Leading off this month, Editor Tom O’Meara weighs in on the TasWater ownership debate as the opportunities stemming from a state government takeover continue to prove popular within the Tasmanian business community.
You’ll also find Hydro’s exciting plans to double energy production, the lowdown on the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline and national recognition for one of our favourite local honey makers.
OCTOBER 2017
T A S M A N I A’ S L E A D I N G B U S I N E S S P U B L I C A T I O N . C I R C U L A T I O N 1 2 , 0 0 0 M O N T H LY
‘Battery
of the
nation’
Plans to double Tasmania’s
energy production capacity are
gaining momentum.
Full story page 3
Hydro Tasmania CEO Steve Davy, right, and the
Australian Renewable Energy Agency CEO Ivor
Frischknecht.
Backing for
TasWater
takeover
By TOM O’MEARA
THE economic opportunities
created by a State Government
takeover of TasWater has spurred
business to show a united front in
support of the plan.
And in a big coup for Treasurer
Peter Gutwein’s bold bid, the original
architect of the water authority
is also a supporter of the major
change.
Former Labor Treasurer Michael
Aird set up TasWater with
the intention of making it a stateowned
company but pressure
from Local Government resulted
in three regional businesses and a
management organisation.
Now retired, Mr Aird told The
Examiner that state ownership is
best for the company.
“The four organisations was a
sub-optimal outcome to say the
least,” Mr Aird said.
“State ownerships would make
administrative sense and could
lead to better governance.”
While Mr Aird doesn’t believe
there is a crisis with TasWater, he
questions the governance of paying
councils $20m in dividends
which may be better used in the
interests of taxpayers.
Those taxpayers have also had
enough according to a recent
ReachTel survey, which showed
the takeover concept was supported
by more than 50 per cent of
ratepayers.
The ReachTEL survey of 1622
residents revealed that 25 per cent
of ratepayers had a problem with
TasWater on water and sewerage
Continued Page 3
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2 Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017
NEWS
Hydro’s ‘battery’
plan charges up
THE $5 billion plan to double
Tasmania’s energy capacity
and make the state the renewable
“Battery of the Nation” is
gaining momentum.
A shortlist of about 30 potential
pumped hydro energy
storage sites has been identified,
including four existing
power stations, as experts attempt
to increase the state’s
hydro output to 2,500 mW.
Funding from the $2.5 million
Australian Renewable
Energy Agency of $800,000
has recently been committed
to help narrow the list to between
10 and 15 sites.
Hydro Tasmania CEO Steve
Davy and CEO of ARENA,
Ivor Frischknecht, recently
inspected one of the possible
conversion sites, the Cethana
power station in North West
Tasmania, which has already
been assessed as having some
of the best pumped hydro
potential in Tasmania (up to
1,000mW).
Mr Davy said Tasmania
was uniquely placed to help
lead Australia through its
challenging energy transition.
“The Battery of the Nation
The entrance tunnel to
Cethana Power Station.
is about energy security and
affordable prices,” Mr Davy
said.
“Doubling Tasmania’s renewable
energy capacity addresses
three big challenges at
once,” he said.
“It will lock in full energy
security, help give Tasmanians
some of the nation’s
cheapest power prices and
give us plenty of spare energy
to support mainland Australia.
“At a time when Australia
badly needs flexible and storable
energy to replace the coal
power it’s phasing out, the
Battery of the Nation offers
a future that’s clean, reliable
and affordable,” he said.
Mr Frischknecht said the
Battery of the Nation studies,
e dition
along with feasibility studies
into Snowy Hydro 2.0, would
examine how pumped hydro
energy storage could play an
expanded role in Australia’s
energy mix, and help accelerate
the transition to renewable
energy.
“With these projects we
could double Tasmania’s
pumped hydro capacity and
help power an additional
500,000 households.
“Tasmania could play a
crucial role in helping to provide
secure, reliable – and renewable
– electricity for the
National Energy Market,”
Mr Frischknecht said.
Hydro Tasmania has ruledout
developing any pumped
hydro sites in the Tasmanian-
Wilderness World Heritage
Area and is not investigating
new on-river dams.
The State Government welcomed
the ARENA funding,
which will be matched by Hydro.
The entire project could
create up to $5 billion of infrastructure
investment and
up to 3000 construction jobs
across 10 to 15 years.
The Cameron Bay wastewater treatment plant.
TasWater takeover backed
From Page 1
supply, charges and connection.
Of the clients who had a
problem, 45.3 per cent had to
wait longer than four weeks
for TasWater to fix the problem.
The research supports the
complaints from business
organisations that TasWater
generally didn’t understand
the needs and wants of business
and developers at all levels.
The Tasmanian Chamber
of Commerce and Industry
has joined with peak business
bodies in the state including
the Tasmanian Hospitality
Association, Tasmanian
Small Business Council,
Master Builders Association,
Housing Industry Association
and the Property Council – in
support of the takeover in the
interest of Tasmania.
All organisations have received
a flood of complaints
from their members who had
difficult experiences and were
left totally frustrated in their
attempts to work with TasWater.
Business organisations also
lodged submissions to the
Legislative Council Select
Committee investigating the
ownership of TasWater and
followed up with public hearings
in Launceston and Hobart
in mid-September.
The overwhelming argument
was the difficulty for
TasWater to perform as a
statewide business with 29
owners – the state’s 29 councils
– who are advocating for
their individual municipal areas
and not the state’s needs
as a whole.
Under the Treasurer’s plan
to set TasWater up as a Government
Business Enterprise,
the organisation would act
on a broader state level and
understand its obligations as
a major infrastructure enterprise.
This would also allow for
accelerated spending on infrastructure,
while delivering
cheaper outcomes for mum
and dad consumers.
T A S M A N I A’ S L E A D I N G B U S I N E S S P U B L I C A T I O N . C I R C U L A T I O N 1 2 , 0 0 0 M O N T H LY
Tasmanian Business Reporter can now be delivered directly to your inbox. With our 30,000-strong monthly print
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Tasmania’s business newspaper is published monthly by the
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is distributed
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Circulation: 12,000
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Sweet success for honey makers
Lindsay and Yeonsoon
Bourke from Australian
Honey Products
are again revelling in
sweet success after
their Leatherwood honey
was named champion
product at the Australian
Food Awards.
The Launceston-based
producer won the Champion
Australian Product
Trophy and Champion
Australian Pantry Goods
Trophy at the national
awards night.
The trophies were
both awarded for Sheffield
Honey Farm Leatherwood
honey.
Mr and Mrs Bourke
say Tasmania is blessed
to have the resources
to create the world’s
finest honeys but they
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Lindsay and
Yeonsoon
Bourke from
award
winning
Australian
Honey
Products.
have regularly expressed
concern about ongoing
supply of access to
Leatherwood forests.
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 3
Jobs gain leads nation
Shadow Treasurer
TASMANIA has had the fastest
jobs growth in the country
over the past 12 months, with
a four per cent increase in the
number of people employed.
But more needs to be done
to improve full-time employment
rates, say government
opponents.
The recent ABS data shows
that since the election of the
Hodgman Liberal Government,
11,500 jobs have been
created and the participation
rate is the highest since early
2015.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein
said there was still more work
to do to capitalise on the recent
improvement.
“That’s why we have set a
target to reduce youth unemployment
to the national average
and to have the lowest unemployment
rate of any state
by 2022,” Mr Gutwein said.
Scott
Bacon welcomed the “modest
rise” in total jobs and the participation
rate but highlighted
that the unemployment rate
has also been revised up.
“Overall, this is a positive
update though we would have
liked to have seen greater
growth in full-time employment,”
Mr Bacon said.
“The full-time employment
column is the one Labor is focussed
on in the lead up to the
election.
“Tasmanians not only identify
jobs as a key issue but
they talk about the importance
of meaningful, full-time employment,”
he said.
