Tasmanian Business Reporter August 2018

AUGUST 2018 

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 12,000 M O N T H LY 

Call for council cull 

AXE THEM 

O\ 

TCCI floats 

radical reform 

29 to 3 

How 

TCCI 

JOIN TODAY! 

MEMBERSHIP 

benefits your business 

By TOM O’MEARA 

THREE local authorities would 

replace the state’s 29 councils in a 

bold new plan floated by the Tasmanian 

Chamber of Commerce 

and Industry. 

With the Tasmanian economy 

at its strongest in recent history, 

the state’s peak business organisation 

has called on the State Government 

and Labor Opposition to 

reform local government once and 

for all. 

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey 

said the chamber’s vision would 

improve efficiency and provide 

greater transparency. 

The TCCI has been a strong advocate 

to restore State Parliament 

to 35 seats, and now it wants to review 

what it says is an antiquated 

and inefficient local government 

sector. 

Mr Bailey said the system was 

not based on modern best practice. 

“The days have gone when every 

town in Tasmania needed a local 

council and it is time to ensure 

there is more transparency in the 

sector,” he said. 

“In Victoria rate capping is now 

a way of life, with consumers and 

business able to compare their 

council performance with others 

through the “Know Your Council” 

website. 

“Not only are consumers and 

business able to compare rates in 

their municipality with those paid 

in neighbouring council areas, 

but they are also able to compare 

the services offered and make informed 

decisions about what their 

local government area delivers. 

“There is no way to do that in 

Tasmania.” 

Tasmania has 29 councils, and 

263 councillors, for a population 

of just over 500,000 people, ranging 

in size from under 1000 people 

on Flinders Island to more 

than 67,000 people in Launceston. 

“We have 4000 local government 

employees, 23,000 State 

Government employees and 

just under 3500 Commonwealth 

Government employees, which 

equates to one employee for every 

Continued page 2 

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce 

and Industry is an independent 

membership organisation that 

positively leads and supports the 

Tasmanian business community. 

TCCI provides valuable support to its members 

through advocacy and a range of programs 

and services including: 

> Customised membership to achieve 

your business objectives 

> Workplace relations advice 

> Workplace health and safety 

> Networking and promotion 

> Training and workforce development 

> Events 

Tasmanian Chamber 

of Commerce and Industry 

Hobart | Launceston 

Ph: 1300 559 122 www.tcci.com.au

2 Tasmanian Business Reporter - AUGUST 2018 

NEWS 

Solar project shows the way 

ONE of the largest 

commercial solar PV 

installations in Tasmania 

has been launched. 

SRT Logistics, a Tasmanian-owned 

transport 

company, partnered 

with Aurora Energy and 

Beon Energy Solutions 

to deliver the system 

across its two distribution 

centres in Launceston 

and Devonport. 

The state-of-the-art 

2,546 panel, 831kW 

solar system, will generate 

over 1 million 

kWhs per year, or the 

equivalent of powering 

143 homes. 

The solution was custom-designed 

to meet 

the specific electricity 

requirements of SRT 

Logistics, and will reduce 

their energy costs 

by up to 50 per cent. 

SRT Logistics CEO 

Robert Miller said 

the two-month long 

installation was a great 

example of a project 

delivering both strong 

commercial outcomes 

and broader benefits to 

the local economy. 

“For SRT Logistics it 

was sound business decision 

to install a solar 

PV system and to do so 

we needed experts in 

the field that we could 

rely on and trust,” Mr 

Miller said. 

“That’s why we 

teamed up with Aurora 

Energy, Beon Energy 

Solutions, and local 

electrical contractors to 

achieve this.” 

Aurora Energy CEO 

Rebecca Kardos said 

the business would 

SRT Logistics’ solar PV installation. 

continue to explore the 

role it could play in the 

delivery of renewable 

energy solutions for its 

commercial customers. 

“We know our customers 

are looking to 

technology to help reduce 

and manage their 

energy costs. Rather 

than sit back and watch, 

we want to harness our 

specialist knowledge 

and expertise to become 

e dition 

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 

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news. From this month we will distribute electronic editions of the Tasmanian Business Reporter as we go to print. 

To confirm your copy sign up to our mailing list via 

tbreditorial@fontpr.com.au 

Tasmania’s business newspaper is published monthly by the 

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is distributed 

to businesses in Tasmania as well as key decision-makers. 

Circulation: 12,000 

Managing Editor: Tom O’Meara 

0418 135 822 

Editor: Becher Townshend 

0418 370 661 

Advertising and Special Projects 

Gil Sellars 0448 901 361 

gil@thetrustedmediaco.com 

Editorial & Advertising 

TBReditorial@fontpr.com.au 

www.tasmanianbusinessreporter.com.au 

Publisher: 

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

309 Liverpool St, Hobart, TAS 7000 

Ph: 6236 3600 Fax: 6231 1278 admin@tcci.com.au 

TFGA House, 194-196 Cimitiere St, Launceston TAS 7250 

Ph: 6331 1144 laun@tcci.com.au 

Production: 

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Ph: 0431 241 775 

aldridge.media@iinet.net.au 

Printer: Mercury 

Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, 7000 

a part of the solution 

for these customers,” 

Mrs Kardos said. 

“For Aurora Energy, 

solar projects like this 

are about working with 

the very best in the 

field to develop fully 

customised, state-ofthe-art 

solutions which 

give our customers the 

choice, control and 

convenience they are 

looking for.” 

Poll rout casts 

cloud over 

tax cut plans 

THE Federal Coalition’s 

company tax cut policy 

is in the spotlight after 

the July 28 Super Saturday 

by-elections. 

While by-elections are 

notoriously challenging 

for sitting government’s 

to win, Liberal and LNP 

candidates lost in all 

three seats they contested 

and Prime Minister 

Malcolm Turnbull has 

promised a comprehensive 

review. 

Braddon was won by 

Labor’s Justine Keay, 

who returns to Parliament 

after causing the 

by-election in the marginal 

seat after being 

caught up in the dual citizenship 

debacle. 

On a two-party preferred 

basis she claimed 

victory with 52.5 per 

cent of the vote over 

Liberal candidate Brett 

Justine Keay 

Whiteley with 47.5. Mr 

Whiteley recorded 39 per 

cent of first preferences, 

a swing of nearly 2.5 per 

cent against, while Ms 

Keay polled 37 per cent, 

a swing of nearly 3 per 

cent against. 

However, Ms Keay 

benefited from preferences 

from popular 

fisherman, independent 

Craig Garland, who 

polled more than 10 per 

cent of the primary vote 

and has suggested he will 

stand again at the next 

Federal Election, due in 

early 2019. 

Mr Whiteley has not 

confirmed if he will 

stand again. 

Ms Keay has credited 

Labor’s policy of health 

and education spending 

over tax cuts for big 

business as a catalyst for 

victory. 

The Coalition has already 

legislated a tax rate 

cut for businesses with a 

turnover of less than $50 

million and wants to extend 

that to all businesses 

- a move Labor and the 

Greens oppose, arguing 

it is a hand out to the big 

banks. 

There are internal rumblings 

from within the 

Coalition about the need 

to scrap the plan or risk 

losing power next year. 

Call to axe 26 local councils 

From page 1 

16 people or one employee 

for every small business 

in the entire state.” 

Mr Bailey said it was 

a ridiculous system of 

over government - with 

duplication of services 

costing the community 

and business tens, if not 

hundreds, of millions of 

dollars each year. 

