualify. Some gifts that cannot be given to employees are movie tickets, sporting event passes, tickets to music events, and trips overseas are considered a no-no with the ATO. However, you can give gift vouchers to your employees, alcohol, hampers, flowers, etc, are acceptable, deductible and avoid FBT. We suggest, when it comes to alcohol, so as to avoid any issues with the ATO, as they seem not to like alcohol being given, is to provide the employee with a gift voucher instead.
Seek professional tax advice
If you are not sure what is deductible or not, just give your friendly accountant a call to discuss your Christmas party plans. Better a quick phone call then a few thousand dollars of expenses you cannot claim.
From the team at Find Accountant, we hope you have an enjoyable Christmas party, holiday break with friends and family, get to recharge – as this year has been one of a kind, and feel refreshed for the next year. We hope next year you will be kicking goals in your business.
At Find Accountant, we provide SMSF tax advice. Our senior accountant is also an award-winning financial advisor. If you require SMSF advice or are considering whether or not to wind up your SMSF, then speak to Warren Strybosch at Find Accountant Pty Ltd.
Warren Strybosch
You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email info@findaccountant.com.au www.findaccountant.com.au
WARREN STRYBOSCH
Find Group
The founder of the Find Group of companies draws on his diverse background, which ranges form teaching, to serving in the army, to taxation and accounting, to coach and help clients live their best financial lives. A multi-award winner, Warren’s innovative approach in business means he was a champion of virtual financial advice long before the pandemic. Warren established the Find Foundation, which owns and operates across Victoria.
TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL FINANCIAL ADVISER IN AUSTRALIA
Poor Awareness About Repeat Heart Attacks
(Australian Associated Press)
An estimated 57,000 Australians are admitted to hospital with heart attacks every year. Thirty per cent of them are on their second and one-in-10 will experience another event within 12 months.
But if that’s not enough to set alarm bells ringing, research suggests survivors of the nation’s single-biggest killer aren’t sufficiently aware of the ongoing risks.
A Heart Foundation survey of 400 heart attack patients reveals many weren’t given resources to help them understand their condition or support their recovery when they left hospital.
Despite the heightened chance of suffering a repeat episode, nearly one-infive were uncertain about how to safely manage their lives when discharged.
A further 27 per cent weren’t provided with material that might have enabled them to overcome the challenge. underestimate the support they need and may not know educational resources can help achieve a better quality of life.
“A heart attack is a confronting, lifechanging experience,” he said.
“Many people report feeling confused, scared and emotional after their heart attack and are often concerned about having another event or even dying.
Mr Stavreski says survivors often need to make significant lifestyle changes but can’t do it alone.
To help them feel empowered, connected and understood, and to avoid ending up back in care, the Heart Foundation last year piloted My Heart My Life in partnership with 38 hospitals.
The free, six-month national program, which offers practical advice to help people understand and manage their health following a heart event, has so far attracted 5000 participants. Also available to family members and carers, it provides booklets about attacks and angina that discuss risk factors, as well as the importance of attending cardiac rehabilitation and taking prescribed medications.
The program is open to patients from the moment they enter hospital or after their return home.
In partnership with Westmead Applied Research Centre, regular educational texts are sent to participants, along with emails linked to Heart Foundation resources like fact sheets, videos, walking plans and recipes.
Of more than 200 people who have completed My Heart My Life 80 per cent have reduced smoking, 84 per cent have undertaken regular blood pressure checks and 67 per cent have had regular cholesterol checks.
Seven-in-10 have upped their level of physical activity, 64 per cent have lost weight, 84 per cent have improved their diet and 69 per cent cut down on alcohol.
How a CFO can Transform your Business
BOOKKEEPER
By Neha Nayyar
No matter how small your business may be, having a CFO can transform your business. Over many years in the industry, the three biggest challenges I see small to medium businesses face are cash flow, time management and growth. By engaging a professional who is solely focussed on the finances of the business, you can focus on the other core areas of the business whilst the finances are taken care of.
What is a Virtual CFO?
A Virtual CFO is a Chief Financial Officer who provides the services of a CFO but instead of delivering those services as a salaried employee, a virtual CFO works remotely and would usually be providing this service to several businesses concurrently. • You instantly gain their experience and insights into small to medium businesses to be able to provide solid advice to your business. • You can be assured that your finances are being handled by a skilled professional • You don’t have the full cost of hiring an employee. Traditionally, CFO’s are executives who outrank managers and directors, and have a salary to match their executive title. • You have someone proactively managing the finances at all times. • Confirm with them your expectations, their expectations and put these in writing. • Obtain upfront all fees and charges so you have full transparency.
Having the confidence to make more informed financial decisions about your business is imperative for your businesses ongoing success. You can have the benefit of a high-level finance resource without breaking the bank. So many businesses happily outsource web design or marketing, so why not get a finance expert to assist you in transforming your business and setting you up for ongoing success.