The jobs data was released
just before the results of a
combined Australia Institute
Tasmania and Unions Tasmania’s
jobs survey, which highlighted
underemployment and
unpaid work as key issues for
respondents.
Key findings of the jobs
survey were:
• over 60 per cent said they
wanted more hours to help
make ends meet; and
• 80 per cent said they were
required to sometimes work
extra hours, with 56 per cent
of those saying they weren’t
always compensated or remunerated
for that time.
NEWS
Human
rights
lawyer
honour
Rock lobster industry a world-first
TASMANIA is set to become
the birthplace of a global industry
for rock lobster aquaculture
thanks to world-first
research in the state.
Tasmanian firm PFG has a
world-class pedigree in the
mariculture sector and is now
partnering with the University
of Tasmania to change the
face of the lucrative industry.
The long and complex life
cycle of the lobster has made
it impossible to produce the
species in a commercially-scalable
hatchery until
now, with plans to have a
new hatchery facility operating
in the state within four
years.
The research at the University
of Tasmania’s Institute
for Marine and Antarctic
Studies (IMAS) is supported
by the ARC Research Hub
for Commercial Development
of Rock Lobster Culture
Systems.
PFG has invested in a university
spin-out company to
secure the Australian licencing
rights to the research.
University Deputy
Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Professor Brigid Heywood
said it was an exciting project.
“It is emblematic for us
that a Tasmanian firm, led by
a University alumnus (PFG
CEO Michael Sylvester) has
agreed to help us realise what
has been 15 plus years in the
making,” she said.
“We are passionate about the
The university rock lobster research team presents their groundbreaking work to the media in Hobart.
role of research and innovation
in providing a platform
for economic
renewal and the creation
of entirely new economic
sectors. This is a very fine
example of that in
action.
“This partnership paves the
way for Tasmania to become
the birthplace of a global industry
for rock
lobster aquaculture.”
In the next two years, scientists
working at IMAS Taroona
will complete the final two
years’ work of the Australian
Research Council-backed hub,
focusing on the optimisation of
technology that will underpin
commercial production. PFG’s
commitment includes the
construction in Tasmania of the
world’s first commercial scale
hatchery.
Mr Sylvester said the partnership
would lead to further
opportunities for its existing
portfolio of world-class
products and services, while
opening entirely new export
markets.
“This arrangement brings
together Government, academia
and industry in partnership
that will create direct
employment within Tasmania,
and allows us to export our
intellectual property to the
world,” he said.
Alice Edwards
THE career of internationally-renowned
human rights
lawyer and humanitarian Dr
Alice Edwards was recognised
with the presentation
of the University of Tasmania
Foundation Graduate Award.
Dr Edwards matriculated
from Fahan College before
graduating from the University
of Tasmania with a Bachelor
of Arts and Laws, with
Honours in Law in 1997.
She completed her legal
articles in Victoria, becoming
admitted as a barrister and
solicitor to the Victorian Bar
in 1998.
During her 20-year career,
Dr Edwards has successfully
led cases in international
courts to protect the rights of
refugees, created mechanisms
to rescue the thousands of
trafficked women and girls
in the Balkans, and initiated
and galvanised support for
the United Nations Refugee
Agency’s (UNHCR) global
strategy to end the detention
of asylum seekers.
She is currently the Head
of the Secretariat for the
Convention Against Torture
Initiative (CTI), in Geneva,
Switzerland – an initiative
dedicated to achieving the
universal ratification of the
United Nations Convention
Against Torture.
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Hall of
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date
change
THE TCCI’s inaugural
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until next year.
The event will now
be Saturday, June 30,
2018, with an expanded
program of award
categories including a
contemporary Hall of
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achievements of business.
Nominations will
re-open and remain
open until March,
2018.
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4 Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
www.tcci.com.au
Election elephants in the room
Michael
Bailey
TCCI Chief Executive
POLITICS is a tricky game.
We’ve witnessed good governments
fall trying to deliver
structurally necessary but
publicly unpopular policy
changes over the course of
history.
In Tasmania, with the precarious
nature of State Parliament
thanks to representative
numbers and the Hare Clark
system, every vote does count
for politicians wanting to win
another term in government.
It makes me wonder if
this fickle situation is to the
detriment of development in
our state?
Have we lost the courage
to take on structural reform in
Tasmania?
As we head into a state
election and political parties
start to jockey for position, I
notice that the big ticket reforms
are off the agenda.
There is plenty of discourse
about poker machines, health
statistics, school starting ages
and so on, but where is the debate
about the big reforms?
The elephants in the room
are local government reform
and the structure of the State
Public Service.
I have said for some time
that to truly reform the way
that government works in
Tasmania you must undertake
a root and branch review of
local and state government
together.
Both are so intertwined
now that reviewing one without
the other is pointless and
problematic.
What do the Tasmanian
people need their public ser-
Both [local
and state
governments]
are so intertwined
now
that reviewing
one without
the other is
pointless and
problematic.
vice to do and how much can
we afford to pay for them to
deliver results?
Local government output,
councillor/aldermen numbers
and duplication have been
ongoing issues and, with the
topic seemingly too politically
dangerous to tackle, we are
left waiting for the state’s 29
councils to slowly discuss the
merits of reducing their own
stocks.
It’s a bit like asking your
child whether he wants one
or two lollies after dinner -
we all know what the answer
will be.
Tasmanians have the right
to ask these questions and
they should be answered thoroughly
in a comprehensive
review
I believe that such a review
should drive the debate, build
the discourse and create an
Tasmania’s Parliament House where big ticket items are off the agenda.
Help available to expand markets
THE Department of
State Growth has released
details of the New
Market Expansion Program
for the 2017-2018
grant year.
The NMEP supports
Tasmanian businesses
and industry associations
offset the cost of marketing
activities in international
markets.
The program assists
export-ready small and
medium sized enterprises
to grow their business
and is delivered in two
streams – the Enterprise
and Industry.
The department has
allocated $80,000 for
the Enterprise Stream
which provides up to a
50 per cent financial reimbursement
to eligible
businesses.
The marketing activities
can include exhibiting
at international trade
shows, participation
understanding of what these
two levels of government
should provide for Tasmanians.
Strikingly there is no mention
from either of our major
parties about this.
I know that this is difficult
territory but we will have to
reform at some stage - why
not now?
Business confidence is
high, jobs data is positive and
Sally
Chandler
Tradestart Adviser
the flow-on effect from that,
anecdotally, suggests that the
general public is also relatively
happy and positive about
their future here in the state.
So why not be strategic
rather that reactive.
There is little doubt that
the way that GST is distributed
will change in Australia,
and that such changes will be
to the detriment to the Tasmanian
budget –- perhaps
a significant change to the
way the public service and
local government operates
will help us build a buffer in
preparation.
Wouldn’t it be refreshing
to have two leaders willing to
take this on before the March
election.
Let’s hope they’re willing
to take on the big reforms and
leave a legacy well beyond
their Parliamentary careers.
in Tasmanian Government-led
trade missions,
undertaking specific
meetings to establish
distribution channels,
promotional activities
to establish commercial
arrangements, hosting
inward buyer visits to
Tasmania, and market
demand evaluations to
enable product refinement
where appropriate.
All activities must relate
to a country or country
subdivision in which
the business has not previously
undertaken similar
export activity.
The Industry Stream
also has allocated funding
of $80,000 and provides
up to 90 per cent
financial reimbursement
to enable an industry association
or groups of
companies working collectively
on eligible international
market activities,
to gain funding.
An enterprise cannot
receive more than $7000
per financial year under
the NMEP and a group
or association cannot receive
more than $10,000
per financial year under
the program.
Should an applicant
under either stream be a
current claimant of the
Austrade Export Market
Development Grants
scheme or any other government
market development
assistance scheme,
then they are ineligible to
apply for the NMEP.