“We regularly see rate 

increases frequently well 

in excess of the consumer 

price index, compared 

with no increases in tax 

and charges at the State 

and Commonwealth 

level of government,” 

Mr Bailey said. “Earlier 

this year residents of 

Glenorchy were stunned 

that rates could increase 

by nearly 20 per cent in 

one year, only to be told 

the final rate of a 12.5 per 

cent increase was a win 

– this is more than five 

times the consumer price 

index for Tasmania. 

“Consumers and business 

are being gouged 

and it is time to hold 

local government to account,” 

Mr Bailey said. 

“We are concerned 

that the clumsy micro 

management of our state 

is preventing strategic, 

whole of region/state 

planning for infrastructure 

and service provision. 

“This has been exemplified 

by the TasWater 

imbroglio, which highlighted 

the constructed 

conflict of interest, where 

a statewide service provider 

is governed by 29 

separate local government 

authorities.” 

Mr Bailey said despite 

the State Government 

giving local government 

the opportunity to reform 

in 2015, little, if anything, 

has happened. 

“Three years on, local 

government has blown its 

chances and despite being 

given the opportunity 

to do it for themselves, 

has demonstrated it is 

too self-interested to act 

on behalf of the people it 

represents. 

“Tasmania is being 

done a great disservice by 

its local government sector, 

instead of ensuring 

we make the best of the 

economic conditions we 

have, it is mired in self 

interest and unwilling to 

step up and put its shoulder 

to the wheel to ensure 

meaningful economic reform,” 

Mr Bailey said.


Tasmanian Business Reporter - AUGUST 2018 3 

NEWS 

Infrastructure pipeline filling 

A 10-YEAR Infrastructure 

Pipeline worth nearly 

$14 billion has been 

outlined as the state prepares 

for growing population 

and visitor numbers. 

The Tasmanian Infrastructure 

Pipeline includes 

247 projects, each 

valued at $5 million or 

more and totalling $13.9 

billion over the decade. 

In addition, $4.1 billion 

in private construction 

projects and $8.1 

billion in horizon projects 

have been identified. 

Infrastructure Minister 

Jeremy Rockliff said infrastructure 

expenditure 

in Tasmania was expected 

to top $1.5 billion this 

financial year alone and 

it was important to take 

a long-term co-ordinated 

approach. 

“The pipeline recognises 

that the State 

Government can only 

achieve its infrastructure 

goals by working hand 

in hand with the private 

sector,” Mr Rockliff 

said. 

“It provides developers, 

investors, contractors 

and consultants with 

access to the flow of key 

infrastructure projects 

The $100 million Chambroad Kangaroo Bay 

Hotel and Hospitality Training Centre is at 

design stage. 

coming online in the 

coming years which will 

allow them to make decisions 

on growing and 

investing in their own 

people and businesses.” 

Between TasNetworks 

and Hydro Tasmania, the 

pipeline includes around 

$2 billion in project level 

spending in the sector 

over the next 10 years 

- excluding a potential 

second Basslink or any 

Battery of the Nation initiatives. 

The $576 million Bridgewater 

Bridge is scheduled 

to start design and approvals 

in the next financial 

year, with completion expected 

in 2024. 

More than $200 million 

will be spent in the Midland 

Highway over four years 

from 2019 and $400 million 

is scheduled for roads 

of strategic importance, 

with prioritisation being 

given to the Bass Highway. 

Private projects that 

are in different stages 

from business case to 

construction have been 

outlined. 

For example, the $120 

million Calvary private 

hospital in Launceston is 

at business case stage. 

Bellerive’s $100 million 

Chambroad Kangaroo 

Bay Hotel and Hospitality 

Training Centre 

is at design stage, as is a 

$40 million Fairbrother 

Devonport Hotel. 

Argyle Central Hotel 

and Suites in Hobart, 

costing $46 million, is 

under construction. 

A full list of projects 

on the Infrastructure 

Pipeline is available via 

Infrastructure Tasmania’s 

website. 

It will be updated annually. 

“By the end of the 

year Infrastructure Tasmania 

will also release 

a 30-year Tasmanian 

Infrastructure Strategy 

based on emerging demographic, 

social and 

technological trends, to 

help deliver infrastructure 

at the right time, 

in the right place and 

on the right scale,” Mr 

Rockliff said. 

New essence of the North 

LAUNCESTON Distillery has 

taken flight with the official 

launch of the first traditional 

whisky produced in the North 

since distillation was outlawed 

more than 170 years ago. 

The distillery, based at Hangar 

17 at Launceston Airport, was 

formed in 2011 by head distiller 

Chris Condon. 

Mr Condon, a former pharmaceutical 

industry quality analyst 

and brewing team leader at Boags 

Brewery, was also the first distiller 

at Nant Distillery - laying the 

foundations for that company’s 

early success between 2008 and 

2011. 

He joined forces with Rob 

Carroll, Chris Byrne, Ilya 

Brucksch-Domanski, and Peta 

Dolan in 2011 to establish 

Launceston Distillery - the first 

distillery in Northern Tasmania to 

be granted a production licence 

since the Distillation Prohibition 

Act of 1839. 

“The official launch is a proud 

moment for the directors who 

have shown a lot of faith in me to 

design a distillery that will create 

consistent batches of whisky that 

epitomise quality,” he said. 

“We have been passionate 

about creating a whisky that pays 

homage to the best traditional 

whisky from Scotland but also 

captures the essence of Tasmania.” 

Mr Condon said Launceston 

Distillery was proud to have laid 

the foundation for returning whisky 

making to the north. 

“I could see there was a gap in 

the Tasmanian Whisky Trail with 

really exciting things happening 

in Hobart and on the North 

West so it made sense to create a 

distillery in the heart of Tasmania 

to build the state’s reputation as a 

respected producer,” he said. 

Launceston Distillery produces 

a number of varieties matured in 

bourbon, port and apera (sherry) 

casks and will soon be launching 

a number of releases that will 

raise money for local charities 

and organisations. 

In the process of creating the 

distillery they have given new life 

to the disused Hangar 17 

Mr Condon is accompanied on 

his whisky-making journey by 

the distillery’s mascot, Angus the 

Westie Wonder Dog, who ensures 

the final product is perfect. 

Distiller Chris Condon and quality 

controller Angus the Westie wonder 

Dog. 

Picture: Hilary Burden, 

Tasmanian Country Hour 

WANTED 

Business 

movers and 

shakers 

• Promotions 

• Appointments 

• Awards 

• Celebrating 

success 

Share the news 

with the 

Tasmanian 

business 

community 

Send your news 

snippets, with a 

high quality photo, 

to TBReditorial@ 

fontpr.com.au


THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 

www.tcci.com.au 

State in a positive state 

Michael 

Bailey 

TCCI Chief Executive 

THE results of the TC- 

CI’s Survey of Business 

Expectations for Q2 of 

2018 are extremely positive 

for Tasmania. 

Overall, our members 

reported 59 per cent 

positive expectation for 

the Tasmanian economy 

over the next 12 months 

… with only 14 per cent 

negative (the other 27 per 

cent being neutral). 

But in North Tasmania, 

there is 72 per cent confidence, 

59 per cent in the 

North West and 69 per 

cent in the South. 

We are less positive 

about the national economy 

– 35 per cent positive 

versus 11 per cent negative 

– but that it still very 

much in the “up” column. 

What has been extremely 

positive was the 

response from chamber 

members in the North 

and North West about 

their own regions. 

In my six years as 

TCCI CEO, I have never 

seen the results we 

are now posting for the 

northern half of the state. 