At Sum and Substance, we offer virtual CFO services, to find out how we can help you transform your business, we can be reached at (03) 9424 9447 or info@ sumsubstance.com.au. You can directly book in a time to chat by clicking here.
Why would I use a Virtual CFO?
Currently, there are more facts, figures and data available than ever before. A Virtual CFO will thoroughly analyse this regularly and provide you high level, strategic guidance. A VCFO provides insights on your businesses performance and operational advice based solely on your real time financials and business intelligence. They can provide strategic leadership behind the scenes, empowering business owners to make sound and informed decisions. A VCFO can help you set targets, allocate capital, manage productivity, assist with pricing, assist with debt and identify opportunities.
What are the Benefits of using a Virtual CFO:
• VCFO services are customised to your needs and budget, it is not a
‘one size fits all’ scenario.
What Should I Consider when Hiring a Virtual CFO? Neha Nayyar
• Be sure to find out what their availability is, how much of their time are you paying for per month/ year etc. • Check their credentials and testimonials. Start with verified online reviews such as Google. Bookkeeper
SUM AND SUBSTANCE
www.sumsubstance.com.au 0401 409 573
Kick Start your Business with an Advantage
SIGNAGES
By Glenn Martin
Right now, as we are all resetting to a new normal, it is imperative to stand out from the rest, and let the community know you are open and ready for business. At Signarama, we understand the value of creating quality signage to promote your brand and drive sales. We have worked with many well-known national and international brands across a wide range of industries. From A-Frames and Flags, through to large format print, banners, vehicle graphics, illuminated building signage and much more, our team of experts will help you create eyecatching and effective signage solutions to suit your brand and budget.
A-FRAMES
A-Frames are a popular form of freestanding signage due to their durability, mobility, customising options, and versatility as a sales tool, for indoors and outdoors. Interchangeable corflute or composite panels are a great solution when you need to change your signs often. You might want to add a chalkboard, or whiteboard section, so you can write your own messages. Standard sizes are 450mm x 600mm, 600mm x 900mm, and 900mm x 1200mm. gaining popularity in shopping centres, trade shows, airports and high traffic areas for brand awareness, wayfinding, safety signs and promotions. Our graphics are printed in full digital colour onto a self-adhesive vinyl with anti-slip and scuff resistant laminate on top. The vinyl we use will depend on how long you need the graphic for. UV and graffiti protection can also be applied. We can die-cut to any custom size or shape. The floor should be a smooth sealed surface, like painted concrete, tiles or laminated floors. around your space. All our vinyl barriers are sail tracked to frames with a choice of single or double interlocking feet. The frames are steel powder coated 50mm square or round tubing, and come in a range of colours.
A popular and effective signage option for both indoors and outdoors, flags are printed through dye sublimation on fabric material for maximum durability. They are lightweight, easy to assemble, portable, weather resistant and can be single or double-sided. Our most popular flags are Feather and Teardrop. Feathers are great for their movement in the wind, while Teardrops stay taut and offer a focal point. Customised flag shapes, poles, grass spikes and other bases are all available depending on your application.
FLOOR DECALS
Feather Flags Teardrop Flags Blade Flags Hanging / Block Flags Penant Flags Wall Flags / End Signs
CORFLUTE SIGNS
Corflute can be thought of as plastic corrugated cardboard. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, corflute signage is a cost-effective solution for advertising or informational signage. Popular with real estate agents, sporting clubs, construction sites, and event organisers. It is easy to handle and set up and can be cut to any size to suit your requirements. You may also choose to have eyelets to easily attach the signs with zip ties. Corflute can be printed in full colour on one, or on both sides. They can be finished with UV and weather resistant vinyls for that added protection. Reach out today to book a free consultation from one of our signage experts, and ensure you get current promotions by following us on Instagram @Signarama_Mitcham
With many years’ experience in this field, Signarama are able to work with you to design, manufacture, install and help you maintain your signage, offering innovative solutions to all your signage needs. For more information about the services we provide, or to get advice on the best signage for your business, visit our website or simply call 1300 633 902 to get in touch with our expert team today.
CAFÉ BARRIERS
Our barriers are sturdy, lightweight, and easy to set up. Designed to be weather resistant, they complement other outdoor promotional signs, providing branding consistency and a neat boundary
Glenn Martin
Getting Ahead Omicron
By Warren Strybosch
Australia is not planning to stop Omicron variant from entering the country, instead they will try to get ahead of it by slowing down its spread, according to the leading health officials.
Chief medical officer Paul Kelly announced at a senate inquiry examining COVID- 19 that there were already infected people in the country with Omicron. Ten cases were acquired from overseas and 17 cases were locally. None of these cases, however, showed any symptoms of severe illness and no one was hospitalised except for a sevenyear-old from NSW.
Recently, Professor Kelly told the Senate committee “At this stage, there are no definite signals anywhere in the world that Omicron is more severe than other variants that have preceded it, but we are watching closely.” He also added that “It’s clear this is not the last variant.” He also mentioned that there was no evidence to suggest a specific vaccine would be used to deal with Omicron variant and that there was no need to bring forward the booster shot program.