A consultant or intermediary
cannot apply.
To apply, annual sales
turnover for the Enterprise
Stream must be
greater than $300,000
and less than $20 million
per annum.
All applications are
online and must be
lodged before the activity
takes place.
The NMEP opened on
13th September 13 and
will close on April 30,
2018 unless funds are
fully expended before.
For international trade
and investment assistance
contact the TCCI’s
TradeStart Adviser,
Sally Chandler, at sally.
chandler@tcci.com.au or
phone 1300 559 122.
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 5
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
www.tcci.com.au
Hangover sackings can cause headache
AN interesting case has
been heard about an employee
consuming alcohol
the night before
she was meant to attend
work and rang in sick
for her shift. Her employment
was subsequently
terminated.
The case of Avril
Chapman v Tassal
Group Limited T/A Tassal
Operations Pty Ltd
[2017] FWC 4630 was
heard in Hobart on August
8, 2017 and serves
as a reminder to employers
that they need
to carefully consider
whether conduct constitutes
a warning (be it
formal, final or otherwise)
or dismissal.
To summarise the
facts of this case:
An employee was
scheduled to work. The
night before she consumed
too much alcohol,
called work at
4.56pm on April 25 and
left a voicemail that said
she had indulged and
was not fit for work.
On April 27, the employee
returned to work
Abbey
George
Workplace Relations
and was given a letter
that stated in deliberately
consuming alcohol to
the extent she couldn’t
attend work the next day
she had breached the
code of conduct.
A performance management
procedure followed.
There were no meetings
in relation to the dismissal
and it was all done
via written correspondence.
The applicant denied
the allegations and said:
“I feel that contacting
management on the 25th
was the right and responsible
thing to do” (Paragraph
11 of the judgement).
Deputy President Barclay
found:
• The employee had deliberately
chosen to overindulge
in alcohol when
she was due to work
the next day and even
though the conduct was
out of hours there was a
sufficient link to the employment
relationship.
• A previous warning
was about inappropriate
language and was from
some time ago. So, to
take this into account
was harsh given the circumstances.
• Had the employee
contacted the employer
on the morning she was
meant to work and notified
them of her incapacity
then termination
of employment would
have been unlikely.
• Accordingly “another
sanction such as
performance management
or a further, perhaps
even final, warning
was appropriate” and he
awarded the employee
$8,229 (after deducting
25% for her contributory
conduct).
The full judgement
can be found at www.
fwc.gov.au/documents/
decisionssigned/html/2017fwc4630.htm
Contact the Helpline
on 1300 765 123 or
the TCCI on 1300 59
122 or workplacerelations@tcci.com.au0
Searoad leads shipping evolution
FOR us folk that work
across borders, moving
goods between countries
- sending whiskey to Japan,
bringing in couches
from China, sending
carrots to the Middle
East, importing engines
from Europe … you get
the idea - nothing is finer
than a shiny new ship.
There is something
about walking through
the engine room of a new
vessel and seeing pristine
metal engines bolted
to the deck with nuts
that Godzilla would be
proud of, seeing white
walls, immaculate quarters,
awe-inspiring control
rooms and the latest
technology all pulling together
to enable trade.
Couple this with an
enthusiastic skipper and
chief engineer and you
have the perfect recipe
for a slick operation.
Standing on the bridge
of the Searoad Mersey II
in Devonport listening to
commentary on the capabilities
of the new vessel
made me stop to think of
how we have evolved in
the shipping world over
the years.
Brett
Charlton
Agility Logistics
Don’t get me wrong,
there is definitely some
dust of antiquity on some
of the operations and
regulations still haunting
our industry, but progress
is being made in
other areas.
The fastening system
on the Mersey II is
interesting – it is a vacuum-like
system that
holds the vessel alongside
– this holds the vessel
off the side of the
wharf without the need
for lines.
There’s no need to
wait for humans to position
themselves while
ropes are fastened, sav-
It is refreshing to
hear “environment”
in a sentence
regarding shipping
ing time and costs (there
is part of me that acknowledges
that this role
going to the machines is
a little sad, but this contemplation
will surely be
the same for the skipper
one day in the future).
The other aspect of
this vessel tour that I
found interesting was
the change from diesel to
LNG to power the vessel
(pending arrival of the
LNG tanks due towards
the end of this year).
It is refreshing to hear
the word “environment”
in a sentence regarding
shipping when usually
the images conjured is of
smoke clouds bellowing
out of the funnel.
While the Mersey II
has been in operation
for over a year now, Tasmanians
should be very
proud of private enterprise
investing in our
trading capability.
Induction first
tool in the kit
By CRAIG
HORTLE
HAVE you started a new
job, walked in the door,
been pointed to you work
station and requested to
start work?
It can be daunting, especially
if you have not
been in the workforce for
very long, are new to that
type of work or simply
lack some confidence.
To assist in this process
some businesses
have introduced an induction
process.
It would be best practice
to ensure that new
Searoad Mersey II makes its way to berth at Devonport.
Searoad has invested
over A$110 million in
the new vessel and are
in talks to order a second
vessel.
Toll has tow vessels
being built now for deployment
at the end of
2018.
employees should be inducted.
The reasons behind
this are obvious. It provides
clear and concise
information to new employees
of your expectations
for them.
It can provide valuable
information to the new
employee for both work
conditions and, just as
importantly, safety and
training.
What are the types of
information that can be
exchanged at the induction
of a new employee?
For example, these
might include:
Continued page 6
Importers in Tasmania
should be thinking now
about their orders from
overseas.
We are entering the
twilight zone of shipping
ex-North East Asia with
holidays slowing orders
in October and congestion
pretty much guaranteed
for the next three
months.
We are already seeing
some delays of shipments
in the depots in
Melbourne with truck
waiting times exceeding
five hours on bad days.
6 Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Tasmanian business backed
WHEN was the last time you
deliberately chose to support
a Tasmanian small business?
The small business sector
currently employs more than
100,000 Tasmanians and is
poised for growth.
The ABS reported that September
was the state’s 33rd
consecutive month of growth
in retail turnover, and that
business investment in Tasmania
was leading the national
average with an increase of
4.6 per cent for the June quarter
– and a staggering 13.2 per
cent higher than one year ago.
With small business making
up more than 97 per cent
of Tasmanian businesses,
these trends point to strength
and growth in the sector.
Indeed, a recent EMRS
study found that about 40 per
cent of Tasmanian small businesses
expect to employ more
staff in the next two years.
But we know these trends
aren’t being felt everywhere
and many small businesses,
particularly those in retail and
regional areas, still face stiff
headwinds.
Factors such as rapid
growth in online sales, changes
in traditional industries and
tourism seasonality and dispersal
affect consumer spending
across the state.
That’s why, over the last
three years, the Hodgman
Government has deliberately
targeted regional economies
through policies like the
Northern Cities Major Development
Initiative, and small
businesses through capped
electricity bills, energy efficiency
loans and grants to reduce
the costs of employing
apprentices and trainees.
Business conditions are
stronger now, but there is
more work to do.
Our Plan for Your Future
sets out 43 new targets for our
next term of government, including
targets for business in
Tasmania.
By 2022, we aim to increase
employment in small business
by 10 per cent, have 90 per
cent of government contracts
won by Tasmanian-based
firms and increase the proportion
of visitors spending a
Roger Jaensch discusses expansion with Nurture by Nature owner Debbie Hingston
and her staff whose innovative small business in Devonport is thriving.
night (and money) in regional
Tasmania to 70 per cent, stimulating
local economies.
We will do what we can
to create the right conditions
for business, including being
its best corporate customer
through our Buy Local policy,
but there is also more that other
Tasmanians can do.
One way is for Tasmanian
consumers and businesses to
adopt their own buy local policy
and weigh the benefits of
supporting Tasmanian businesses
against those of other
options – especially online
purchases.