And the reasons why 

are multifarious … and 

positive. 

As many of you know, 

I grew up on the North 

West Coast and now live 

in Launceston with a 

base in Hobart, so I am 

reasonably well placed 

to review the Tasmanian 

economic landscape over 

the past 40 years. 

I still see the North 

West Coast as an enormously 

resilient place, 

which is caused by both 

the employers and employees 

in the region. 

Yes, the coast suffered 

through the downturn 

and some disappointing 

decisions in the dairy industry 

and the move of 

significant industry leaders 

like Caterpillar offshore. 

But the North West 

remains strongly positive 

about the Tasmanian 

economy moving forward. 

I heard Latrobe Mayor 

Peter Freshney talking 

Launceston’s Brisbane St Mall upgrade is nearing completion as business 

confidence is booming in the North and North West. 

about the 120 new buildings 

in that community 

… in Latrobe. 

That is definitely a 

sign of confidence and 

growth. 

Importantly, what we 

are seeing is the economy 

growing in the North 

and North West. 

We are seeing – and 

the TCCI is talking to 

members every day who 

give us honest feedback 

– businesses doing better 

than ever before. 

Construction is growing, 

tourism is growing 

and jobs are growing. 

Importantly, for both 

the North and especially 

the North East, we are 

seeing the return of forestry, 

which is such an 

important industry to the 

regional towns of Tasmania. 

Agricultural exports 

remain strong as we 

look long-term to both 

Construction 

is growing, 

tourism is 

growing and 

jobs are 

growing 

Melbourne and Sydney 

growing their population 

bases by two million 

each in coming years, we 

need to ensure that our 

export pathways remain 

free. 

We know what we 

need to guard against, 

which is our increasing 

ageing population. 

But in coming years, 

the overall infrastructure 

spend of both State and 

Federal Governments 

will be key, continuing to 

drive jobs and positivity 

about the Tasmanian and 

Australian economies. 

Supporting 

those making 

a better 

community. 

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Whatever the weather 

E-health is revolutionising 

the way the medical 

sector is doing business. 

Elise 

Archer 

Environment Minister 

THE Hodgman Liberal 

Government is committed 

to working with businesses, 

the community 

and all levels of government 

to create a resilient 

community that is prepared 

for extreme weather 

events. 

On May 10 and 11 

this year Tasmania experienced 

a significant 

weather event, which 

caused considerable 

damage across Southern 

Tasmania. 

A number of households 

and businesses in 

Hobart, Kingston, Huonville 

and the Derwent 

Valley reported extensive 

damage. 

We know that extreme 

weather events will become 

more frequent and 

intense under a changing 

climate, and this will 

have the potential to significantly 

disrupt business 

activities. 

That is why the Tasmanian 

Government 

has developed a suite of 

free resources to help 

businesses prepare for, 

respond to, and recover 

from extreme events. 

Developing a plan in 

advance can help businesses 

to reduce risks, 

minimise losses and get 

back on their feet more 

easily following a disaster. 

The content was informed 

by consultation 

with the business community 

and emergency 

management experts, 

and comes under Climate 

Action 21: Tasmania’s 

Climate Change 

Action Plan 2017-2021. 

The online and printable 

resources are avail- 

Paul 

Lupo 

able at the Business 

Tasmania website and 

include a Business Continuity 

Plan template, 

fact sheets on insurance 

and assessing risk, and 

preparation checklists 

for specific types of disasters. 

For information and 

to access online 

resources, visit 

Business Tasmania 

at www.business.tas. 

gov.au 

Traditionally, healthcare 

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The Hobart Rivulet in full flood in May, above, 

and, inset, flood damage near the Royal Hobart 

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Pictures: Louise Hedger 

E-health puts records in your hands 

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Your circle of care, 

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know the overall picture 

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They will know what 

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Leave a part 

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Workplace Relations 

WINTER is here and no doubt employers will 

see an increase in staff being unfit for work. 

It’s always a tricky area for employers to balance 

up the need for privacy on the part of the 

employee and the business’ needs. 

The Fair Work Act at section 107 specified 

what evidence is required when employees are 

taking paid personal leave – that is, evidence 

that would satisfy a reasonable person. Employers 

may already have a policy on what evidence 

is required (and if not we strongly recommend 

that you get one). 

A common form of evidence is a medical certificate 

from a registered medical practitioner 

and states the employee will be/was unfit for 

work. Medical certificates may also be from a 

registered health practitioner (chiropractor, dentist, 

osteopath, pharmacist, physiotherapist, or 

psychologist) but the certificate should relate to 

their area of expertise. 

Employers have also seen an increase in the 

production of pharmacist certificates. The Pharmacy 

Guild of Australia states that a pharmacist 

can provide a certificate as evidence that would 

satisfy a reasonable person of an employee’s 

illness or injury. However, the guild strongly 

recommends that pharmacists limit the provision 

of certificates for absence from work to 

their area of practice and expertise. 

So, while medical certificates are generally 

regarded as irrefutable proof that the employee 

was legitimately absent from work there are 

some instances where they can be challenged 

by an employer. Such examples include where 

the employer has: 

• a second medical opinion contradicting the 

original medical opinion; or 

• Objective evidence that contradicts the 

medical certificate – i.e. photos from social media 

that show the employee is not incapacitated 

or where medical certificates have been created 

or altered by the employee to name a few. 

In a nutshell if you are unsure about whether 

you can ask for evidence of illness or injury, or 

if you are unsure about the evidence you have 

been provided with, ask. 

You can contact TCCI on the Helpline on 

1300 765 123 or the TCCI on 1300 59 122 

or workplacerelations@tcci.com.au




Refunds for 

export costs 

Sally 

Chandler 

Tradestart Adviser 

APPLICATIONS are open to claim under the 

2017-2018 Export Market Development Grant 

scheme. 

The scheme for exporters has been around 

in various formats for more than 40 years. 

To be eligible businesses must have received 

less than $50 million income in the 

grant year and have spent more than $15,000 

on eligible export expenses in the grant year. 

First time applicants can combine two 

consecutive years expenditure to reach the 

minimum expenditure threshold. 

For the 2017-2018 grant year, which mirrors 

a financial year, the following export 

promotion expenses can be claimed: 

• an overseas representative acting on your 

behalf on a long-term basis to market your 

product or service but it does not include the 

cost of commission and non-promotional 

activities; 

• the cost of engaging an arms-length marketing 

consultant for export market research 

or marketing activities; 

• the cost of air travel during a marketing 

visit and an allowance of $350 per day; 

• the cost of providing free samples; 

• IP registration and related insurance; 

• costs directly related to participating in 

trade fairs, seminars and in-store promotions; 

• promotional literature and advertising; and 

• the cost of bringing potential buyers who 

are non-residents to Australia for an eligible 

export promotion purpose. 

Some categories have maximum expenditure 

limits. The maximum grant is $150,000 

and is subject to available funds because the 

grant scheme is capped. 

Up to 50 per cent of eligible export promotion 

expenses are reimbursed above $5,000 

provided the $15,000 minimum expenditure 

threshold is reached. 

Each eligible applicant is able to receive 

eight grants and they do not have to be in consecutive 

years. 

The 2017-2018 grant year application is online 

through the Austrade website and grants 

must be received by Austrade on or before 

November 30, 2018. If an EMDG consultant 

lodges the claim on the applicant’s behalf, the 

deadline is extended to the February 28, 2019. 

Austrade is conducting free webinars 

throughout August, September and October. 

