Tasmanian Business Reporter May 2019

MAY 2019
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
Budget pledge
While the Northern real estate market
has improved, prices are lower than
Hobart sales, generating less stamp
duty.
State spending to
defy loss of GST,
stamp duty
S TAT E
BUDGET
BRIEFING
By TOM O’MEARA
SIGNIFICANT decreases in
stamp duty and GST payments
will challenge Tasmania’s Budget
position but record spending
will continue in health, education,
housing and infrastructure.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein is
preparing to hand down his
2019 Budget on May 23 and is
expected to remain in surplus,
despite admitting there will
be significant challenges over
the coming four to five years.
Infrastructure development,
including the bold 30-year infrastructure
plan essential for
forward planning, will be a highlight
of this year’s document.
Last year the Treasurer announced
a record $2.6 billion
spend on community infrastructure
over four years.
Roads and bridges were to
receive $1.1 billion, hospitals
and health got $475 million, human
services and housing was
promised $205 million while
schools and education spending
was worth $192.2 million.
The rollout of that significant infrastructure
spending will continue
in this Budget with the essential
$650 million redevelopment of the
Royal Hobart Hospital completed
this year and work still under way
at Launceston General Hospital.
There is no expectation that the
Government will budge on its current
wage offer to the Public Sector.
Mr Gutwein will be stymied
by GST receipt reductions
and a drop in stamp duty.
In a nutshell, the pool of the
national GST is decreasing
by an anticipated $11 billion.
Mr Gutwein said there would
be a $280 million write down in
Tasmania over the next four years
from the decreasing GST pool.
It’s important to note that this
decrease is not in any way related
to a new GST agreement which
will come into play in 2021.
It was agreed that Tasmania
won’t lose a cent when the GST
formula will be altered slowly
across six years to target a standard
that removes the peaks and
troughs created by economic
shocks, such as the mining boom.
Mr Gutwein will also write
down $280 million of stamp
duty over the next four years.
Continued page 2
FRIDAY 24 MAY ▼ HOBART
▼ LAUNCESTON ▼ DEVONPORT
PRESENTED BY TREASURER
PETER GUTWEIN MP
BOOK NOW
tcci.com.au 1300 559 122

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
2 Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019
NEWS
Airport clear for takeoff
INTERNATIONAL processing
facilities will
form part of a major expansion
project that will
double the size of Hobart
Airport over the next decade.
Stage one of the project,
due for completion by
December 2020, will cost
about $100 million.
The increased footprint
is in response to the busiest
year experienced at
the facility, with more
than 2.6 million passengers
passing through the
terminal.
Hobart Airport CEO
Sarah Renner said the
Terminal Expansion Project
would be completed
in three stages.
The initial stage involves
the expansion of
the existing departures
lounge and facilities,
improved airline lounges,
enhanced passenger
screening facilities,
and the construction of
a swing lounge concept,
capable of providing for
international processing
facilities.
“A mezzanine level
will be constructed at the
southern end of the terminal
and will house the
airline lounges and border
agency support facilities,”
Ms Renner said.
“The final two stages
are expected to start on
completion of Stage 1
and will be progressively
completed by 2030.
These stages will deliver
increased baggage
processing facilities and
further retail and food and
beverage offerings.
“This is an exciting time
for our airport and Tasmania
and we are proud of the
role we play in connecting
our locals to communities
across the globe.”
More than four million
passengers are expected to
pass through the airport by
2030.
Public consultation will
be open until June 10.
For more information
about community consultation
sessions or to
make a submission visit
https://development.
hobartairport.com.au.
Hobart Airport is due to double in the next decade.
Tender
call for
plan
portal
TENDERS have been
called for a new $9 million
Planning and Building
Portal to streamline
development in Tasmania.
The online portal is
set to deliver a single
statewide system that
integrates all planning,
building and related approvals,
incorporating
features including online
application lodgement
The project, designed
to save time and resources
for anyone involved
in the building and construction
industry, is due
for completion by 2021.
