Beverley Jackson from WorkCover, who was to be our next breakfast speaker but couldn’t make it, has kindly provided some information and web links (below). Thanks to Ruth for liaising with Beverley.

Also, Australian Business Training Solutions (ABTS), which is the training arm for the NSW Business Chamber, is delivering a wide range of safety and business training. See this link:

http://view.email.nswbc.com.au/?j=fe571576766d037a7711&m=fef91d70726501&ls=fdf110737d6c047974117870&l=fef616747c650d&s=fe2913787465027d751378&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe33167175620574741478&r=0

Pete Bennetts

UMCC

02-6655.5001

1. Understanding the new Work Health and Safety Act – A practical guide.

2. Information on the 2012 Work Health and Safety legislation at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/Pages/default.aspx, with a number of subheadings with more detailed information on specific topics.

3. A small business website is at http://smallbusiness.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Home.aspx , with a number of links to guidance material, tools and documents for small businesses.

4. There are a number of pre-recorded webinars on the 2012 legislation at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/assistance-and-support/Pages/whs-webinars.aspx. Some of the webinars offered in the past will eventually go up as pre-recorded webinars, so it is worth keeping an eye on the page over the coming weeks.

5. There are a number of trainer resources at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/lawpolicy/Policiesreasearchgrants/grants/Pages/default.aspx, which may be useful.

6. The $500 rebate program for small businesses has been revamped, with different criteria. Info and application form at http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/assistance-and-support/small-business-rebate/Pages/default.aspx.

[WorkCover don’t have any public workshops scheduled. However, if there is sufficient interest from Chamber members, WorkCover provided a request form for Chamber to request a workshop, presentation or information session.]

Beverley Jackson

Business Advisory Officer | Business Assistance Branch

WorkCover NSW

Suite 33, Jetty Village Shopping Centre, 361 Harbour Drive COFFS HARBOUR 2450

Phone: (02) 6659 1706

Mobile: 0428 105 261

Fax: (02) 9287 4456

Email: beverley.jackson@workcover.nsw.gov.au

WORK SAFE4HOME SAFE

WORKCOVER INQUIRY MUST NOT LEAD TO HIGHER PREMIUMS

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber said the possibility of increasing WorkCover premiums by around 30% is simply not an option, and that’s why the Government’s commitment to reform the scheme will be strongly supported by the business community across the State.

NSW Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce, has announced the formation of a parliamentary committee to look at, and report back on, many aspects of the scheme, including its performance, financial sustainability and functions.

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Mr Beard, said if allowed to continue, the current scheme would be a disaster for business owners across the State.

“NSW already has higher premiums than Victoria and Queensland, so any premium increase will only exacerbate the many imposts on business owners throughout NSW, and further weaken their capacity to compete, and to provide employment,” Mr Beard said.

“As our business conditions survey released yesterday indicated, businesses across NSW are in no shape whatsoever to accommodate any increase in employment costs.

“To load up premiums simply as a way of fixing the problem is a classic lose/lose scenario. It’s clear we need other options.

“What needs to be found are solutions that are financially sustainable and at the same time protect employees who are legitimately injured at work.

“Those solutions need to include a reinforced emphasis on getting injured workers back to work faster.

“The Government should be commended for tackling this important area head on and not putting it in the ‘too hard basket’.”

Mr Beard said the review provides the opportunity to consider the best practices of other States in order to create the right model for NSW.

“This is far too important an issue to turn into a debate simply about employers paying more or workers getting less,” Mr Beard said.

“A workers compensation scheme should be based on the principles of fair and equitable outcomes that allow those injured to rehabilitate, and ultimately return to work as quickly as possible.”

Kellon Beard

Regional Manager | Membership Services | NSW Business Chamber

146-148 Gordon Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Tel 02 6584 0910| Fax 02 6584 0930 | Mob 04 2776 7246 | Web nswbusinesschamber.com.au

Hi everyone

Apologies if you receive this invitation twice, but with such an important

opening for our local community, we just want to make sure the invitation

reaches everyone. Club Urunga invitation 2012

The Urunga-Mylestom Chamber of Commerce congratulates Club Urunga on their

wonderful new premises which will provide our town and local community with

this wonderful new, modern entertainment, relaxation and sporting facility.