Registration is on the Austrade website at 

www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Export/Export-Grants/Assistance/information-sessions. 

Coaching videos are also on the website. 

For international trade and investment assistance 

contact the TCCI’s TradeStart Adviser, Sally Chandler, 

at sally.chandler@tcci.com.au or 1300 559 122. 

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WITH encouragement 

from industry, Labor will 

forge ahead with its popular 

election commitment 

to set up industry advisory 

councils (IACs) across 

key economic sectors of 

the Tasmanian community 

and work with industry 

and unions to develop the 

policies it would implement 

in government. 

The most common 

complaint my colleagues 

and I hear from business- 

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Shippers warned our 

service level unviable 

THE Tasmanian Freight 

& Logistics Forum, 

co-hosted by The Tasmanian 

Logistics Committee, 

The Freight and 

Trade Alliance and the 

Australian Peak Shippers 

Association was 

held at UTAS/Australian 

Maritime College at the 

beginning of July. 

Last year there was a 

take away quote from 

industry stalwart Tom 

Holyman (ANL) that 

read something like 

“Tasmania has the perfect 

environment for 

shipping with three expanding 

coastal carriers, 

three international 

carriers calling direct, 

most other shipping lines 

serviced via the coastal 

carriers and the freight 

equalization scheme extended 

to cover export 

cargoes – enjoy it now, 

as it won’t last – Tasmania 

cannot sustain so 

many services”. 

The prophecy was fulfilled 

with Maersk announcing 

just before the 

forum that they were 

withdrawing their direct 

calling vessels from Bell 

Bay. 

Keeping with the 

prophecy theme - the 

next 12 months should 

be viewed with some 

caution. 

Forum attendees were 

advised to watch for fur- 

Labor to work with industry on policy 

Phone 6234 1127 

260 Argyle Street, 

North Hobart 

Brett 

Charlton 

Agility Logistics 

Anita 

Dow 

Shadow Minister for Economic 

and Regional Development 

es is that our education 

and training system is 

not linked to the skills 

needs of industry. 

Major employers on 

the North West Coast 

and around Tasmania are 

telling us they would put 

on highly skilled workers 

immediately if they 

could find the right people 

with the skills they 

require in their business. 

At the same time youth 

and regional unemployment 

in Tasmania remain 

unacceptably high with 

many people keen to find 

work but unclear about 

their pathway to meaningful 

employment. 

Clearly there is a disconnect. 

During the election 

Labor proposed the establishment 

of eight industry 

advisory councils 

across key sectors of the 

economy: 

• Minerals, Energy and 

Advanced Manufacturing; 

• Innovation and Information 

and Communication 

Technologies; 

• Primary Industries 

and Forestry; 

ther consolidation in the 

shipping world, larger 

ships being the trend 

(with infrastructure challenges 

to accommodate 

them in Australia), low 

sulphur fuel implementation 

at a cost, slow 

steaming to reduce costs, 

attempts to increase 

freight costs – the international 

shipping lines 

are maintaining a ship 

building (and large ones) 

regime, but the freight 

volumes are not equaling 

the capacity. 

The forum received 

briefings on the coastal 

services from Toll and 

Searoad as well as Tas 

Ports. Interesting discussion 

and information was 

received on trade trends 

and security (particularly 

air security – if you 

are an airfreight exporter, 

you would be wise to be 

investigating the “known 

consignor scheme right 

now as there are significant 

changes to handling 

of export freight from 

Australian airports from 

the end of the first quarter 

2019). 

We were extremely 

lucky to be advised that 

Tasrail received the National 

Freight Excellence 

award during the day. 

Discussion on safety for 

truck drivers as well as 

• Education, Science, 

Research and the Antarctic; 

• Tourism, Hospitality, 

Festivals, Heritage (built 

and natural environment) 

and the Arts; 

• Building, Construction 

and Infrastructure; 

• Wellbeing, Care and 

Community Development; 

• Employment, Regional 

Development and 

Trade. 

Because of the overwhelmingly 

positive 

feedback from business 

leaders, the workforce 

and industry, Labor will 

work constructively from 

opposition, charging 

each IAC with providing 

direct input into the development 

of policy and 

funding decisions, particularly 

when it comes 

to skills and training. 

Labor will not wait until 

we are in government 

Attendees at 

the recent 


Freight and 

Logistics 

Forum who 

were advised 

to watch for 

further 

consolidation 

in the shipping 

world. 

the technology. Automated 

vehicles are not here 

yet, but when they do 

come, you want an experienced 

driver watching 

the robots closely. 

Minister Jeremy Rockcliff 

provided an excellent 

overview of the state’s 

perspective on the freight 

task and Senator Zed Seselja 

opened the forum 

with a federal overview. 

The day ended with 

a showcase of Tasmanian 

produce as a way of 

providing our interstate 

guests with an overview 

of what is amazing in our 

State and what we ship 

north. 

Labor will not wait until 

we are in government to 

set up this invaluable 

consultative mechanism 

to set up this invaluable 

consultative mechanism. 

Labor is committed 

to building trust, respect 

and engagement with industry, 

particularly in the 

North and North West of 

Tasmania. The IACs will 

be a key part of that strategy. 

The IACs will be 

tasked to help further 

develop Labor policy, 

as well as provide an 

avenue for industries 

to share their ideas and 

feedback. 

The IACs will provide 

proactive engagement 

between industry sectors, 

unions and the Labor 

Party. 

What will emerge from 

this collaborative process 

are an industry and education 

aligned set of policies 

and objectives that 

Labor will articulate in 

its regional and economic 

development policy.




Lock up your data 

By ELIZABETH 

JAMESON FAICD 

DURING the 2016–17 

financial year, 114 data 

breaches were voluntarily 

reported to the Office 

of the Australian Information 

Commissioner. 

After mandatory notification 

came into force 

in February 2018, 63 incidents 

were flagged in 

just six weeks. 

Digitally dependent 

large enterprises claim 

to understand the magnitude 

of the cybersecurity 

challenge. 

The ASX’s voluntary 

cyber health check offered 

to the top 100 listed 

companies last year 

revealed 92 per cent of 

respondents had a degree 

of confidence about 

their cybersecurity, but 

only 29 per cent believed 

management could detect, 

respond to and 

manage an incident with 

minimal impact on the 

business. 

Among SMEs, the 

situation is worse, says 

Terry Roberts, a former 

deputy head of US Naval 

Intelligence and now 

Chair/CEO of ASX-listed 

WhiteHawk, the security 

marketplace she 

established to help businesses 

find affordable 

and effective cybersecurity 

solutions. 

“SMEs do not think 

they are a target and 

don’t invest in cybersecurity, 

even the basics. 

They don’t believe there 

is an affordable approach 

and won’t make that leap 

unless they have a contract 

at stake or have had 

[a breach],” says Roberts, 

speaking at an Australian 

Institute of Company 

Directors event in 

Australia recently. 

Many local companies 

selling online to EU citizens 

or holding their personal 

data are now also 

subject to the General 

Data Protection Regulation. 

Organisations suffering 

a serious breach 

have 72 hours to notify 

authorities. Non-compliance 

can incur fines of up 

to four per cent of global 

revenues. 

“It’s only been in the 

past five years that cybercrime 

and fraud has 

moved against all business 

sectors. 

“Directors don’t have 

the tech experience, they 

don’t think of it as a business 

risk and they tend 

to turn to their technical 

people to solve it. It’s not 

a technical issue, it’s a 

business issue analogous 

to physical security.” 