Tenders close on May
29. All enquiries should
be directed to the Planning
and Building Portal
Project Manager, Robert
Calandra on (03) 6166
4650 or email: robert.
calandra@justice.tas.
gov.au
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
e dition
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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
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Budget surplus pledge
From page 1
The volume of real
estate sales in Hobart
has decreased and while
the Northern real estate
market has improved
significantly, prices
paid in the north are
much lower than the
Hobart sales, which
means less stamp duty.
Mainland states of
NSW and Victoria
have experienced massive
drop for real estate
prices - it has hit
hard because both had
previously used their
stamp duty funds for a
champagne approach to
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massive infrastructure
spending and Public
Sector wage increases.
Mr Gutwein has
shared information with
the Tasmanian Business
Reporter from Victorian
Treasurer Tim Pallas,
who has warned
that his state was facing
a $2.4 billion writedown
in stamp duty.
Last year the Victorian
Government was upbeat
in its revenue forecasts
predicting $7 billion in
stamp duty flowing into
the Treasury coffers.
Mr Pallas should be
prepared for “a Budget
of hard choice”
Your Partner
in Print.
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Now incorporating
THE CRAFT LIVES ON.
and has already put
an initial 2 per cent
on the table as he begins
negotiating Public
Sector agreements.
Tasmania is already
on a 2 per
cent wage increase.
Mr Gutwein said
the bright light is Tasmania’s
strong export
income in all sectors.
“Except for the stamp
duty, all other incomes
are positive and some
of exports are returning
record figures,”
Mr Gutwein said.
New data shows
Tasmania’s economy
is the equal third
strongest in the nation,
news that’s expected
to assist with a surplus
Budget position across
the Forward Estimates.
“The budget is
still in a good place
and remember that
the Budget is not the
economy and the economy
is not the Budget.”
The Treasurer certainly
has challenges
and costs will be under
the microscope but the
priority is to continue
supporting development
opportunities and exports
to cover the total
$580 million write down
over the next four years.

Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019 3
NEWS
Blue economy boost
TCCI calls
for project
assurance
A $329m research
partnership will be
based in Tasmania to
transform Australia’s
blue economy and
generate more than $4
billion for the national
economy.
The University
of Tasmania will
lead the largest ever
Cooperative Research
Centre, bringing
together expertise in
seafood, renewable
energy and offshore
engineering.
Industry, Science and
Technology Minister
Karen Andrews said the Blue
Economy CRC aimed to drive
an evolution in marine- based
industries.
The project is a 10-year
collaboration between 45 national
and international partners
from industry, research and
government, underpinned by a
$70 million cash investment from
the Federal Government.
The Tasmanian Government is
also a supporting partner.
Vice-Chancellor Professor
Rufus Black said the project
would build on our distinctive
strengths in aquaculture and
marine ecology, offshore
engineering and marine renewable
energy.
“This is big, blue sky thinking
fused with practical, impactful
research to answer one of our
planet’s most critical questions:
how can we sustainably feed and
power ourselves from the world’s
oceans,” Professor Black said.
“The Blue Economy CRC
imagines a future where
integrated seafood and renewable
energy production systems
operate offshore and where the
community and industry have
confidence they are safe, reliable,
efficient and environmentally
responsible.
“This work will leave a
compelling legacy of highimpact
research, a competitive
advantage for Australian industry,
and innovation, collaboration and
leadership on a global scale.”
The Blue Economy CRC
head office will be hosted at
the University of Tasmania’s
Launceston campus, supporting a
Blue Economy
CRC Research
Director, Australian
Maritime College
Associate
Professor Irene
Penesis, left, with
Industry, Science
and Technology
Minister Karen
Andrews and
Institute for Marine
and Antarctic
Studies Professor
Stewart Frusher.
research community of 50 PhD
students and 50 postdoctoral
research fellows throughout
Tasmania and with partner
organisations nationally and
internationally.
Blue Economy CRC Research
Director, Australian Maritime
College Associate Professor Irene
Penesis said the program was
unique.
“Australia has the world’s third
largest exclusive economic zone
and is positioned adjacent to the
largest markets for seafood and
energy,” Associate Professor
Penesis said.