For retail purchases, factors
to consider include customer
service, local product knowledge
and advice, after-sales
care and returns policies.
The benefits to Tasmania
include local jobs and a stronger
economy.
As the Christmas season
approaches, I encourage all
Tasmanians to plan ahead and
think about how their Christmas
and holiday spending can
support Tasmanian businesses
and jobs.
www.tcci.com.au
Safety’s
place in
worker’s
toolkit
From page 5
• hours of work and pay;
and
• standard required and
training and mentoring.
It is also the very best place
to highlight the business’
WHS standards.
Demonstrating the importance
of safety first up
highlights the culture of the
business - the message “whatever
the work process, safety
comes first”.
During induction;
• read and discuss some of
the more important WHS policies
in the workplace;
• provide a mentor not only
for the work process but also
for WHS;
•. provide training in the activity
that is to be carried out;
and
• explain clearly the standard
of behaviour and the consequences
for not adhering to
policies and procedures that
have been implemented.
If there is any breach of policy
or procedure, it provides a
starting point for re-training.
For more information
please contact Craig Hortle
or Janelle Whitehouse at
the TCCI on 1300 559 122
or safety@TCCI.com.au
170611
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 7
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
www.tcci.com.au
Directors call for diversity in executive ranks
DESPITE a number of reputable
studies finding positive links between
board diversity and various
measures of corporate performance,
representation by women
in Australia’s executive ranks and
in the boardroom continues to lag.
In Australian organisations,
women currently fill only 16.3
per cent of CEO roles and only
28.5 per cent of key management
personnel.
According to the Australian
Institute of Company Directors’
Gender Diversity Progress Report
for March to May 2017, women
make up 25.4 per cent of ASX 200
boardrooms, up from just 8.3 per
cent in 2009.
The AICD is committed to lifting
representation by women in
the boardroom and runs a range of
initiatives that aim to assist women
to prepare for and to ultimately
become directors.The latest initiative
in Tasmania is the new Ways
Women Lead course, which will
be run in Hobart in November.
The course is a recent addition
to the AICD’s education curriculum
and has been designed to
enhance the leadership skills of
women, providing participants
with the knowledge, frameworks
and tools to excel as directors.
It also examines how boards can
become more effective in integrating
a diverse range of voices so
that they can make better decisions.
Participants will learn how to
leverage the value they bring to
the boardroom, how to find their
voice, and how to deal with the
unconscious bias that may be a
barrier to their full contribution to
the board.
Ways Women Lead is a great
way to hone your leadership skills
and to explore the extraordinary
value that diversity can bring to
the board table.
Australian Institute of Company
Directors
Ways Women Lead
Monday, November 13, 2017
9am – 4.30pm
For more information visit:
companydirectors.com.au/
Increasing power cost a concern
AN increasing number
of businesses and organisations
are approaching
Labor about the cost of
electricity, despite the
Government’s energy rebate
offer.
Labor supports a rebate
but the feedback we
are getting is it doesn’t
offset the large increases
that businesses, clubs
and community groups
are facing.
We’ve been sent membership
letters from
sporting organisations
saying an increase in fees
is directly attributable to
the cost of power.
Businesses are reporting
increases in the vicinity
of 100 per cent which
understandably having
a significant impact on
their bottom line.
By the Government’s
own admission their rebate
offer only reduces
bills by around 15 per
cent, leaving some businesses
with an 85 per
cent increase to absorb.
Due diligence a vital
part of sale process
IN almost every business
exchange transaction a
due diligence review is
conducted before money
changes hands.
Similar to someone
buying a motor vehicle,
where they will not pay
for it until they are satisfied
the vehicle does
what the salesperson
says it will do, at an
even higher level, buyers
of businesses must
make sure the cash flow
and assets of a business
are what the vendor says
they are.
Due diligence is the
name given to this process
where buyers and
their advisors undertake
an audit to assess the financial
performance and
determine the value of
business assets.
Do the representations
made by the vendor
about the business stack
up?
Usually this is conducted
after both parties
We welcome the deal
struck with Hydro to reduce
the wholesale contract
price but we’d urge
the Minister to continue
to engage with businesses.
The full impact of
power increases might
not be felt until a business
assesses a full 12
months of life under the
increased prices.
With the economy
improving, we need to
make sure businesses
have the confidence to
keep investing and we’d
encourage the Government
to closely monitor
the situation.
Dean
Demeyer
Business Broker
have executed a conditional
Contract of Sale
and a deposit paid.
Once the buyer is satisfied
by the due diligence
that everything is as it
should be, the Contract
of Sale becomes unconditional
and settlement
and handover occur.
The key for a seller is
to be well prepared. Delays
in providing information
during the review
can turn into deal breakers,
resulting in the buyers
walking away.
Business owners may
only ever sell one business
in their lifetime.
This lack of experience
can make the scrutiny of
a due diligence process
Still on energy and
some enthusiastic electric
vehicle users have
put their money where
their mouth is.
The Tasmanian branch
of the Australian Electric
Vehicle Association hasraised
$500,000 to start
building charging stations
across the state.
This is a concept Labor
backed with a policy
announcement more than
two years ago but unfortunately
the Government
hasn’t seized the opportunity
since.
I commend the AE-
VA’s members on leading
the way and for their
very stressful. Employing
experienced advisors
who understand due diligence
processes, assist in
planning for it, and walk
with the vendors through
it, are invaluable.
Many buyers use their
internal or external accountants
to undertake
due diligence process.
They are always very
thorough.
Let’s assume their client
buys the business
and the business underperforms
or some assets
aren’t up to scratch, the
accountant will be the
first person the buyer interacts
with quickly.
Hence the deep scrutiny
prior to settlement.
willingness to invest in
something they’re passionate
about.
Labor’s policy is to
invest $7.5 million into
alternative fuel transport
options over three years.
We want to look at
how we can transition
away from a heavy reliance
on expensive fossil
fuels and use other sources
of energy to power the
state.
We want to explore
how Tasmania can benefit
from investing in battery
and hydrogen fuel
cell technology to set
ourselves up for the future.
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8 Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017
TASMANIAN GAS PIPELINE
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
FIFTEEN YEARS OF DELIVERING NATURAL GAS
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline is proud to
be playing its part in assisting the state
with its current energy needs.
Commissioned in 2002, the Tasmanian
Gas Pipeline is the only pipeline
supplying natural gas to Tasmania.
Fifteen years on and the Tasmanian
Gas Pipeline is now an integral part of
Tasmania’s economic growth and an
alternative energy source.
During this period of supplying gas to
Tasmania, we have not experienced a
single lost time injury.
We are committed to continuing to
work with industry, Government, the
community and energy providers both
now and into the future.
Lindsay Ward
CEO
Tasmanian Gas Pipeline
THE PIPELINE SUPPLIES:
TAMAR VALLEY POWER STATIONS
GRANGE RESOURCES IRON ORE
PROCESSING FACILITY
BELL BAY ALUMINIUM ALUMINIUM SMELTER
BOC LNG PROCESSING FACILITY
SIMPLOT FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS
CADBURY CHOCOLATE FACTORIES
BOAGS AND CASCADE BREWERIES
NYRSTAR ZINC SMELTER
ECKA GRANULES ALUMINIUM POWDER
PRODUCTION PLANT
BHP TEMCO MANGANESE ALLOY
PRODUCTION PLANT
LAUNCESTON GENERAL AND NORTH WEST
REGIONAL HOSPITALS
TAS ALKALOIDS OPIUM POPPY PROCESSING PLANT
FONTERRA MILK POWDER, CHEESE AND
BUTTER MANUFACTURING PLANTS
TAS GAS NETWORKS FACILITIES IN: BELL BAY,
GEORGE TOWN, LAUNCESTON, LONGFORD (TAS),
WESTBURY, BURNIE, HOBART, ULVERSTONE,
WYNYARD AND DEVONPORT
QUICK FACTS
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline
transports natural gas from Longford
in Victoria, under Bass Strait, to Bell
Bay in Tasmania supplying gas to both
industry and townships in the state.