Roberts says companies 

must take a fresh 

look at their data and 

digital assets to identify 

what needs most protection. 

“Lock your windows 

and doors. Let’s put your 

jewels in a safe so at least 

if you have an event it 

won’t bring you to your 

knees and ... you will be 

able to operate through 

it.Regular backup is critical, 

particularly to withstand 

a ransomware attack.” 

However, truly sensitive 

data needs additional 

protection, using encryption 

to ensure data 

cannot be read or used. 

Roberts also recommends 

companies seek 

a risk rating from an independent 

cybersecurity 

agency. 

“If you deal with 

your customers via your 

website, you need to 

protect your website; if 

you communicate via 

email, it’s email security; 

if you have proprietary 

data like manufacturing 

data, there are 

simple data lockers that 

cost $5000 to encrypt 

that data. 

“With midsize and 

small companies, it’s 

never about doing everything 

— that’s not affordable 

or practical. 

“It’s about figuring 

out those dependencies 

you have on the internet 

that have a huge impact 

on your revenue.” 

Off-shelf systems not ideal 

THE WHS Legislation 

indicates that there needs 

to be in place a system to 

manage workplace health 

and safety. Commonly 

these are call workplace 

health and management 

systems. 

The purpose of a 

WHSMS is to ensure 

that there is a consistent 

methodology of how 

workplace safety is implemented 

in the business. 

In many workplaces 

the solution to this issue 

is to buy an “off the 

shelf” system to address 

this issue. 

While it may bring 

businesses some comfort, 

the thinking is flawed because 

off the shelf systems 

are broad in nature 

and not specific to the 

business’ needs. 

Some of the problems 

with these systems are: 

• it can act as a smokescreen 

for doing nothing; 

• the system can also 

Craig 

Hortle 

Workplace Health & Safety 

AICD is holding a number of Cyber for Directors short courses that 

enable participants to effectively engage in the process of identifying 

the evolving threats and risks to their organisation as well as maximising 

innovation opportunities using the lifeblood of the organisation: information. 

Courses are being held in Hobart and Launceston. To find our 

more contact AICD (03) 6242 2200, tas@aicd.com.au or visit the website 

http://aicd.companydirectors.com.au 

A system does not need 

to be complicated or 

overly technical 

then be a mechanism for 

undermining more traditional 

employee involvement 

in WHS decisions; 

• when the reason for 

introducing a WHSMS 

is primarily commercial 

(such as winning a contract 

or tender) and WHS 

outcomes themselves are 

unimportant, the question 

is raised as to whether 

or not the safety of 

employees is the prime 

objective; and 

• it does not fit the specific 

activities that are 

carried out by the business. 

The fundamental idea 

of WHSMS is to provide 

a framework to handle 

safety issues through the 

policies and procedures 

that it contains. 

If you have a system 

that is not implemented 

you are leaving the business, 

business owner and 

the employees open for 

prosecution under WHS 

legislation. 

Even if your business 

is part of a national franchise 

with nationally 

available WHS information 

– it still needs to be 

applicable to your business, 

implemented and 

understood by all in the 

business. 

If you have a system 

that is off the shelf it 

would be a good decision 

to take advantage 

of the free WHS advisory 

service provide by the 

TCCI that will be able to 

explain: 

• hazards and risks in 

your workplace; 

• applying controls for 

those hazards and risks; 

• reviewing policy and 

procedure; 

• requirements for consultation; 

and 

• duties of the business, 

the officers, and 

workers. 

A system does not 

need to be complicated 

or overly technical. With 

some assistance from the 

For information on how to achieve this please contact Craig Hortle or Janelle Whitehouse at the 

TCCI on 1300 559 122 or safety@TCCI.com.au 

free WHS specialist advisory 

service at the TCCI 

this can be achieved easily 

and reflect the needs of 

your business or organisation. 

Franchise 

guide to 

success 

Dean 

Demeyer 

Business Broker 

INDUSTRY research organisation IBISWorld 

has recently examined the franchising industry 

and found there are some franchises set to fly 

as growth in household disposable incomes 

fuels consumer demand for some franchised 

goods and services. 

Service-based franchises offering time 

saving for wealthier consumers are in high 

demand. 

These time-poor consumers will pay for 

domestic services like house cleaning, gardening, 

nutrition and various well-being services. 

IBISWorld also identifies the key success 

factors for the franchise industry: 

• the ability to build repeat buyers from a 

loyal customer base; 

• use the franchisor’s clear market position 

and build consistency of operations; 

• access to franchisor mentoring and guidance 

to grow the business; 

• manage stock on hand to only meet customer 

demand and therefore reduce inventory 

costs; 

• exploit the brand name from the national 

marketing exposure; and 

• train your workforce to provide sound advice 

and exceptional customer service. 

Interestingly, independent business owners 

should also adopt these business traits to be 

successful. 

One of my university lecturers once told me 

“if a business owner isn’t able to be innovative, 

then they should copy someone who is 

innovative in the same industry”. 

Many Asian businesses through the 1970s, 

1980s and into the 90s were exceptional at this 

principle. 

Franchises are an attractive proposition for 

people new to business. In essence, franchises 

come with an operations manual which, if followed, 

increase the likelihood of success. 

I’m aware of a sandwich shop franchisee 

that operated in six locations who was asked 

to give a speech at his annual awards presentation 

on how he was so successful? His speech 

lasted for five seconds as he promptly pointed 

to the operations manual in his hand and declared 

“follow this to the best of your ability” 

and promptly sat down. 

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NEWS 

AMC in sonar trials 

THE Australian Maritime 

College has partnered 

with international 

defence giant Thales 

to investigate establishing 

a trials and test 

facility for naval sonar 

systems in Tasmania. 

Thales Australia, 

AMC and AMOG Consulting 

has signed an 

agreement to co-develop 

a facility which can 

utilise northern Tasmania’s 

deepwater lakes 

to test the next generation 

of Australian submarine 

and surface ship 

sonar systems. 

Thales Australia 

CEO Chris Jenkins 

said the initiative was 

part of the organisation’s 

commitment to 

work collaboratively 

with leading Australian 

SMEs and universities 

to deliver high technology, 

leading-edge solutions 

for Defence. 

“Historically, Thales 

has worked with AMC 

and AMOG Consulting 

on a number of sonar 

trials activities, and with the 

Australian Government’s historic 

recapitalisation of the 

Royal Australian Navy, now 

is the time to investigate establishing 

a permanent facility,” 

he said. 

“From 1990 to 2000 Thales 

and AMC tested and calibrated 

the in-service array for 

Australia’s Collins Class submarines 

in Tasmania’s deep 

mountain lakes as they provide 

an ideal environment for 

sonar systems.” 

ARC Research Training 

Ben Clark from AMOG Consulting, left, Gary Dawson of Thales Australia, Liberal Senator 

Richard Colbeck, Federal MP Christopher Pyne, Brett Whiteley, Liberal candidate for Braddon, 

University of Tasmania Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Prof Brigid Heywood. 

Centre for Naval Design and 

Manufacturing Director Jonathan 

Binns welcomed the opportunity 

to further AMC and 

the University of Tasmania’s 

strategic alliance with Thales 

Australia. 

“Thales is a founding 

member of the research 

training centre and this new 

agreement will build upon 

our work in understanding 

the hydroacoustics and hydrodynamics 

of sonar systems 

– how noise travels 

through water and how water 

moves around an object 

such as a submarine hull or 

ship’s propeller,” Associate 

Professor Binns said. 