The majority of Australians will be eligible for the booster shot from March of next year. By the end of January, more than 4 million people will be eligible to take the Booster and by the late May this number will increase to 17 million. For these millions of eligible people, Lieutenant- General John Frewen, the head of the vaccine rollout, said that there would be more than enough supply of vaccines for boosters in the coming months.
He also said that “I certainly think primary care will be the backbone, but we are in constant negotiation with the state and territories as to what role they can play”. Thus, GPs and pharmacies would be the key rivers of the booster rollout.
Already, Australians are receiving the booster letter from the Government encouraging everyone to take their booster shots. It is purported that Australia has purchased enough booster shots to enable everyone to have at least 6 shots each. Soon, children from ages 5 and up will be able to take their first vaccine shots as well. It seems the government is keen to get everyone, regardless of age, to take the vaccine.
To encourage the take up, the government, state and federal, are applying pressure on the unvaccinated by withdrawing much needed services e.g., elected surgery, to ‘encourage’ them to get vaccinated.
The unvaccinated are already feeling the pain of not being vaccinated, with many losing their jobs and being restricted from attending social events. There are already discussions amongst the unvaccinated of setting up unvaxxed communities whereby those who are not vaccinated can go and live with other unvaxxed people.
We are living in unprecedented times and only the future will decide whether or not we did the right thing or not.
Konstantin Shamray
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How to Survive Christmas with a New Baby
LACTATION CONSULTANT
By Dr. Joanna Strybosch
Anticipating your baby’s first Christmas is really special and everyone loves it when there’s a new baby in the family at Christmas time. However, as is often the case in situations that are emotioncharged, there can be a reality gap... where the expectation and the reality don’t meet. In order to set yourself up for a more realistic and happy Christmas Day, consider the following tips:
1. Work out where your baby is going to sleep on Christmas Day.
If you’re planning to spend time in someone else’s home on Christmas day, it will pay dividends to have a good preemptive think about where your baby will take their naps. Whilst there may be a house full of willing relatives prepared to nurse, rock and cuddle your baby non-stop, this will only work for so long. Eventually your bubba will become overstimulated and exhausted from all that handling and at some point you will have to extract your baby from grandmas arms and find a suitable sleeping place. Ideally you’ll need the use of a quiet room, away from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas festivities, with either a bed for you to both lay down on, or a cot of some description (porta-cots can be great option and tend to work better than a pram in scenarios like this.)
And just remember that an over-tired baby is even more difficult to get to sleep, so don’t be tempted to give in to requests to keep the baby up past her nap time. Unless the same well-meaning relatives are willing to settle your baby to sleep when she’s a crying, exhausted mess! Be firm and leave the room before your baby is over-tired, which is likely to be sooner than you think with all the extra stimulation going on around them.
2. Better still, have Christmas at your house
In the end, it may just be the very best decision to have everyone come to your house this Christmas. After all you’re the one with the new baby. The benefit is that your baby can nap in their normal sleeping environment and you don’t have to lug all of that extra gear with you and set it up in someone else’s house, when all you really want to do is relax and enjoy the gathering. That doesn’t mean that you do all the cooking either! Make sure to delegate when it comes to who’s bringing what food and accept all offers of help. Especially help with washing dishes and cleaning up afterwards.
3. Have realistic expectations
Chances are your baby’s first Christmas may not go exactly as you hope it will. Your own stress levels will probably be running higher, you may be extra tired, your baby may not have slept the night before, and you may have a long car trip before you get there. And if your baby was born during Covid they are probably about to see more people in one day than they have done on any other single day in their life. Expect them to find it overwhelming and expect to find it tiring yourself. Then, if things don’t go quite to plan, you can be kind to yourself and willingly let go of the expectations that you may have had for the day. Parenting is not picture-perfect. It’s hard work and it’s messy at times and that’s okay. Next Christmas your baby won’t be a baby anymore!
4. Enjoy yourself but go easy on the alcohol and plum pudding
If you’re breastfeeding, just be mindful that what you consume, your baby does too. A lot of rich food or unaccustomed food can lead to fussiness later on. Better to not indulge in too much that varies greatly from your usual food choices.
And if you are planning to consume alcohol, you need to do so carefully around the timing of your feeds. It takes approximately 2 hours for a standard drink to leave your bloodstream and your breastmilk. That means you should not breastfeed your baby within two hours of consuming alcohol. The best time to have an alcoholic drink is just after feeding your baby so that you have as much time as possible for your body to break down the alcohol before your baby needs to feed again. It’s a really good idea to consider expressing a feed and taking it with you so that you don’t get caught out. Any milk you express whilst you have alcohol in your bloodstream is not safe for your baby and will need to be thrown away.