“But with over 80 per cent
classified as offshore, industries
must be enabled to move from
the coast zone into more exposed
operating environments before we
can secure this opportunity.”
By TOM
O’MEARA
THE TCCI is lobbying
political parties to ensure
major projects such as the
second Bass Strait electricity
link and freight
equalisation scheme are
locked in before the May
18 Federal election.
Tasmania is enjoying
unprecedented growth
and the TCCI board has
agreed on six significant
projects and policies to
retain the confidence of
the business sector.
TCCI Chairman Susan
Parr said it was imperative
for both Labor and
the Liberal/National parties
to show support for
Tasmania.
At a time when construction
is receding
across Australia, Tasmania
has enjoyed the highest
growth rate but policy
ahead of polling day was
needed to support future
development, Ms Parr
said.
The TCCI’s priority
areas for political focus
in the last weeks of campaigning
revolve around
retaining agreed assistance
and infrastructure
projects to continue job
creation.
Project Marinus, a second
Bass Strait electricity
interconnector, would
play a major role to meet
the growing energy needs
across the country, Ms
Parr said.
“The second link will
provide environmentally
sustainable and economically
viable Hydro electricity,”
she said.
“It is critical that generation
via Hydro electricity
and pumped Hydro
is maximised to support
a stable and reliable system.”
TCCI chair Susan
Parr.
While the Coalition
has committed $56 million
for feasibility assessments
for Marinus Link
and pumped Hydro cost
modelling, the TCCI is
pushing for support from
all parties.
They must understand
that the project is of national
importance, connecting
mainland Australia
to low cost, secure,
reliable and clean energy.
“During the last very
hot summer more than
200,000 homes in Victoria
were without power
because the system failed
and energy wasn’t available,”
Ms Parr said.
The Tasmanian Freight
Equalisation Scheme is
also high on the list with
aspects of the agreement
due for review by the Productivity
Commission.
“History shows the
Commission is not a great
supporter of the TFES
and recommended the
closure of the scheme before
the Coalition Government
agreed to keep
it in perpetuity,” she said.
“The TFES has been
a lifeline for Tasmanian
businesses since 1975
providing financial assistance
for shipping costs
from Tasmania to the
mainland.”
Tasmania exported
a record $3.8 billion in
goods and produce in the
year to February 2019
and any change in the
program would negatively
impact this stunning result,
she said.
Ms Parr confirmed the
TCCI was also prepared
to take on a contentious
decision to create a twowage
agreement with
higher payments to Sydney
and Melbourne compared
to Tasmania and regional
businesses around
the nation.
“The cost of living in
Melbourne and Sydney
is significantly more than
most parts of Tasmania
particularly when you
consider wage increases
for Scottsdale and Smithton
equal to Melbourne
and Sydney,” she said.
“Regional chambers
around Australia are supporting
the change.”
Uni plans Hobart city campus
A MASTER plan and
building design will be
developed for a new
$600 million Hobart city
campus of the University
of Tasmania.
The University Council
has agreed to the total
move from its Sandy Bay
roots to facilitate a more
modern campus in the
CBD over the next 10 to
15 years.
The new development
will run from the original
home of the University at
the Domain along Melville
St.
The campus will be
anchored with a central
library and public square
– the heart of the University
– on the former Web-
K&D Hobart
ster building and carpark.
University Chancellor
Michael Field said the
long-term strategic direction
would build on and
consolidate on its recent
move of some facilities
into the city.
“This will be a long,
thorough and deliberative
process,” Mr Field
said. “We will consult
carefully along the way
to produce a campus
which is a source of great
pride for our University
community and the people
of greater Hobart.”
He said the university
would act as steward for
the existing Sandy Bay
campus land into the future.
The entity would be responsible
for managing
the existing campus land
“in line with institutional
values and mindful of the
amenity of Sandy Bay
and Taroona”.
The university said it
would make a compact
with the City of Hobart
to deliver the equivalent
(or more) of the general
rate on its inner-city
buildings for the next decade.