“This collaboration with 

Thales will allow us to undertake 

cutting-edge research 

that will ultimately 

feed into the design, manufacturing 

and sustainment 

of Australia’s next generation 

of naval vessels. Co-investment 

in infrastructure 

such as this project connects 

to University plans 

to grow its contribution to 

defence through focused 

investment in capabilities 

and scale across its network 

with a Defence Innovation 

and Design Precinct as its 

cornerstone.” 

“Bringing both of these 

together presents a unique 

opportunity to develop a 

new and novel experimental 

testing capability, with the 

potential to attract further 

investment and industry 

collaborations to build Australia’s 

naval research and 

development capabilities.” 

Uni internship 

program set 

for launch 

THE I-PREP program 

will soon be formally 

launched in a bid to 

improve the relationship 

between business and 

learning institutions in the 

state. 

As part of the program, 

the University of Tasmania 

is calling for businesses 

to open their doors to 

talented and enthusiastic 

international students. 

The initiative, to be 

launched by Minister 

for State Growth, Peter 

Gutwein, on August 14, 

aims to give international 

students, at both the University 

and TasTAFE, an 

opportunity to engage in 

and make a valuable contribution 

to a Tasmanian 

workplace. 

The program educates 

international students in 

Australian workplace culture, 

communication skills 

and how to apply for a job. 

Students are then eligible 

to apply for an internship 

in a Tasmanian organisation 

to put their skills into 

practice. 

UTas Industry Engagement 

Coordinator Penny 

Stringer is excited about 

the potential. 

“There are many benefits 

to hosting an intern 

including enriching and 

diversifying your organisational 

culture with someone 

who has a youthful 

perspective, energy and 

global knowledge,” Mrs 

Stringer said. 

“For the student they 

get hands-on work experience 

in a real workplace, 

as well as developing 

transferable skills and 

experience for their resume. 

For employers, it’s 

an opportunity to develop 

and mentor the future 

employees and leaders of 

Tasmania.” 

The I-PREP program is a 

key element of the University’s 

new Career Connect 

initiative, which aims to 

build closer ties and networks 

between the University 

and local employers. 

Career Connect will give 

employers the opportunity 

to source talent and 

engage with students in 

a range of creative ways 

from offering mentoring, 

advertising jobs, hosting 

interns and work experiences 

and holding 

on-campus expos. 

“We want to start a 

conversation between the 

business community and 

the University of Tasmania 

about how we can work 

together to develop a productive 

workforce,” Mrs 

Stringer said. 

Employers interested in 

hosting an I-PREP intern 

or learning more about 

Career Connect should 

contact Leap.Connect@ 

utas.edu.au. 

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SPIRITS and Cocktails 

Australia put a call out to 

candidates in the recent 

Braddon by-election to 

support a freeze on Australia’s 

six-monthly tax 

increase on spirits, calling 

it discriminatory. 

CEO Alec Wagstaff 

said the continual tax increase 

was unfair to both 

spirit drinkers and the 

burgeoning distilling industry 

in Tasmania. 

“The issue is particularly 

severe in Braddon, 

where residents tend to 

choose pre-mixed drinks 

over beer at a higher rate 

than those in other parts 

of Australia,” Mr Wagstaff 

said. 

“The current system is 

complex and unfair and 

there is no clear reason 

why those who choose a 

rum and coke over a can 

of beer should be hit with 

double the tax. 

“The ever increasing 

spirits tax also runs the 

risk of hampering the development 

of a growing, 

world class industry in 

Tasmania. 

“Businesses like 

Hellyer’s Road Distillery 

and Southern Wild 

Distillery are leading 

the way for industry 

growth in the region, 

but with distillers paying 

almost twice as 

Spirits and Cocktails Australia CEO Alec Wagstaff. 

much tax as beer brewers 

it puts our market 

leaders on the back 

foot.” 

A person drinking a 

standard can of beer 

will pay $0.67 in excise, 

while those who choose 

a pre-mixed can of rum 

and cola will have to 

fork out $1.48 in tax. 

The second excise increase 

for the year came 

into effect on August 1.


NEWS 

Deal builds 

shipbuilding 

capabilities 

TAFE SA Executive Director, Education, Brian Rungie, left, and 

University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black. 

THE Australian Maritime 

College and TAFE 

SA have strengthened 

their joint capability to 

supply skilled workers 

for Australian continuous 

naval shipbuilding program 

after an agreement 

to collaborate on education 

and skills development. 

AMC and TAFE SA 

have signed a memorandum 

of understanding to 

work together long term 

to build a pipeline of 

skilled workers for the 

major naval shipbuilding 

projects in Australia, 

particularly in the areas 

of maritime engineering, 

design, project management, 

logistics and supply 

chain management. 

The benefits from the 

partnership are set to include 

direct pathways 

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and Associate Degree 

programs into AMC’s 

Bachelor of Engineering, 

Bachelor of Global 

Logistics and Maritime 

Management, and Bachelor 

of Applied Science 

(Marine Engineering). 

Other benefits will include 

the enrichment of 

existing programs and 

new joint programs in 

response to industry requirements. 

The partnership will 

also strengthen both institutions’ 

existing collaboration 

with the Naval 

Shipbuilding College 

and participation on the 

NSC’s Delivery Advisory 

Council. 

University of Tasmania 

Vice-Chancellor Professor 

Rufus Black said the 

agreement was a prime 

example of educational 

institutions working together 

to meet the evolving 

needs of industry. 

“As a national institute, 

AMC is very much 

looking forward to collaborating 

with TAFE SA 

to bring nation-leading 

maritime education to 

help create more opportunities 

for more South 

Australians to participate 

in the growth of the shipbuilding 

industry,” he 

said. 

“By working collaboratively 

with TAFE SA, 

we will be able to create 

the integrated educational 

offering to enable 

people to advance their 

careers as the industry 

grows.” 

The Department of Defence 

has outlined a national 

program to build 

around $90 billion in new 

naval ships and submarines 

for the country. 

Science puts bugs in the system 

Moreton Bay bugs have huge commercial 

potential. 

REASEARCHERS who 

developed a worldfirst 

method to breed 

rock lobsters commercially 

have now paved 

the way for a Moreton 

Bay bug aquaculture 

industry in Tasmania. 

A commercial operation 

is now possible 

and breeding of other 

high-value species is 

likely thanks to efforts 

at the Institute for 

Marine and Antarctic 

Studies. 

Research began into 

hatchery techniques 

for the bay lobster, 

Thenus oriental, better 

known as the Moreton 

Bay bug, in September 

2017. 

The Research Hub’s 

Director, Associate 

Professor Greg Smith, 

said thousands of 

juvenile bay lobsters 

had been reared using 

the same technique as 

IMAS developed for 

tropical rock lobsters. 

Tank design, water 

quality and appropriate 

feed were vital for 

lobster survival and 

growth. 

“Some of these 

animals have been 

Navigate your maritime 

career in Sydney with AMC 

selected as breeding 

stock, and their offspring 

will be grown in 

the hatchery later this 

year,” Associate Professor 

Smith said. 

“Bay lobsters have 

shown strong potential 

for development as 

a commercial aquaculture 

species, and 

some species-specific 

modifications to our 

approach are expected 

to improve commercial 

viability.” 

Dr Smith said the 

Research Hub’s industry 

partner, PFG 

Group, was enthusiastic 

about growing 

both species in their 

commercial scale 

hatchery, which is 

currently in the early 

stages of planning. 