If in the end everything goes to pieces and you end up with an over-tired baby who hasn’t slept or fed well all day, just remember you can start again tomorrow. Be grateful for the time you’ve had with your loved ones and for the gift of your new baby and take some photos to remind yourself of your baby’s first Christmas. You’ll be glad for the memories in years to come.
Dr. Joanna Strybosch
Osteopath B.App.Sc(Clin.Sc)/B.Osteo.Sc/Grad Dip Paeds LACTATION CONSULTANT www.childrensosteopathiccentre.com
The Rise, Fall and risks of Cryptocurrency
By Warren Strybosch
In early December the crypto market saw a staggering $570 billion wiped off the crypto market due to fears of further ATO and government intervention.
Bitcoin dropped down by over 16 percent with most other coins following its lead. The drop took Bitcoin below $62,000 and back to October pricing. In early November Bitcoin was valued at over $94,000 and this drop reduce that price down by 30% from November pricing. What was interesting is that the drop to below $62,000 took only 60 minutes. Blink and you miss the opportunity to buy at that price.
It only took a couple of days for most coins to rebound back to their pre-fall price and Bitcoin, once again, starts its upward trajectory to a value no-one knows where it will end.
Why did this occur? The reason is speculative at best, and one must wonder if the information was disseminated to simply cause fear amongst current investors with the sole purpose of trying to reduce the price so others with money could purchase these investments at a lower value.
So, what was the news that was being spread around? It simply was greater regulation. However, this is old news so why has it caused such a flurry? We already know that the ATO is monitoring cryptocurrency platforms operating in Australia and that investors now must disclose their profits and losses in their tax returns.
Others are speculating that the Fed will jump in and tie up crypto with red tape, making it harder to invest in this asset class. Others have gone so far to state that they believe Bitcoin will drop down to $14,000 in the not-too-distant future. Again, this seems so unlikely given crypto, whilst not new, is only really starting to get noticed by dad and mum investors and it is likely that as more of these punters enter this space, the price of crypto coins will only increase in value and not decease as some are led to believe, even if there is greater regulation.
However, some commentors, like Tony Richards, who heads up the RBA payments, believes there might be crash in crypto soon, especially if the central banks try to intervene. “I think there are plausible scenarios where a range of factors could come together to significantly challenge the current fervour for cryptocurrencies, so that the current speculative demand could begin to reverse, and much of the price increases of recent years could be unwound,” he told the Australian Corporate Treasury Association in November.
Whilst no one really knows where the price of Crypto currency is going to be next week or next year, every investor needs to be aware that investing in crypto currency is high risk and the possibility of losing all your money could happen.
This was only too real for investors who had their money invested with Blockchain Global Limited, a Melbourne based company, that has recently gone into administration.
Blockchain Global Limited operated a cryptocurrency trading platform called ACX and had been managing millions of dollars of investors’ money in crypto coins. In February 2020, the platform stopped working leaving many investors high and try and the company owing over $21 million to creditors.
Graph: Bitcoin falls in early December
Source: Coinspot
administrators are trying to obtain a laptop owned by one of the overseas directors which was holding the credentials required to access the crypto wallet holding all the investors’ money. Apparently, the laptop was stolen from the director at a China airport.
I am not sure about you, but if I had the only laptop holding the credentials to a crypto wallet holding millions of dollars of other people’s money, I would not let that laptop out of my site. One must question the validity of the statement made by Mr Yeo regarding Mr Allan Guo, who was in possession of the laptop at the time it was allegedly stolen in China. With all of China’s security, it is surprising they have not been able to track down the missing laptop.
This collapse highlights the challenges of getting access to investors’ crypto money when the credentials are stolen or go missing. It is unlikely these investors will see all their money returned to them.
Cryptocurrency is designed to be difficult to trace, which has made it popular for those involved in criminal activities, including drug dealing and money laundering. This collapse is likely to be one reason why we will see more regulation in this space.
Why Should You Use a Mortgage Broker?
MORTGAGE BROKERING
By Reece Droscher
It’s time, time to take control of your finances and stop paying Loyalty Tax to the bank. You want to refinance your home loan to get a better rate, but where do you go? The bank down the road looks like they have a good rate but you’re self employed and had heard it was difficult to get a home loan. You may be right, but how do you know that you’re getting the best option available to suit your needs? That’s how a Mortgage Broker can help you.
Finding A Lender To Suit You
A Mortgage Broker can help you filter out the Lenders that don’t suit your personal situation. Asking your friends or on a Facebook group will only provide you with the lender that is right for that person, and it probably only suited them at the time they applied. If they were to apply again six months later, they may find they are better off with a different lender altogether. Each Lender’s credit policy is different and while one lender may be happy to lend to the self-employed, others prefer PAYG. Some will lend for properties in regional areas, others only suburban. Time can also be a factor when deciding which lender to go to. If you are looking to purchase a house, you may need a lender that is approving loans quickly. If you are refinancing, that may not be an issue and having the right rate and product features is more important. Mortgage Brokers are in touch with the lenders every day and know which ones are fast movers and which ones are taking a bit longer.