The university has
also recently purchased
the K&D site to develop
student accommodation,
adding capacity to the
existing 446-bed Hobart
City Apartments (at the
corner of Elizabeth and
Melville streets) and a
second 420-bed complex
being built adjacent
those, due for completion
at the start of 2021.

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
4 Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Marinus tops
wishlist for
election 2019
www.tcci.com.au
Growing Vietnam market
on the Aussie trade radar
Michael
Bailey
TCCI Chief Executive
THE federal election has
finally been called for
May 18.
Some are already complaining
about election
campaign overload, as the
major parties have been
on the “trail” for some
time, waiting for Prime
Minister Scott Morrison
to visit the Governor General.
In general terms, the
Coalition Government
will campaign on its economic
record and whether
Labor can be trusted on
the Treasury benches.
Labor will campaign
on its new policies around
franking credits, negative
gearing, wealth and
capital gains taxes to
raise funds for hospitals,
schools and other public
benefits.
The Liberal-National
Government will also
have concerns about the
long-term effects of axing
former prime minister
Malcolm Turnbull, via
Peter Dutton’s failed challenge.
As well, the Government
will lose key
members – Julie Bishop,
Christopher Pyne, Kelly
O’Dwyer among them.
The polls still point to
a Labor victory, although
Mr Morrison remains the
preferred PM over Labor
Leader Bill Shorten.
The election will also
be fought on several local
fronts, state by state,
with the Liberals seeking
to shore up seats in
Queensland and Victoria.
Already, Braddon on
the North West Coast
has seen multiple visits
by Federal politicians of
each hue, as the Liberals’
Gavin Pearce comes up
against sitting member
Justine Keay.
In Bass, Labor’s sitting
member Ross Hart will be
up against popular George
Town Mayor Bridget Archer.
Again, the polls would
indicate that Andrew
Wilkie (independent,
Clarke/Denison), Julie
Collins (Labor, Franklin)
and Brian Mitchell (Labor,
Lyons) appear safe.
As we do for every
election, state or federal,
the TCCI has put together
a wishlist which will
we prosecute across the
board with both major
parties.
Wishlist 2019
1 Marinus Project. For
the TCCI, this is the project
that will guarantee Tasmania’s
long-term energy production,
economic development
and overall future
for the next 20-50 years.
When completed Marinus
will connect Tasmania
and the mainland via a second
interconnector allowing
Hydro Tasmania’s major
“pumped hydro” plans
to proceed.
That, alongside the existing
hydro-electric generation
system, will provide
thousands of jobs and billions
of dollars of investment.
2 GST Support. We
have recently seen how
certain states can make
calls on the Federal Government
to boost their GST
revenue at the expense of
Tasmania.
We remain the state, unfortunately,
with the most
people per capita on federal
and state welfare benefits.
We need Liberal and
Labor to guarantee Tasmania’s
GST share forever.
3 Freight Equalisation
Scheme. The TCCI wants
this scheme to be maintained
and guaranteed by
both parties.
It is the key to Tasmania’s
export industries,
both to the mainland and
internationally.
4 Workplace Productivity.
The TCCI wants
both major parties to develop
and deliver policies
to increase productivity
and participation for regional
Australia and Tasmania.
We also want them to
ensure their policies enable
wages are affordable
in regional Australia and
Tasmania.
I AM writing this
column from Vietnam
where half the
population of more than
93 million people own
scooters
In Ho Chi Minh City
(the locals still refer
to it as Saigon) they
account for 37 per cent of the air
pollution.
Crossing the street is an art
and not one for the faint-hearted.
The country has experienced
an average GDP growth of six
per cent over the last 20 years
and is projected to grow by 6.8
per cent in 2019.
Certainly a market close to
Australia to keep on the radar.
Domestic demand is in part
driving growth with, like other
Asian economies, a growing
middle class. The median age
is 30.
Opportunities exist in the
agribusiness, food and beverage,
aviation and aerospace, defence,
Scooters are the prefered mode of transport throughout Vietnam.
Sally
Chandler
Tradestart Adviser
health care, mining, oil and gas,
ICT, energy, transport and water
management sectors.