“The success we 

have had in culturing 

rock lobsters, and 

now Bay lobsters is 

the result of 17 years 

of intensive research. 

“We are now keen to 

test the technology’s 

potential on other 

high-value crustacean 

species,” Associate 

Professor Smith 

said. 

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NEWS APPOINTMENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

High-value volunteers 

VOLUNTEERS are 

worth almost $5 billion 

to Tasmania and one corporation, 

Hydro Tasmania, 

has been highlighted 

for its employee program 

encouraging staff to give 

back to the community. 

The 2018 Southern 

Cross Television Tasmanian 

Volunteering 

Awards involved 27 finalists 

across a range of 

categories with winners 

announced at a ceremony 

at Government House, 

hosted by Patron of Volunteering 

Tasmania, 

Govenor Professor Kate 

Warner. 

Volunteering Tasmania 

CEO Alison Lai 

thanked those who gave 

their time and energy, 

saying that from a financial 

perspective, the contribution 

from volunteers 

was conservatively estimated 

to be worth at least 

$4.9 billion each year to 

the island. 

“Every single volunteer 

is contributing to 

this extraordinary figure, 

including those who are 

able to help every day, 

once a week, every few 

months or once a year, 

Business puts right hoof forward 

Kate Hickey from Hydro Tasmania, left, and Governor Kate Warner. 

this figure also includes 

the contribution of corporate 

volunteers who 

are supported by their 

companies to make a difference.” 

Corporate Award finalists 

included MyState 

Bank, Tenants’ Union of 

Tasmania. 

Hydro Tasmania Community 

Coordinator Kate 

Hickey said almost half 

INNOVATIVE hoof boot 

maker, Scoot Boots, is the 

2018 Telstra Tasmanian Business 

of the Year. 

Creator and co-founder, 

Dave MacDonald, had been 

working with horses as a 

trainer and farrier for 30 years 

when he designed and created 

the Scoot Boot, a unique onepiece 

hoof boot that is simple, 

lightweight and easy to fit. 

“We want to inspire, educate 

and advocate for a 

barefoot natural approach 

for horses around the globe, 

changing 1,500 years of tradition. 

Our Scoot Boots allow 

horses to virtually go barefoot, 

an option that is much 

suitable to their overall 

health,” he said. 

Scoot Boots also took 

home the 2018 Telstra Tasmanian 

Emerging & Energised 

Award. 

Acting Group Executive, 

Head of Telstra Wholesale, 

Jules Scarlett, said the winners 

of the 2018 Telstra Tasmanian 

Business Awards 

were shining examples of 

businesses doing great things 

in new and effective ways for 

their customers. 

The other category winners 

were: 

• Find Your Feet Australia: 

2018 Telstra Tasmanian 

of Hydro’s employees 

took part in the organisation’s 

volunteer program, 

which recognises 

the value of volunteering 

for professional and personal 

growth. 

Employees at Hydro 

can work with any community 

organisation of 

their choice. 

“Our people are encouraged 

to do all forms 

Small & Succeeding Award 

winner. 

Founded by former elite 

athlete, Hanny Allston, the 

brand combines a multi-channel 

approach with a four- level 

store in Hobart 

• Cancer Council Tasmania: 

2018 Telstra Tasmanian 

Social Change Maker Award 

winner 

Each year CCT provides 

5,000 occasions of support 

and transports more than 250 

individuals to about 3,600 

treatment appointments. 

The Telstra Australian 

Business Awards will be held 

in Melbourne on Thursday, 

20 September. 

of volunteering – oneoff 

or ongoing, projects, 

or skilled volunteering,” 

Ms Hickey said. 

“The Hydro is made 

up of people whose 

families live and work 

around Tasmania in big 

and small communities. 

By offering a corporate 

volunteering program 

our people have the flexibility 

and encouragement 

to get involved and 

volunteer for activities 

of their choice. 

“Research shows that 

people who volunteer 

are healthier and happier 

but volunteering 

can also improve professional 

skills, such as, 

teamwork, leadership, 

problem-solving and 

creative thinking. 

“We also know that 

diversity is good for 

business. 

“Through volunteering 

our people get to 

work in a completely 

different environment. 

“They can then apply 

these new ideas and 

different ways of approaching 

issues to their 

work. 

“Over 40 per cent of 

our people volunteer. 

It is amazing to think 

that these small acts can 

change someone’s life. 

“Our corporate volunteering 

program is a way 

for our people to share 

their expertise and be 

part of their community, 

improve their health, 

boost their skills and 

bring new ideas to their 

work.” 

Award winner Dave MacDonald 

from Scoot Boots. 

IN BRIEF 

Website refresh 

THE Government’s Digital Ready for Business website 

has been updated to provide businesses with a 

comprehensive toolkit of fact sheets, video content 

and other useful information. 

The free program provides small businesses with 

access to targeted knowledge, advice and assistance 

to improve their online presence and skills so they can 

seize the opportunities presented by the changing digital 

technology. 

University design 

JOHN Wardle Architects has been appointed as the 

principal consultant and will partner with three Tasmanian 

practices to design the $300 million UTAS 

Northern Transformation project. 

Room11, 1+2 Architecture and Philp Lighton Architects 

were the successful Tasmanian partners. 

A development application is expected to be submitted 

in the fourth quarter of 2018. 

Irrigation appointment 

CHRIS Thompson has been appointed as a new Tasmanian 

Irrigation Director. 

Mr Thompson was formerly managing director and 

director of firms Macquarie Franklin and Agricultural 

Resources Management and has extensive consulting 

experience in agribusiness developments, rural water 

resources management, irrigation systems and dam 

construction and operations. 

Welding skills centre 

A NEW $750,000 advanced welding training centre 

has been announced by the Federal Government 

for Burnie. The funding will allow for purchase of 

five state-of-the-art welding simulators and advanced 

technical training to help upskill TasTAFE trainers 

and will train and skill local welding apprentices and 

workers from Tasmanian businesses. 

Mining Technology 

LAUNCESTON based ICT Company Definium 

Technologies has landed a major new $1.5 million 

contract to supply hi-tech electronic components to a 

large-scale mining project. 

Definium will locally develop and manufacture 31 

cutting-edge multi-channel LoRa gateways and about 

6500 sensors for the Australian mining sector. 

Up to six jobs will flow as a result of the contract. 

Turnkey contract 

TAYLOR Bros has signed a new deal to supply a total 

turnkey contract for accommodation outfitting of the 

Royal Australia Navy’s new offshore patrol vessel. 

Part of the Navy’s $3.6 billion SEA 1180 Offshore 

Patrol Vessels program, Taylor Bros will supply internal 

fitouts to 12 new offshore vessels being delivered 

through to 2030. 

Looking 

for new 

talent? 

For more information email: 

Leap.Connect@utas.edu.au 

Register at: 

utas.edu.au/careerconnect/employer 

You can find and directly 

connect with students 

through the University of 

Tasmania’s new employment 

portal, Career Connect. 

If you are looking to: 

> advertise a job 

> run a recruitment and 

selection process 

> mentor students 

> offer work experiences 

and I-PREP internships 

> interact with students 

virtually and on campus 

Career Connect can help you 

do all this and more. 

CRICOS Provider Code 00586B 

UTAD21356 

WANTED 


movers and 

shakers 



• Awards 


success 


with the 


business 

community 





fontpr.com.au 

Tender 

test 

THE Government has 

expanded its Local Benefits 

Test, designed to 

grow jobs by making 

sure Tasmanian businesses 

have every chance 

of winning Government 

tenders - while still ensuring 

value-for-money 

for taxpayers. 