Fast Refi
If you are refinancing and time is of the essence, after all you want to be paying the lower rate as quickly as possible, there is a product called Fast Refi. Often it is your current lender that can hold up the process and delay settlement meaning they get to receive your repayments a little longer. Lenders who do Fast Refi bypass asking your current lender to transfer the title of your property before releasing the money to pay out your current loan. They simply pay the money and then go after the title. Not all lenders have this option but your Mortgage Broker will know.
Medical Practitioners/Professional Packages
Did you know that if you are in a certain occupation, some lenders will offer you extra benefits? Things such as no Lender’s Mortgage Insurance on loans over 80% LVR or no fees. Some of these occupations include Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics and Dentists as well as Financial Planners, Accountants, Lawyers and Vets. If you think you might be eligible for this type of loan, a Mortgage Broker will know which Lenders offer this.
BID – Best Interests Duty
Mortgage Brokers are required to always put your needs first and to consider each loan based on your personal requirements. This means you can be confident that, even in the long term, the loan you get will be in your best interests and will have taken into consideration your current plans as well as future ones. If you simply walk into a bank, even if they know their product isn’t the best one for you, they can only offer you their product, which could cost you dearly.
As a mortgage broker we act in your best interests. A lender has no obligation to do so. At SHL Finance we have always acted in our clients’ best interest and would love the opportunity to help you too. Please call Reece Droscher on 0478 021 757 or Jodie Moore 0402 513 213 should you want to discuss your finance requirements.
Reece Droscher
Mortgage Broker SHL FINANCE
Labor has a very short memory:
To win votes they will scrap the new education requirements placed on financial planners.
By Warren Strybosch
This would have to be one of the most frustrating announcements I have heard from Labor. Labor has provided no help to financial planners and pretty much has supported all recommendations laid down from the Royal Commission which has led to the demise of the financial planning industry.
Prior to the Royal Commission there were about 33,000 financial planners in Australia and since the Royal Commission, we have seen those numbers drop down to an alarming 18,500 and it is predicted those numbers will fall below 15,000 in the next few years.
At every turn, when financial planners were seeking support from local MP’s, most Labor MPs believed that financial planners deserved everything they got. They were in support of all the recommendations from the Royal Commission. Not only have many financial planners left the industry but the mental and financial toll has been huge on many financial planners who run their own small businesses. Nobody has really talked about all the suicides that have occurred; the loss of family homes, and the mental illnesses that many financial planners have suffered with over the last few years. Has any other industry lost nearly 50% of its profession in such a short period of time? Don’t get me wrong, I think the financial planning industry had to have a shakeup. It was long overdue. The result hasled to an industry that was once looked down upon to now a profession that now has some respect amongst other professionals and is finally, amongst the community, starting to be seen as a more trustworthy profession to deal with. Even accountants, who thought financial planners were no better than the stuff they would wipe off their shoes only a few years ago, now have a respect for anyone who is able to remain a financial planner since the Royal Commission. Many accountants are giving up their limit financial planning licences because it is all too hard and costly to remain in this space.
Now, we have Labor coming out and stating that they will scrape the education requirements for existing financial planners. They are stating that anyone with 10 years’ experience in the industry should remain and should not have to obtain the necessary degree or education requirements to remain in the profession.
So, Labor wants to go back to a standard that was sub-par at best and keep people in the profession who likely only did a weekend course to obtain their diploma. Do we really need to have another Royal Commission in the future simply because Labor wants to try and win a few votes? What about all those financial planners who have worked hard to already obtain their necessary qualifications? Many financial planners have already completed their bachelor’s degrees or gone further and obtained post grad qualifications. How will they feel if Labor scrapes the requirements? What do you think? Should the financial planning profession allow existing advisors to remain the industry if they only have a diploma?
Do you think a profession like financial planning, that deals with complex issues and people’s money, should have people working in it who have only Diplomas? Wouldn’t you rather know that the minimum standard for all financial planners is a bachelor’s degree?
I personally think that people in Australia want to know that financial planners have at least a bachelor’s degree. For Labor to scrape this education requirement is nearly surmountable to them saying they don’t care what has happened in the past; that they don’t care that people lost their money to ‘salespeople’ who had little or no qualifications and were only in the industry to sell you something. I think Labor has a very short memory. It was not so long ago that the profession had to be clean-up, but Labor seems to want to take us back to the dark ages of financial planning – all to win a few votes.
Take the journey...Love is all you need!
PARENTING
By Lesley-Anne Banton
Over the last 5 years I have worked with men and women who have wanted to go on the journey of self-discovery and self-development. Some have started the journey because they have some emotional pain somewhere in their life. Some have started the journey because they knew there was more inside them, they had had not yet discovered or taped into. Some have taken the journey because they have felt like they do not fit in anywhere and or they are misunderstood and in fact do not fully understand themselves. There are those who have seen and experience trauma. There are those that have taken the journey because they want to enhance the life they have, expand, and enhance their thinking about themselves and the world around them. And there are those who have taken the journey because of their children wanting to be a better version of themselves for their children.