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline (TGP) is
part of a network of underground
high-pressure gas pipes, which
stretches over 20,000km and serves
all of Australia’s states and territories.
The network brings jobs and
economic growth to the communities
it passes through.
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline is
approximately 740km long.
The pipeline transports gas
predominately from the
Gippsland Basin.
Current capacity of 47 PJ/annum.
(47 peta joules per annum – peta is
a 1 with 15 zeros after it.)
The pipeline transports high pressure
natural gas, up to 15,000kPa.
(Approximately 148 times normal
atmospheric pressure.)
Temperatures of the gas for operation
typically range between 0°C and
50°C. Design temperature limits
range between -30°C and 200°C.
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 9
TASMANIAN GAS PIPELINE
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
FIFTEEN YEARS OF DELIVERING NATURAL GAS
QUICK FACTS
Gas pipeline a vital
link with the nation
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline
transports natural gas from Longford
in Victoria, under Bass Strait, to Bell
Bay in Tasmania supplying gas to both
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline is proud to
be playing its part in assisting the state
with its current energy needs.
THE PIPELINE SUPPLIES:
TAMAR VALLEY POWER STATIONS
industry and townships in the state.
The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline (TGP) is
part of a network of underground
Commissioned in 2002, the Tasmanian
GRANGE RESOURCES IRON ORE
high-pressure gas pipes, which
Gas Pipeline is the only pipeline
PROCESSING FACILITY
supplying natural gas to Tasmania.
stretches over 20,000km and serves
BELL BAY ALUMINIUM ALUMINIUM SMELTER
all of Australia’s states and territories.
STATISTICS Fifteen show years that not on only and is the Tasmanian
Gas Pipeline playing its part in boosting
BOC LNG PROCESSING FACILITY The lowdown on gas
Tasmanian
The network brings jobs and
the state’s Gas energy Pipeline needs, it is is now also increasing an integral part of
economic growth to the communities
Tasmania’s Tasmania’s workforce and economic economy. growth and an
• The pipeline is some 740 it passes kilometres through. long and once
SIMPLOT FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS
The decision 15 years ago to develop
infrastructure alternative to transport energy gas from source.
in Tasmania transports gas to Bridgewater in the
Longford
in Victoria, under Bass Strait, to Bell Bay in
CADBURY CHOCOLATE FACTORIES south and Port Latta on The the Tasmanian North-West Gas Pipeline Coast is
Tasmania, During provided this a new period competitive of supplying energy gas to
• Over the last 15 years
source previously not available in Tasmania to
approximately
there has not
740km
been
long.
one
BOAGS AND CASCADE BREWERIES
industry Tasmania, and householders. we have not experienced a
single lost time injury
TGP Chief single Executive lost time Officer injury. Lindsay Ward
• The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline is part of a network
said the development has enabled Tasmanian
NYRSTAR ZINC SMELTER
The pipeline transports gas
of underground high-pressure gas pipes, which
businesses to compete in Australian and Asian
predominately from the
markets We – which are has committed helped generate to continuing exports to
stretches over 20,000 kilometres
ECKA GRANULES ALUMINIUM POWDER
and increased local employment, while also
Gippsland Basin.
work with industry, Government, the
PRODUCTION PLANT
• A2014 economic study found gas in Tasmania
giving households and small businesses an
alternative community energy source. and energy providers both
helps generate $1.7 billion in Gross State Product,
“By introducing now and gas into Tasmania, the future. the state
BHP TEMCO MANGANESE ALLOY $848 million in household Current income capacity and of 47 some PJ/annum. 11,600
gained further competition in the energy
PRODUCTION PLANT full time equivalent jobs. (47 peta joules per annum – peta is
market and over the last 15 years of operation,
TGP CEO Lindsay Ward
we have not experienced a single lost time
a 1 with 15 zeros after it.)
injury,” Mr Ward said.
LAUNCESTON GENERAL AND NORTH WEST
The top Lindsay 20 business Ward users of natural gas • about 11,600 full-time-equivalent REGIONAL HOSPITALS jobs gas driven Tamar Valley Power Station.” Gippsland Basin, with a current capacity of
account for about 81 per cent of natural gas which represents six per cent of the estimated Mr Ward said the foresight of the Government’s
decision in the late 1990s to connect In Tasmania, the pipeline comes ashore
The pipeline 47 peta transports joules per annum. high pressure
use in Tasmania CEO outside of consumption from employment for Tasmania (198,410).
TAS ALKALOIDS OPIUM POPPY PROCESSING PLANT natural gas, up to 15,000kPa.
the Tamar Tasmanian Valley Power Gas station, Pipeline and the top Mr Ward said the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Tasmania to mainland gas supplies was at Five Mile Bluff, north of Bell Bay and
11 business users account for 75 per cent of was proud to play a role in ensuring both jobs reinforced during the energy crisis and again (Approximately further along 148 the times Tasmania normal River to the Bell
total usage.
and investment in Tasmania. FONTERRA MILK POWDER, highlighted CHEESE the AND strategic benefit of having atmospheric Bay Meter pressure.) Station.
An economic assessment of the benefits “The immeasurable however, BUTTER MANUFACTURING is the energy
security benefit of the Tasmanian Gas state to ensure energy security.
becomes the Southern Pipeline Extension,
alternative PLANTSbase load energy sources in the At Bell Bay, the pressure is reduced and
of TGP in 2014 highlighted the direct and
indirect contribution of the top 11 natural gas Pipeline which was highlighted in the 2016 The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline is part of Temperatures a which continues of the gas south for for operation approximately 210
users in Tasmania:
energy crisis,” Mr Ward TAS said. GAS NETWORKS FACILITIES network IN: of underground BELL BAY, high-pressure gas kilometres. At Rosevale, the Northern Pipeline
range Extension between splits 0°C and continues and west for
• $1.7 billion in Gross State Product, or seven
“With low rainfall resulting GEORGE in TOWN, record low LAUNCESTON, pipes, which LONGFORD stretches (TAS), over 20,000 kilome-
typically
per cent of the state’s total ($24.4 billion); Hydro water storages compounded WESTBURY, by BURNIE, the HOBART, tres and ULVERSTONE,
serves all of Australia’s states and 50°C. Design 181 kilometres temperature to Port limits Latta in North-West
• $848 million in household income, which failure of the Basslink interconnector for territories.
Tasmania.
WYNYARD AND DEVONPORT
represents six per cent of total estimated several months, an imminent ‘‘lights out’’
range between -30°C and 200°C.
The pipeline is about 740 kilometres long In June 2014, the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline
household income ($13.9 billion); and disaster was avoided by firing up the natural and transports gas predominantly from the opened its office in Launceston.
10 Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Team creates business links
Introducing Hobart’s newest
man behind the business,
Farzin Hesari
FARZIN Hesari naturally
possesses initiative,
interpersonal and professional
skills that are
critical for the fast-paced
nature of business.
In 2014, Spree Rewards
was born and on
its board was talented
Tasmanian industrial design
duo, David Houbaer
and Alec Balcombe and
computer engineer Tim
Askey.
With the assistance
of Robert Rockefeller’s
company, Nekon, the
idea to help retail and
business owners better
connect with their customers
came to fruition.
It rewarded consumers
who stayed loyal to their
local businesses by providing
discounts and promotional
material.
a touch-screen kiosk that
connected consumers to
stores and brands of their
choice.
The Cloud-based platform
was designed to
collect and analyse key
performance indicators
for retailers to better inform
them on business
decisions.
