5 minute read
Business
FREE SUPPORT FOR BALLINA BUSINESSES PHASING OUT SINGLEUSE PLASTICS
Retail business owners in Ballina will have access to free, inperson advice about the NSW Government’s single-use plastics ban, when experts from the National Retail Association visit tomorrow.
Lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles were banned across NSW in June this year further single-use plastic items, such as straws, cutlery, plates, and unlidded bowls, will be phased out by November.
The National Retail Association has been working closely with the NSW State Government to provide advice and resources to thousands of businesses, including a dedicated team visiting retailers in their stores, holding online sessions, and manning a toll-free hotline.
NRA Policy Manager Ebony Johnson said that the NRA’s engagement with over 12,000 businesses in over 750 precincts across NSW since February has been very well-received.
“Retailers and their suppliers are highly supportive of environmental initiatives, with many already phasing out single-use plastics, measuring their carbon footprint and committing to strong packaging and food waste targets,” Ms Johnson said.
“We fnd small and medium businesses appreciate the personalised support and resources, given that they are having to juggle running their business, serving customers, and supporting their staff.
“Our services assist retailers with understanding exactly what is – and isn’t - banned, communicating with customers through the transition, and managing the costs of conducting business.
“We have also engaged over 30,000 retailers, suppliers and community organisations to help everyone prepare and transition,” she said.
The National Retail Association is visiting retailers within key shopping centres and retail precincts in Ballina this week.
“We are looking forward to visiting as many retailers in the local area as possible tomorrow to provide factsheets and signage, and to help them understand what they need to do to comply with the ban,” Ms Johnson said.
“Now is the time for businesses to prepare for the November ban by ordering alternatives, running down existing stock, and displaying signage to inform customers.
For more information, business owners should visit www.dpie.nsw. gov.au/plastics-ban, email sustainability@ nra.net.au or call the NRA’s Hotline 1800 844 946.
Ebony Johnson is available for interview, contact the NRA media unit on 0467 792 013.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR TAX RETURN TO THE LAST MINUTE
With under a month to go until the 31 October due date for 2021-22 tax returns, the Australian Taxation Offce (ATO) is reminding taxpayers to get on top of their tax returns by lodging or engaging with a registered tax agent.
ATO fgures show that as at the end of September, over 8.3 million taxpayers have lodged their 2022 tax return. Last year, over 9.6 million had lodged their 2021 tax return by 31 October.
Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh says there are several lodgement options available.
“If you need more time to prepare your tax return, you can lodge with a registered tax agent. If you’re using a registered tax agent for the frst time or using a different registered tax agent to last year, you need to engage with the registered tax agent by 31 October,” Mr Loh said.
There are also free programs to support those who need help with their tax affairs: • The ATO’s Tax Help program is run by trained volunteers and is available to taxpayers earning $60,000 or less per year who have simple affairs. • The National Tax Clinic program is a government-funded initiative to help individuals, small businesses, not-forproft organisations and charities who may not be able to afford professional advice and representation with their tax affairs. It’s run by Australian universities and supported by the ATO.
This tax time as with every tax time, the ATO reminds taxpayers to be mindful of keeping their personal information protected, including never sharing their myGov login or myGovID details with anyone. Further information is available on our website – How to protect yourself scan the QR code
FREE TOOL TO MEASURE WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH
This Mental Health Month, SafeWork NSW is encouraging employers to explore a new digital Workplace Wellbeing Assessment Tool (WWAT) which will help improve understanding and management of workplace mental health by businesses.
Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann, said while 80 per cent of NSW workplaces take a reactive or ad-hoc approach to mental health at work, there are health and economic benefts from having a mentally healthy workplace including reduced absenteeism and staff turnover.
“This is not just about the mental health of your workers, this is about making the best workplace environment in your workplace both mentally and physically,” Ms Mann said.
“A mentally healthy workplace provides many benefts back into the business, including increased staff engagement and productivity. But despite the benefts, many people in NSW are not aware of the role workplaces play in preventing mental health issues and supporting recovery.
“The free selfassessment tool helps set up a survey which businesses can use to confdentially survey their staff, with the results informing businesses how to plan and respond to risks and create workplaces where mental health thrives.
“The tool measures and monitors a workplace’s capability by identifying gaps and areas for improvement. It also provides actions for the business to take to reduce risks and allows them to compare themselves with others across the State.
The WWAT was developed as part of the NSW Mentally Healthy Workplace Strategy, whose key priorities include free training programs and coaching services and building the capability of businesses in NSW to create positive and safe environments promoting good mental health.. Scan the QR to access the WWAT
Summer Skills joins Summer of Jobs to power our hospitality industry
My Future Workforce Northern Rivers is proud to launch Summer of Jobs 2022, which will be supporting Training Services NSW Summer Skills program.
The joint campaign will deliver training to hospitality across the region, preparing a job ready workforce for the upcoming tourism season.
As jobseekers take up these training opportunities, employers are encouraged to post vacancies on the My Future Workforce Northern Rivers platform.
Director of RDA Northern Rivers, Tim Williamson said “The free platform is specifc to the Northern Rivers with a unique job matching process to capture the attention of jobseekers with the skills, experience, and desire to work in the hospitality industry.”
Employers who haven’t already registered with My Future Workforce Northern Rivers are encouraged to join now to list your vacancies.
For jobseekers, now is the perfect time to develop your skills and launch your career in this amazing industry.
Employers and jobseekers can register for free via this QR Code