All have entered the journey because of LOVE, either the absence and wanting of self-love or because of the love they have for themselves and those around them. Their intention comes from a place of love, all have been motivated by love even when there’s extreme emotional pain.
Many opt to stay safe and in the emotional place they know so very well, and that’s ok. Others believe it’s all mumbo jumbo and pointless and some the pain of self-exploration and development is so confronting and traumatising that they choose to never take the journey. And this is ok.
It is a deeply personal choice and opinion to take the journey or not.
For those who have it is life changing, I am not just saying this as a coach but as a person who has taken the journey myself and is still on the journey. There are times in my journey I wanted to bail out, there are times when I have reflected on self, my thinking and events in my life that were so painful to revisit yet the lessons and the empowerment from allowing myself to go through and seek to change has been so worth it.
Taking the journey of self-discovery, exploration and development is the hardest, painful, uncomfortable yet incredible, empowering self-loving journey I have ever taken, it has turned into an adventure. I don’t know what I am going to find, see, acknowledge, embrace or feel deep gratitude for next.
What I know to be true is that no matter the adventure an individual has taken and no matter how much pain or challenge they encountered they also encounter growth, change, and ultimately love, self-love. They learn to fully love all aspects of themselves, they learn to breakthrough old and limiting thinking, they break old dysfunctional patterns that no longer serve them in the life they want to create for themselves. They learn that no matter what they have gone through they have gotten to this point in their lives and are succeeding (whatever that means or looks like to them). They get to see and reach the potential that was always within them and be reunited with incredible internal resources that they had forgotten they had or had lost sight of along the way. They get to be the whole loveable them that they were born to be, dropping any roles that they had picked up along the way that were never theirs to begin with. They get to find their voice, discover their boundaries, and stand in their own truth of who they are not what they think others want them to be. They discover they can create the life that they have always wanted without guild or shame and celebrate themselves for ALL of who they are and so much more.
Deciding to take the journey, challenge your thinking and what you know is open to everyone, there is no prerequisites and it’s not exclusive. It is simply a choice. There are so many inexpensive resources out there that can help start your journey, books, audiobooks, podcasts, social media, youtube, the internet and local libraries, anyone can start the journey and you get to choose how fast, how wide, and how deep you take your personal journey. There are coaches like me that can assist you and fast track your growth in a safe supportive manner and space, this is usually a lager and ongoing investment than buying a book or listening to a podcast.
The gift in the journey is love, self-love and so much more comes from that and can be achieved from that, I have been honoured and trusted to hold many in a safe place as they gave themselves the gift of being who they were born to be. I could make comment to the gift you give others as a ripple effect of to stepping out on the journey, however, this is a wonderful by-product yet the love and joy you find within is even more than that.
Give yourself the gift of love, take a small step on the journey, dip your toe in the water, expand the love and understanding you have for yourself. You are worth it.
Lesley-Anne Banton
Leadership and Parenting Disruptor & Coach THE PARENT WHISPERER www.theparentwhisperer.com.au 0432 848 418
New super laws coming into effect soon will make it easier for you to top up your super/pension prior to age 74 – even if you have FINANCIAL PLANNING already retired.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
By Warren Strybosch
If you have already retired and set up your pension but have come into some additional funds e.g., inheritance, there are some changes to the superannuation laws that may help you get those funds into super to benefit you in your retirement.
There are limitations as to how you can place funds into superannuation. One of those limitations relates to your age and work status. Currently, you must be below age 67 to avoid the ‘work test’. Anyone below age 67 can place additional funds into super and take advantage of the bring-forward rules. However, if you are over age 67, it starts getting harder.
For those over age 67, you must prove that you are gainfully employed to meet the superannuation work test. The work test requires you to be in paid work or gainfully employed (that is employed, or self-employed for gain or reward) for a minimum of 40 hours over a consecutive 30-day period during a financial year, before you're able to make voluntary super contributions.
Unpaid work, volunteer work, working for a charity is not considered gainful employment. Also, receiving money from shares, investments, or income from a rental property, is unlikely to be accepted as paid work as these earnings are derived from passive income sources. You must be remunerated for the personal services you are providing via salary, business income, bonuses, or commission. Also, the employment arrangement must be full documented and declared for income tax purposes.
Very soon, the bill – titled the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing superannuation outcomes for Australians and helping Australian businesses invest) Bill 2021, will be passed through the senate. It is the legislative outcome of the package of superannuation reforms announced in the 2021 Federal budget that is designed to give older Australians, including self-funded retirees, greater flexibility to contribute to their superannuation and access their housing wealth.
One of the changes introduced in the bill, will be the increase in age regarding the work test. When the law passes, from July 1, 2022, individuals aged 6774 will no longer need to meet the work test when making non-concessional superannuation contributions.