In March this year the
company – which remains
successful - was
sold.
Spree Rewards and its
parent company, Open
Haus Marketing, was
sold to Vensys Pty Ltd.
From this experience,
Farzin recognized there
was a gap in the market
for businesses wanting to
explore exit strategies.
From this, Link became
a reality; Farzin
businesses brokerage of-
It stands out as a clear
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its personable approach
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Unlike selling property,
when prospective clients
purchase a business
with Link, Farzin and
his team work with them
after the deal to ensure
their business milestones
are reached.
Within six months
Link had multiple businesses
successfully listed.
The Tasmanian team
quickly grew to four:
• During a 25-year career
Kat Little has obtained
extensive knowledge
in the hospitality
and tourism industry.
For 20 years, she
owned the iconic establishments,
Red Awnings
Collection.
• Luke Vanderstaay returned
home to Tasmania
after many years working
in Dubai.
He has an outstanding
sales record overseas
with an average of $50m
monthly sales.
Luke was working
with a Singapore-based
developer and headed up
their Middle East operations,
and sold new hotel
developments in Thailand,
with global company,
Regus.
Luke’s talents and expertise
will be vital to
the success of Link as he
manages the commercial
property division.
• Eunice Ware has
worked as a paralegal
since 1998, and has
gained extensive experience
across all aspects of
commercial property.
She has a true passion
for what she does and to
see the businesses Link
works with, excel.
Business intuition is in
Farzin’s DNA.
From an early age he
had the knack for entrepreneurship.
His early career began
when he started selling
sunglasses to optometrists
at the age of fourteen.
While still at school,
he went on to start his
overseas electronics that
he had bought online.
At the age of 19, he
bought a business, and
doubled its revenue within
12 months.
Persistence and passion
for business is deeply entrenched
in Farzin’s nature.
In the short time Link
has been in Tasmania its
team has helped many
business owners successfully
sell through its
unique approach.
Through the coaching
and mentoring program,
it has assisted many people
wanting to own their
own business.
Nobody will work
harder than Farzin and
his team to make sure
clients and business operators
can excel in their
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14/09/2017 2:58:03 PM
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 11
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Benefits of workplace diversity
AN INCLUSIVE and diverse
workforce can positively impact
and influence business to
grow, remain competitive and
relevant.
That was the key message
from the Rio Tinto Women in
Resources National Awards
and Forum held in Launceston
on August 31.
With the theme “Why Diversity
and Inclusion is Good
for Business” more than 100
of the country’s best and
brightest came together to
discuss and learn about what
business leaders, governments
and women can do to
address the current imbalance.
Tasmanian Minerals and
Energy Council President Ray
Mostogl said the resources
sector recognised the benefits
that increased diversity can
bring to business.
“The sector is increasingly
improving practices that support
fairer and more flexible
policies focussed on recruitment,
retention and promotion
of women,” Mr Mostogl
said.
“Women also need good
role models and these awards
reflect the commitment and
leadership shown by women
in the sector.”
Mr Mostogl said it was
LEFT: Ray Mostogl, GM BBA and President TMEC presents the Exceptional
Young Woman in Australian Resources award to Rachel Leong, Lead Surveillance
Engineer, Woodside Energy Ltd (WA). ABOVE: TCCI CEO Michael Bailey
and the Golden Diversity team from Queechy High in Launceston.
clear from the quality of finalists
and award winners that
there had been growth in the
exceptional achievements and
strength of women working in
what has traditionally been a
male dominated sector.
An example of how the
sector was developing for the
better was the presentation
by Golden Diversity from
Queechy High School – the
first ever all-female team to
take out the top prize as National
Champions in the 2017
F1 in Schools Technology
Challenge.
The Women in Resources
National Awards is a partnership
between the Minerals
Council of Australia and its
Northern Territory and Victorian
branches, the Chamber
of Minerals and Energy Western
Australia, the Queensland
Resources Council, the New
South Wales Minerals Council
and the Tasmanian Minerals
and Energy Council,
supported by various state
Women in Mining Network
branches.
Winners of the 2017 Rio
Tinto Australian Women in
Resources National Awards
were:
Gender Diversity Champion
in Australia Resources
Fiona Robertson, Non-Executive
Director, Heron Resources
(NSW)
Excellence in Company
Diversity Programs and Performance,
St Barbara Limited
(Vic).
Outstanding Tradeswoman/Operator/Technician
in
Australian Resources, Carolyn
Dobson, diesel fitter,
BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance
(BMA) (Qld).
Exceptional Young Woman
in Australian Resources,
Rachel Leong, Lead Surveillance
Engineer, Woodside
Energy Ltd (WA).
Exceptional Woman in
Australian Resources, Vanessa
Torres, Vice President,
Operational Infrastructure,
BHP Iron Ore (WA).
Special Judges Awards:
Andrew Bigg, Operations
Manager Mining and Mobile
Maintenance, South32 GME-
CO (NT).
Industry Achievement
Award, Michelle Keegan,
Vice President Strategy, Incitec
Pivot Limited (Vic).
THE MINERALS INSTITUTE
Tasmania Branch
WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SPONSORS OF THE
WOMEN IN RESOURCES NATIONAL AWARDS 2017
20101
12 Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Your chance to get involved
This October, WorkSafe
Tasmania is offering many
ways for you to get involved
with WHS and wellbeing.
WorkSafer
Expo
THE inaugural WorkSafer
Expo will be held on
October 23 and 24 at
Princes Wharf 1 in Salamanca,
Hobart. The expo
will showcase products,
services, new technologies
and innovations vital
to WHS and wellbeing.
There’ll be interactive
learning opportunities,
seminars, forums, networking
sessions and
keynote speakers, all addressing
issues vital to
your workplaces and industry.
This free event offers a
one-stop-shop for WHS
and wellbeing.
Regional
forums
INDUSTRY, professionals,
decision makers
and the community
will have the opportunity
to join in a facilitated
discussion
around engaging the
community in WHS
and wellbeing.
These free forums
will be held in:
• Launceston: October
19 at the Hotel
Grand Chancellor
• Hobart: October 23
at Princes Wharf 1 (at
the WorkSafer Expo)
• Ulverstone: October
31 at Pier 01
Function Centre.
Walk for
Wellbeing
THIS new initiative
will get you moving
away from your desk
and onto the footpath.
Join the community
to celebrate
WHS and wellbeing.
Workplace
tours
BETTER Work Tasmania
members are inviting
you into their workplaces
during WorkSafe
Month to learn about
their workplace initiatives
and solutions.
The initiative is built
Training and passing on knowledge is the key to a safer workplace.
on the previous Better
Work Tasmania mentoring,
peer-to-peer learning
and sharing initiatives.
Betty the
Asbestos Bus
BETTY is making
her maiden voyage to
Tassie during October
to deliver asbestos
awareness to the
Tasmanian community.
If you’re a DIY renovator
or tradie and
see Betty, be sure to
stop in and get some
asbestos safety information.
Virtual
seminars
SAFE Work Australia
will again broadcast free
online seminars that showcase
the latest thinking, research,
developments, and
best practice in WHS.
Watch these at www.
safeworkaustralia.gov.au.
HSR
Conference
THIS year’s free health
and safety representative
conference will be held
in:
• Hobart: October 17 at
the Hobart Function and
Conference Centre; and
• Launceston: October
25 at the Tramsheds
Function Centre.
If you’re a HSR, come
along to:
• build your knowledge
about your role in the
workplace;
• increase your knowledge
of WHS and wellbeing,
workplace mental
health and supporting injured
workers; and
• get tools and resources
to improve WHS and
wellbeing in your workplace.
Register now
It’s not too late!
For details of all these
events and to register to
attend, go to www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
and follow
the links for Work-
Safe Month 2017
HEALTH, SAFETY
ISEVERYONE’S JOB
AND WELLBEING
DON’T LEAVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE.