See you at Club Urunga!

NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER LAUNCHES HANDBOOK TO HELP EMPLOYERS HIRE MATURED AGED WORKERS

Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber has launched a handbook that highlights the benefits to NSW employers of employing matured aged workers and tips to make a successful recruitment.

The handbook, “The Business Case for Recruiting and Retaining Mature Aged Workers”, is a joint publication between the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the NSW Business Chamber. The handbook is part of ACCI’s ‘Employ outside the Box’ campaign that is designed to help employers diversify their workforce.

“Mature aged workers can bring a wealth of experience and diversity to a workplace if they are given the opportunity to contribute,” said Kellon Beard, Mid North Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager.

“Considering the skills shortages we are facing right across the national economy, matured aged workers are a resource that we are simply not utilising as effectively as we should.

“The message to NSW employers in our handbook is to make your next employment decision a conscious one to employ a mature aged worker.

Mr Beard said the handbook highlighted the benefits to employers and workplaces of hiring mature aged workers including:

Tapping into a source of skilled labour during a shortfall of skilled employees;

Established networks, external interests and experiences that add value to a business;

Loyalty and tendency to stay with an employer longer than younger employees;

Mentoring younger employees and passing on ‘corporate memory’ to other employees.

Mr Beard said the Federal Government had taken the first steps to promoting matured aged recruitment through financial incentives but more needed to be done to remove the misconceptions and prejudices around mature aged workers.

“Peak business organisations like state chambers of commerce are doing our bit to encourage our members to make their next recruitment a mature aged worker. We can all do a lot more in this area considering the benefits to our workplaces and the national economy.”

Copies of the handbook are available at www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au.

UMCC Members and Friends

Please note that the APRIL 2012 monthly meeting of the Chamber will be held on Thursday 26th – the day after ANZAC Day. We hope you can come along.

An Agenda is attached, as are the Minutes from the last meeting (28th March) – thanks to Secretary Alisha for taking and recording those. 2012-04-26 UMCC Agenda 2012-03-28 UMCC Minutes

Input to monthly meetings is always most welcome, both from members and Chamber friends.

All current financial members of the Chamber are encouraged to attend – it’s your Chamber.

Friends of the Chamber, who are currently not financial members, are most welcome to attend as observers.

Not financial? A Membership Application/Renewal Form for 2011-12 is attached, in case you’ve just forgotten to join/renew. Pro rata rates apply for individuals and businesses who join/renew now, with membership through to June 2012. Invoices for 2012-13 will be sent in early June 2012.  UMCC_Membership_Application_or_Renewal_2011-12_V2-1

If you are a former member, please consider re-joining – the Chamber needs numbers – so please show your support.

Please Note: Membership of the Chamber is not restricted to business folk. In fact, most Chamber business is community-related, not business-related, although there are benefits for business membership – such as free “opt-in” membership of the NSW Business Chamber.

If the meeting is timely and the bar is still open, some members may “stay on” for some conviviality!! Some may even have dinner at Lui’s beforehand.

Regards

Pete Bennetts

(Minute Secretary)

Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce

Partners in Progress

02-6655.5001

PS New Chamber business activity of significant project size should be proposed in advance using the Business Proposal Form, available on request. Less significant issues may be raised at the meeting.

Announcement re additional incentive for Employers looking to recruit mature aged workers

Hi all,

As many would have heard throughout the media over the past few days, an additional incentive to recruit mature workers has been announced by the Australian Government.

For your general reference I have included a link with the details regarding this incentive.

http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Programs/ExpPlus/Pages/supportformatureagejobseekers.aspx

Please feel free to circulate details to those who may be interested. If you have any questions or wish to discuss, please feel free to call or email.

Regards

Mark Almond

Employment Project Coordinator

Building Australia’s Future Workforce – Mid North Coast Region

Australian Government Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

3rd Floor, 3 Hopetoun Street (PO Box 627) CHARLESTOWN NSW 2290

Phone–(02) 4940 1707 Mobile-0412 834 590 Fax-(02) 6204 2368

“Closing the Gap” is everyone’s business

DEEWR acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and

their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to

them and their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.