Individuals will be able to access the non-concessional bring-forward arrangement (subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria) prior to turning 74, an increase from age 67.
Access to concessional personal deductible contributions for individuals aged 67-74 will remain subject to meeting the work test.
These changes are great for those already retired and below age 74. It will provide them with the opportunity to place more funds into super; someone with a total super balance of less than $1.48 million will be able to contribute the full bring-forward amount of $330,000 in one hit. Note: The $14.8 million relates to the bring forward rule and is different to the general Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) of $1.7 million as at 1st July, 2021.
If you are over age 67 with money sitting in the bank or you have recently received an inheritance, have less than $1.48million in super, then consider speaking to your financial planner about placing further funds into super for your retirement needs.
This information is current as at December 2021. This article is intended to provide general information only and has been prepared without taking into account any particular person’s objectives, financial situation or needs (‘circumstances’). Before acting on such information, you should consider its appropriateness, taking into account your circumstances and obtain your own independent financial, legal or tax advice. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision about a product. While all care has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and reliable, to the maximum extent the law permits, Alliance Wealth and its related bodies corporate, or each of their directors, officers, employees, contractors or agents, will not assume liability to any person for any error or omission in this material however caused, nor be responsible for any loss or damage suffered, sustained or incurred by any person who either does, or omits to do, anything in reliance on the information contained herein.
Warren Strybosch
You can call them on 1300 88 38 30 or email
Expectations Versus Reality
GENERAL INSURANCE
By Craig Anderson
There are questions that have only a yes or no answer, and you will find some of these types of questions on your insurance renewal forms. For a Home and Contents policy, the question may be, “Is the property in poor condition or poorly maintained”, to which everybody invariably answers “No”. This may not in fact be true, and you may be unaware you are misleading your insurer.
For example, if you have a valley iron on your roof which is not visible from the ground and it is full of debris from an overhanging tree, or have cracked tiles, missing bedding, or loose flashing etc. then you have not maintained your house properly like you promised. As you have already sworn to the insurer as part of the legal contract of insurance that you do maintain it, you may have a claim rejected when the cause of a claim is determined by the assessor to be poor maintenance. Sudden and unexpected ingress of water due to storm damage should be covered, but if the main contributing factor that created the claim is poor maintenance, then do not be surprised if the claim is declined. be expected to know as a homeowner? The answer may vary, but good practice would have you (or your competent tradesperson) maintain anything that can be accessed even if out of sight. Typically, destruction caused by animal, bird, insect, vermin or rodent eating, chewing, clawing, pecking, nesting or soiling in a single incident or over a long period of time is excluded. This means you should be doing your best to prevent this from occurring, as the insurer will not be footing the damage bill.
Regular pest inspections and treatments are a great way to prevent and treat serious infestations. Given that the price of replacing a house is in the hundreds of thousands and the cost to spray for termites is often below one thousand it seems like a good deal to me. Termites also like damp ground, so maintaining good stormwater drainage and keeping your sub-floor dry is a good thing to do. Preventing water saturation around footings, stumps, and slabs can avoid subsidence and heaving too, which if caused by blocked and broken drains over time, will not be covered either. Sudden and unexpected pipe ruptures are mostly covered, but years of seepage would not be. So ensure your stormwater, sewer, and mains water systems are checked and if necessary repaired before serious damage occurs. Your policy is not a “cure-all” or “Magic Bullet” so you should understand the extent to which you are covered, and act accordingly. Policies vary depending on their type and the insurer who issues them, so do not assume anything, and if you need clarification (after reading the PDS) ask the provider who sold it to you to provide it.
For a “health check” of your business insurance, contact Small Business Insurance Brokers via email sales@ smallbusinessinsurancebrokers.com.au
Any advice in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, before acting on the above advice, you should consider its appropriateness (having regard to your objectives, needs and financial situation).
Craig Anderson
GENERAL INSURANCE Small Business Insurance Brokers www. heightsafetyinsurancebrokers.com.au 0418 300 096
How To Avoid The Great Resignation
RESILIENCE COACH
By Sally Higoe
Yep, it’s a thing! ‘The Great Resignation’ is heading to Australia.
According to Microsoft research, The pandemic has caused more than 40% of the global workforce to consider leaving their employers this year– and it’s predicted to hit Oz in March ‘22.
More and more, employees are tapping into their OWN needs, and placing them before that of their employer – they seek appreciation, they seek gratification.
People want what they’ve been promised... and more than that, they want a role that will enrich their life as a whole.
No longer, do employees just want a job!
Your employees are whole – they are more than their job, and a leader that recognises this, will listen.. and hear... and will sell the role, catering to human needs – they’ll find a way to “reconfigure work so that it’s actually designed for this new world that we find ourselves in”. (ABC Radio National)
It’s time to get up with ‘the times’.
So what does this look like exactly?
Without overthinking it, it really is quite simple.