It will it double the 

test, to a minimum of 20 

per cent of the evaluation 

criteria, for Government 

agency procurements. 

Figures for 2017-18 

show 244 government 

contracts were awarded 

to Tasmanian businesses 

with total value of 

government contracts of 

$409.5 million.


EVENTS NEWS 

Rob Atkinson, University of Tasmania, left, and 

Ollie Shugg of AusTrade. 

Wayne Davy, Tasplan Super, left, Prof Rufus 

Black, University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor 

and Tommy Wong, TCCI Board Director. 

Lee Whitely, University College Chief Executive, 

left, Susan Parr, TCCI Board Chair and Mercury 

GM Damon Wise. 

What: Tasmanian Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry University 

College Luncheon 

Where: Royal Yacht Club of 

Tasmania, Sandy Bay 

When: Wednesday, July 4, 2018 

Scott Adams, TasTafe, left, Tim Johns, Aon Risk 

Solutions and Rick Sassin, Housing 

Industry Association. 

Kellie Watson, ECA Tas, left,and Annette Barwick 

and Trevor Brown, Lady Gowrie Tasmania. 

Bruce 

Williams 

City of 

Launceston, 

left, Donna 

Bain, Self- 

Help Workplace 

and 

Lyndal 

Kimpton of 

Ruddicks. 

LEFT: Susie Bower, University College/RDA, 

left, Tom Black, RDA and Moya Fyfe from the 

University of Tasmania. 

ABOVE: Joel Brewer, left, and Teresa Darcie 

of Scotch Oakburn College. 

What: Launceston Chamber of 

Commerce University College 

Breakfast 

Where: Tramsheds, Inveresk 

When: Tuesday July 3, 2018 

• Master Keying 

• Electronic Security 

• Lock Hardware 

• Alarm Monitoring 

www.jacksonssecurity.com.au 

ph: 1800 555 700

PROPERTY MATTERS 


Hobart: Where to from here? 

Scott Newton 

Property Matters with 

Knight Frank 

This month’s article is a valuer’s 

perspective of the Tasmanian 

property market, from Matthew Page, 

Knight Frank Tasmania’s Director – 

Valuations. 

IN the article I contributed 12 

months ago there was mention 

the US Federal Reserve 

may start increasing rates 

over the next 12 months and 

that further interest rate rises 

could not be discounted. 

The US Federal Reserve 

did increase rates but Australian 

monetary policy settings 

remain much the same. Interest 

rates are static. 

Access to debt funding is 

a primary contributor to ongoing 

investment in property 

markets. 

It is becoming apparent the 

bank approved loan to value 

ratio is a key issue in addition 

to the cost of funds. 

The level of funds available 

to buyers influences 

asset prices. This in turn influences 

property values by 

the extent of funds available. 

The outcomes of the Royal 

Commission into Banking, 

Superannuation and Financial 

Services Industry will be 

particularly relevant to the 

property sector as measures 

to restrain lending practices 

are likely to be implemented. 

The property sector in Tasmania 

has attracted investors 

that have a lower requirement 

for bank funding. 

So, despite the potential 

for changes to lending, the 

market will continue to move 

along by the contribution of 

market participants with lower 

borrowing requirements. 

Property with the appropriate 

investment fundamentals 

should remain suitable in 

The new Icon Centre has helped Hobart CBD consolidate as a retail hub. 

the market place.The Hobart 

retail sector has consolidated 

its position with the opening 

of Icon Centre Shopping Arcade 

and completion of Myer 

in May. The opening of H&M 

in the Cat and Fiddle Arcade 

complex has assisted the ongoing 

position of the CBD as 

the primary retail precinct in 

greater Hobart. 

These developments have 

firmed up the position of other 

retailers as more customers 

shop in Hobart with the greater 

offering available. From a 

property valuation perspective, 

this helps to underpin 

value. 

The strength of the residential 

and visitor accommodation 

real estate sectors 

have positively influenced 

the state of the commercial 

property sector with a number 

of disused commercial 

sites, for instance, all of a 

sudden finding opportunities 

for alternative development 

to either hotel or residential. 

The strength of the residential 

development sector in 

the inner areas of Hobart has 

fairly quickly created value 

for sites that were previously 

languishing without a use. 

Developers have become 

more interested in realising 

development opportunities 

on such sites in the light of 

housing supply shortages. 

The Greater Hobart residential 

market has not been 

able to keep pace with demand. 

In a short time, land 

values have increased rapidly 

as a consequence of limited 

new or potential land supply. 

There are challenges for 

developers and home builders 

as they await delays in the 

provision of infrastructure 

and service provider ability 

to resource the burgeoning 

circumstances. 

Without additions to land 

supply, values are likely to 

keep increasing as buyers 

pay a premium to build a 

home. 

PROPERTY VIEW 

AUGUST 2018 

Outline indicative only 


For sale by expressions of interest 

PREMIER CBD DEVELOPMENT SITE 

179 Macquarie Street, Hobart 

Knight Frank has the privilege of presenting this 

significant Development Approved site to the 

market. Take advantage of the existing DA while 

Hobart’s tourism sector is the envy of the country. 

• Iconic site, rare opportunity 

• DA for 30m, 202 room hotel 

• Macquarie Street frontage of over 41m, land 

area 2,162 sqm (approx.) 

• Surrounded by significant hotel and commercial assets 

• Zoned: ‘Central Business’, CBD gateway location 

• Potential for residential/serviced apartment 

conversion (STCA) 

Scott Newton 0409 186 261 

Hayden Peck 0412 766 395 

View at KnightFrank.com.au/4342530 

For sale 

TROPHY CBD OPPORTUNITY 

53-57 Collins Street, Hobart 

• Landmark CBD building on a significant corner site 

• Site area of 943 sqm (approx.) with three 

extensive street frontages 

• Gross building area of 2,275 sqm (approx.) plus 

seven car parks (approx.) 

• Zoning of ‘Central Business’ provides 

significant flexibility of uses 

• Being sold with the whole of 53 Collins Street 

vacant and part of 57 Collins Street vacant with 

a good holding income 

• Exceptionally appealing property with a diverse 

range of developent options (STCA) 

Richard Steedman 0408 559 046 

Scott Newton 0409 186 261 



2018 

EMPLOYER OF 

CHOICE AWARDS. 

For sale by expressions of interest 

OWNER-OCCUPY OR DEVELOP 

263 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 

• Land area of 1,213 sqm*; ‘Urban Mixed Use’ zoning 

• Gross building area of 460 sqm* comprising 

showroom, storerooms, workshop, offices 

and amenities, and first floor rooms 

• Plenty of off street parking 

• High profile site to Elizabeth Street, the main 

arterial road linking Hobart CBD to North Hobart 

• The property presents in excellent condition 

and is offered with vacant possession for owner 

occupancy or as a development site (STCA) 

• Rare to market opportunity 

(*approx) 

Hayden Peck 0412 766 395 

Ian Reed 0419 670 501 


Knight Frank Tasmania has officially been 

recognised as an Employer of Choice at the 

Employer of Choice Award ceremony held recently. 

An Employer of Choice is a workplace with a 

reputation as a great place to work and recognises 

that we successfully attract and retain the best 

property professionals in the industry. 

5 Victoria Street, Hobart 41 York Street, Launceston Shop 8, 48-54 Oldaker Street, Devonport 

P: 03 6220 6999 P: 03 6333 7888 P: 03 6424 3568

Tasmanian Business Reporter August 2018

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