DEJU19347
October is all about health, safety and wellbeing, with a huge range of informative
events being held across the state. Engage with industry leaders, strengthen
your knowledge and increase your health, safety and wellbeing skills.
Don’t miss out.
WORKSAFE TASMANIA MONTH OCTOBER 2017
www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 13
NEWS
Tassie
trio best
in the
business
THREE Tasmanian businesses
have earned recognition
at the AHA National
Awards.
Riversdale Estate, 9/11
Launceston City and The
Henry Jones Art Hotel
were awarded the top
gongs in their categories,
in a major coup for the
state’s hospitality industry.
Tasmanian Hospitality
Association General
Manager Steve Old said
it was exciting to have
three businesses deemed
the best in Australia,
“With hospitality being
the third-largest employing
industry in the
state with about 10 per
cent of the workforce,
it is vitally important to
our state that we have a
strong and vibrant industry”
Mr Old said
“Tasmania did extremely
well in all categories
and feedback from
the judges suggested that
we were not far from
winning many more
awards on the night with
several of our venues
running a close second in
their chosen categories”.
Riversdale Estate was
deemed the Best Regional
Restaurant in the
country while the Henry
Jones Art Hotel took
out Overall Hotel of the
Year – Accommodation
Division and 9/11 Launceston
City claimed the
Best Retail Liquor Outlet
in Australia award.
TOP LEFT: Dominic
Baker from Federal Group
accepts the Award for
Excellence on behalf of
9/11 Launceston City.
ABOVE: Ross Boobyer
from Saffire Freycinet,
accepts on behalf of The
Henry Jones Art Hotel.
LEFT: Tom Darke from
Riversdale Estate
accepts their award.
Sharp and
to the point.
Take time to focus
Our short courses are designed to help local
directors and executives overcome knowledge
gaps and challenges to confidently succeed in
the ever-evolving governance environment.
UPCOMING SHORT COURSES IN HOBART:
Applied Risk Governance
Wednesday 25 October 2017
The Role of the Not-for-Profit Chair
Friday 3 November 2017
Governance Foundations
for the Not-for-Profit Director
Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 November 2017
Ways Women Lead
Monday 13 November 2017
Register now t: 03 6242 2200
w: companydirectors.com.au/tas
05806-81_17
14 Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017
APPOINTMENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS
IN BRIEF
Success for
Dress For Success
DISADVANTAGED women are
being assisted by business to
thrive in work and life.
Aurora Energy has helped
launch a brand new Tasmanian
not-for-profit organisation, Dress
for Success, which aims to empower
Tasmanian women to break
existing cycles and seek safer and
better futures.
Professional attire, a network
of support and the career development
tools are provided by the
organisation, which is based in
Hobart but has seen success internationally
over 20 years.
Aurora Energy CEO Rebecca
Kardos said as a key employer
in Tasmania, Aurora Energy
recognised the importance of
providing opportunities to all
Tasmanians, especially so when
it was someone’s first attempt at
finding work.
“Aurora Energy indeed often
finds itself as the first employer
for a number of Tasmanians,”
Mrs Kardos said.
“We are confident Dress for
Success will encourage more
women to secure employment
within our industry by equipping
them with the confidence and
support network to do so.”
For more information or to donate
visit hobart.dressforsuccess.
org.
Dress for Success founding member Amanda French, left, Aurora
Energy CEO Rebecca Kardos and TasCOSS CEO Kym Goodes sit
alongside panel facilitator Caroline Pillans at the Dress for Success
fundraising breakfast in Hobart.
Industry award
for Insight
HOBART-based mapping and location
intelligence company Insight
GIS won the People and Community
Award at the SIBA|GITA
Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence
Awards, that recognises products or
projects that make a difference to
issues that affect communities via
grassroots initiatives.
Insight GIS was awarded for its
input in the Kingborough Council’s
Local Links project, which was
designed to encourage and support
walking and a healthy lifestyle within
the community.
Insight GIS Managing Director
Robert Rowell said that the team
was incredibly honoured.
“It’s an amazing recognition of
the work we’ve done, but also how
we’ve been able to impact the lives
of people living in Kingborough,”
Mr Rowell said.
“Residents are now able to access
information on the location of the
closest bus stops, parks, schools,
playgrounds, public toilets, fresh
food outlets and community
services, and how long it will take
to walk there, within a 10 or 20
minute timeframe,” Mr Rowell said.
“What makes it unique is that
it identified more than 140 ‘urban
links’ such as footpaths and cutthroughs
that aren’t highlighted on
other sources such as Google Maps.
“It’s great that the APSEA Awards
are recognising us, and we’re looking
forward to the National Awards
next year.”
Accounting
partnership
ACCOUNTING and advisory firm
Synectic has been named Xero’s
TAS Accounting Partner of the Year
2017.
Robert Rowell of Insight GIS accepts the People and Community
Award at the SIBA|GITA Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards.
The award commends Synectic’s
commitment to offering value and
innovation to their clients.
Director Gareth Atkins said that
being Tasmanian-owned and operated
allowed Synectic to deliver a
personal, client-centric service but
were also innovative, being early
adopters of cloud technologies.
“The Xero award recognises our
investment in industry-leading technology,
systems and people, which
allows us to combine our very personal
service with high-level client
solutions more commonly associated
with much larger firms,” he said.
NDIS service
delivery sought
APPLICATIONS are now open for
consultants wishing to be part of
an Expert Panel to deliver services
through the NDIS Providers Development
Fund.
The fund seeks to provide
NDIS-registered providers with
access to consultants with expertise
in the areas of:
• technology – including the
interface of financial systems with
NDIS systems, client databases and
audio-visual technology;
• assistive devices – including
the use and assistance with maintenance
of assistive devices and aids;
• participant investment and
training – including person-centred
approaches and participants
informing provider policy and
practice;
• marketing – with a focus on analysing
and understanding providers’
specific markets;
• Small business operation -
including HR, finance and governance;and
• the use of evidence-based
programs and practice – including
review and evaluation.
For further information visit disabilityprovidersfund.tascoss.org.a
APPOINTMENTS
Hobart Airport CEO
A FORMER pilot will touch down
at Hobart Interational Airport on
November 6 as Chief Executive
Officer.
Sarah Renner was previously the
Executive General Manager for ISS
Facility Services Pty Ltd, accountable
for the Aviation and Transport
business portfolio for Australia.
Ms Renner commenced her
career as a commercial pilot while
completing a Bachelor of Aviation
degree.
She joined Melbourne Airport
as a graduate, working there for 18
years, ultimately in the executive
planning and development role.
Hobart Airport Chairman Hugh
Fitzsimons said the appointment of
Ms Renner marks the start of the
next stage of growth for Hobart
Airport.
Crowe Horwath role
INDUSTRY veteran Lending Adviser
Les Warden has been appointed
within the Crowe Horwath Finance
and Lending team.
Mr Warden has joined the company’s
Launceston office after almost
40 years working in senior lending
roles across all four major banks,
as well as successfully running his
own business.
Commissioner Ellis
NEROLI Ellis has been appointed
Commissioner and Deputy President
of the Tasmanian Industrial
Commission.
Ms Ellis has been State Secretary
of the Australian Nursing and
Midwifery Federation for the past
15 years, and has previously been a
manager in the State Service, and a
director on a number of boards.
Her appointment will be for five
years.
Ms Ellis replaces Nicole Wells,
whose term expired last month.
TDB head stays on
BRIAN Scullin has been reappointed
as Chair of the Tasmanian Development
Board for a three-year term
after his initial appointment in 2014.
Mr Scullin’s previous positions
include President of the Japan
Bankers Trust Company Limited
and regional head of Asia/Pacific,
Deutsche Asset Management.