Fulfillment. That’s what people want. without overstretching already fatigued staff” (Behavioural Scientist, Aaron McEwan shared on ABC RN’s ‘This Working Life’ – full podcast here- http://t.ly/ohGn
The ability to drive ambitions whilst respecting balance is achieved by the leader through empowerment, care, respect, and growth. Here’s how;
1. Don’t leave your team guessing!
Teach them exactly what’s required for their success, ensuring that they have – and know how to access – ALL resources needed.
2. Reduce overwhelm! Initially, make any task, role, or project simple – remove complexity – and then build from there.
3. Be available! Show your team that you are there for them by empowering them to ask questions – literally do this, do not presume that they know you are accessible.
4. Demonstrate how it needs to be done. Replication is powerful and so is giving your time.
5. Demonstrate through questioning.
Seek understanding, show interest –
“What outcomes are we looking for”, “How is this moving us towards the outcome we want?” “What skills will you need to bring?” “What’s missing?” “What’s your level of confidence?” “What new choices do we need to make to get this done?”
6. Be compassionate. Your people want to succeed, so tap into curiosity mode, remove any judgement, and seek to understand. 7. Be patient. Continue to rehearse what needs to be done until all the basic steps are there... remain available and open.
8. Sit back and DO NOT micro-manage.
At this stage you want to be letting the team member apply what they’ve learnt.
9. Be comfortable with mistakes. This is how we learn even more effectively and how we grow. It’s also how amazing ideas can be formed!
10. Observe and periodically checkin - to determine commitment, build resilience and support growth.
“What needs to happen next?” “What is the deadline, what are the incremental benchmarks you’re aiming for?” “How will we know when we’re on track?” “How will we know when we’re done?”
11. Champion their success – See progress, provide feedback, remind them of their abilities and skills.
12. Remember to always stay curious.
Leading and inspiring in this way will promote fulfillment.
I believe fulfillment comes through working towards the best version of yourself and achieving what you set out to do (& especially what you thought was never even possible)
When your team feel fulfilled in their role, respected in their individuality, and supported in their growth, one thing you won’t have to worry about is The Great Resignation.
If you’d like to create a detailed growth plan for your team, contact me on sally@ team-resilience.com.au and let’s chat, I have a wonderful model that I work through, with leaders, to help build an empowered team that is collaborative, productive, effective and happy... and the results are amazing.
Sally Higoe
Team/Leadership Coach Team Resilience Method
Boardrooms Can Cash In On Climate Risk
Marion Rae (Australian Associated Press)
Australian directors and boards are concerned about climate change risks but many want to turn it into an opportunity, a report has found.
A first-of-its-kind study into how climate governance is evolving has been released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) as a benchmark for how companies and organisations tackle the challenge.
“Climate change is an issue that most directors grapple with, and they are alive to risk, but the focus has shifted to one that considers the opportunities inherent in climate change,” AICD chief executive Angus Armour said on Monday.
Most directors (77 per cent) are concerned about impacts on their organisation, with nearly one quarter (22 per cent) “extremely” concerned.
But half (51 per cent) also saw opportunities from proactive responses to climate change.
“There is now a business case for investing in growth areas driven by climate considerations,” Macquarie Group chair Peter Warne said in the report.
Almost half of respondents (46 per cent) saw the lack of a settled national climate policy as a barrier to effective climate governance.
Chair of Yarra Valley Water Sue O’Connor said boards should be focusing on both the growth opportunities as well as managing the risks of climate change.
“Explore opportunities that deliver both net zero and financial value. It is possible, achievable and prudent,” she said.
But the issue is not yet widely linked to pay or bonuses, according to the report.
Other findings were consistent with general population studies that have found women and younger Australians are most concerned about climate change.
Generally, older directors were less likely to feel pressure to act on climate change from stakeholders. Female directors were more likely than male directors to want a greater focus on climate governance on their boards.
The younger a director was, the more likely they felt more attention should be paid to the issue, the report found.
Energy, agriculture, forestry and fishing directors tended to be more active than average on climate change issues, while those in mining were less so.
Directors in finance, insurance and manufacturing tended to tread a middleof-the-road path.
Directors of listed entities, while still worried about operational risk, tended to be more concerned about increased regulatory costs such as a “carbon tax reputational damage”, and increased cost of capital.
Those at not-for-profit organisations were more likely to be concerned about employee health, including mental health.
The common risk identified by directors from all sectors was the regulatory and political uncertainty. Audit and assurance on climate reporting and disclosure was the looming challenge for boards, particularly as stakeholder expectations change, the report found.
“Building ‘climate competence’ should be part and parcel of a director’s job. Increasingly, investors, proxy advisers and regulators are looking to see boards demonstrate this,” EnergyAustralia chair Graham Bradley said.
The report listed the key steps for boards on climate governance:
• Conduct a board readiness check
• Skills assessment of directors and review of board composition
• Consider upskilling or bringing in external assistance
• Embed into risk management and strategic oversight process
• Consider targets, metrics and reporting arrangements