He is a Director of OAK Possability,
a not-for-profit provider
of services in the disability
sector, Chair of Propel Funeral
Partners, Hastings Funds Management,
the Macquarie Point
Development Corporation and
Director of Tasplan Super Fund.
The TDB supports the industry
development activities of
the Tasmanian Government by
driving the creation of investment
and associated employment
through supporting the
implementation of government
policies.
Road safety role
FORMER newspaper executive
Garry Bailey has been appointed
as the Chair of the Road Safety
Advisory Council for the next three
years.
Mr Bailey is a former editor of
the Mercury newspaper and was
most recently a member of the
RACT’s southern regional advisory
committee.
RSAC is charged with developing
the Government’s road safety
policy, providing recommendations
and advice to reduce the number
of fatalities and serious injuries on
Tasmania’s roads to zero by 2050.
Rapid Response
Reduced Risk
Our Business
Is People
Right Experience
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 15
EVENTS NEWS
EVENT:
Australian Leadership
Excellence Awards
LOCATION:
The Old Woolstore
Apartment Hotel, Hobart
DATE:
Thursday,
September 14, 2017
ABOVE:George Duckett, left, and Tim Duckett from Tasmanian
Heartwood Malt Whiskey.
ABOVE: Waqas Durrani from the Tasmanian
Audit Office and Hina Durrani from
the Federation of Ethnic Communities
Councils of Australia.
LEFT: Chris
McGregor from
First National
McGregor, left, Bart
Vanderaa from
Jenny Nominees
and Ray Quinn from
WJ Quinn
Consulting.
ABOVE: Di Aldous from Health Services Consulting Australasia,
left, and Amanda Quealy from The Hobart Clinic.
RIGHT: Jacqui Hansson,
left, and Wendy Joy Quinn
from WJ Quinn
Consulting.
LEFT: Jane Melross from
The Write Solution and
Steve Cranwell from
Wrest Point Casino.
BUSINESS
2
BUSINESS
YOUR QUICK GUIDE TO SERVICES AND PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
SPECIALISTS IN OFFICE
FURNITURE SINCE 2001
At Flair Office Furniture, we’ve specialised in
keeping Tasmania’s Businesses well stocked in
office furniture since 2001.
FOR SALE OR FOR HIRE - THROUGHOUT TASMANIA
Phone 6234 1127
260 Argyle Street,
North Hobart
www.flairofficefurniture.com.au
To see your business here, call Kerri on 0419 750 267 or email kerri@thetrustedmediaco.com
Printing Technology
and Tradition.
Here’s just some of the things we do regularly...
• Books • Magazines • Newsletters • Catalogues • Annual Reports
• Business Cards • Letterheads • Posters • Flyers • Corporate Branding
• Logo Design • Packaging • Wine Labels • Stickers • Swing Tags
• Mail-Outs • Folders • Forms & Invoices • Variable Data Printing
• Language Translation • Web Design • Proof Reading
• Copywriting • Large Format Signage & Display
Whatever your needs, get in touch.
We’re here to help.
more than just fine printers.
p. 03 6332 1400
www.footandplaysted.com.au
99-109 charles street launceston tasmania 7250
Tasmanian Business Reporter - OCTOBER 2017 16
PROPERTY MATTERS
Energy efficiency pays dividends
Scott Newton
Property Matters with
Knight Frank
Liam Coyle, Senior Asset Manager at Knight Frank
Tasmania, discusses the importance of building
efficiency and changes in regulation in this month’s
editorial.
RECENT regulatory changes, spiraling
utility costs, ever-increasing
tenant expectations and the advent
of green leases has made it more
critical than ever to focus on building
efficiency.
While the Commercial Building
Disclosure program has been in operation
for a number of years, the
duty of disclosure has become far
more onerous on property owners
and agents from July 1, 2017.
The CBD program requires owners
and agents to disclose energy efficiency
information in most cases
when commercial office space over
1000sqm is offered for lease or sale.
The CBD assessment is a twopart
process and must be completed
by an accredited CBD assessor.
The first component of the assessment
is the completion of a NA-
BERS star rating, which is a measure
of a building’s energy use in
operation – the greater the number
of stars, the more efficient the building.
The second component involves
an assessment of the lighting configuration
in the relevant area offered
for sale or lease.
A CBD rating must be in place
prior to the space entering the market,
and the NABERS rating must be
disclosed on all advertising material,
including any signage erected on a
building’s facade. Failing to disclose
the rating may result in fines being
imposed for non-compliance.
The CBD program is intended to
shine a spotlight on building efficiency
and reward savvy building
owners and managers and also empower
potential purchasers and tenants
to make informed decisions.
While the environmental benefits
of an energy efficient building
are obvious, it is also important to
Solar panels are part of the move towards energy efficiency.
note that an efficient building is also
a cost effective building, generally
experiencing lower operating costs
and greater reliability of plant and
equipment.
The advent of green leases has
also forced building owners and
managers to undertake building upgrades
and more rigorous building
efficiency monitoring.
Knight Frank has certainly seen a
trend towards more complex and intelligent
building management systems
as well as capital investment
in products like solar panels, LED
lighting, and the employment of
efficiency specialists to constantly
monitor and tweak building performance.
In many cases, blue chip tenants
require a minimum NABERS rating
of four stars for any space they occupy.
This requirement is forcing building
owners to invest in various
building modernisation vehicles to
ensure their buildings remain on the
short-list of potential tenants.
There is certainly greater awareness
in the market that a higher-rated
building corresponds to lower
occupation costs, particularly as
electricity costs continue to rise and
put pressure on many tenant’s operating
budgets.
Certainly, we are seeing savings
of upwards of 50 per cent in energy
costs on a modern or “modernised”
office building when compared to
traditional stock.
For a landlord with a gross lease
arrangement, these savings directly
translate to greater returns.
Efficient building technology has
expanded at a rapid rate over the
past 10 years and continues to do so
every year.
With various schemes offering assistance
with the cost of upgrades,
such as the Tasmanian Energy Efficiency
Loan Scheme, there has
never been a better time to review
efficiency to ensure it remains competitive
and indeed compliant in an
ever-evolving market.
PROPERTY VIEW
OCTOBER 2017
For sale by Expression of Interest
WELL SERVICED INVESTMENT
283-287 Liverpool Street, Hobart
• Solid lease to long term business – Specialist
Auto Group servicing Hobart for over 20 years
• 5+5+5 year terms, CPI or 2.5% increases,
market review at options
• High exposure CBD site, substantial land
holding with well-maintained buildings and
excellent car parking
• Zoned ‘Central Business’
• Land size 1,235sqm (approx); building size
775 sqm (approx)
• Net rent $120,000 pa plus GST
Ian Reed 0419 670 501
View at KnightFrank.com.au/3866325
Outline indicative only
For sale by Expression of Interest
BELLERIVE BOARDWALK
OPPORTUNITY
“Watermark”, 14-22 Cambridge Road, Bellerive
• Brand new, flexible commercial property.
• Strata area of 318sqm (approx) which
comprises of a building area of 254sqm
(approx) and 64sqm (approx) of outdoor space.
• Remarkable opportunity for owner occupiers
or astute investors to acquire a rare
commercial premises centrally located within
the tightly held Bellerive Village waterfront.
• With excellent exposure this would suit
food/beverage, restaurant, retail, fitness,
and or commercial uses (STCA).
Richard Steedman 0408 559 046
Matthew Wright 0458 290 588
View at KnightFrank.com.au/3850283
RESIDENTIAL
PROJECT
MARKETING
Be the first to know about off-the-plan
developments & subdivisions in Tasmania.
Register Now
projects@knightfranktas.com.au
5 Victoria Street, Hobart
P: 03 6220 6999
41 York Street, Launceston
P: 03 6333 7888
Shop 6a, 48-54 Oldaker Street, Devonport
P: 03 6424 3568
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