Vietnam is covered by two
Free Trade Agreements with
Australia, the ASEAN Australia-
New Zealand Free Trade
Agreement (AANZFTA) and the
Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific
Partnership (CPTPP).
Australia’s major exports
to Vietnam include coal,
cotton, wheat, iron ores and
concentrates.
Australia’s major imports
from Vietnam include telecom
equipment and parts, crude
petroleum, footwear, and
monitors, projectors
and televisions.
Australia ranks 12th
on Vietnam’s principal
import sources.
From Tasmania,
major exports to
Vietnam are currently
zinc and associated
products, aluminium and
associated products, abalone
(where most would find their
way to China) and cherries.
Vietnam has a long coastline
to the South China Sea. Its land
borders are with Cambodia,
China and Laos.
I am benefiting very much
from my time in Vietnam with
Austrade, attending the Food and
Hotel Vietnam trade show and
researching sales opportunities
for Tasmanian goods and
services with Austrade’s
Business Development Managers
in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
I will report further in the June
issue of TBR.
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.
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Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019 5
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
www.tcci.com.au
Watch out for lurking winter lurgies
IF THE recent weather is
anything to go by we are
starting once again to get
into cold and flu season
which means of course
the precarious issue of
staff being ill.
The TCCI often gets
questions about personal
leave and what employers
can and can’t ask for.
As set out in the Fair
Work Act 2009 s107 employees
have notice and
evidence requirements
they must adhere to on
personal leave being:
Abbey
George
Workplace Relations
• giving the employer
notice of the leave
as soon as practicable
(which may be a time after
the leave has started);
• advising the employer
of the period, or
expected period, of the
leave; and
• if requested, provide
the employer evidence
that would satisfy a reasonable
person.
What evidence this is
will depend on each particular
circumstance, for
The TCCI often gets
questions about personal
leave and what employers
can and can’t ask for.
example:
• is it before/after a
weekend, leave etc?
• Is there a history of
the taking of personal
leave?
• Are there policies or
procedures or an Enterprise
Agreement in place
that addresses when evidence
is required and
what form it takes?
• What is the common
practice? For example
in the past has any leave
greater than two consecutive
days required evidence?
• Are statutory declarations
generally accepted
or do you only accept
medical certificates?
• What other information
do you have?
If you would like
assistant with the
drafting of a policy
or procedure, or
are unsure about
personal leave, or
employment matters
generally, please
contact either the
TCCI helpline on
1300 765 123, the
TCC office on 1300
559 122 or workplace
relations at
workplacerelations@
tcci.com.au
Challenge in using capacity
Brett
Charlton
Agility Logistics
A SENATE inquiry is
something new that happened
for me recently –
my words are inked in
Hansard for eternity.
The Tasmanian Logistics
Committee was
called to Melbourne to
present at the senate inquiry
into policy, regulatory,
taxation, administrative
and funding
priorities for Australian
shipping.
The inquiry allowed
the TLC to provide the
point of view of the majority
of Tasmanian industry
that our coastal
shipping task is already
in place and essential to
our trading community
– on the back of the
fact that we are an island
(despite one Senator
bringing up that dreaded
“bridge” concept that
anyone with any concept
of Bass Strait staples as a
chapter of the flat earth
policy).
The position presented
was that our current Bass
Strait service providers
have invested significantly
in new vessels and
infrastructure and that
any threat to these by international
shipping lines
being allowed to carry
domestic cargoes could
bite us in the bum should
Brett Charlton, left, with Senators Alex Gallacher, Barry O’Sullivan and
Glenn Sterle at the shipping senate inquiry.
they erode the viability
of our current services.
The worst case scenario
being that we lose
one or more of our current
service providers to
an international calling
vessel that a year later
sees something shiny in
another part of the planet
and disappears. We said
Tasmania needed to be
viewed as unique as an
island trading state but
by all means consider
options for the big island
– coastal shipping seems
to make sense there.
Although, one of the
comments made before
us by another party at the
senate inquiry raised my
eyebrows: “Our infrastructure
is not ready for
coastal shipping”.
Well, we have certainly
lived that phrase in
Tasmania over the last
six months.
Speak to any transport
company at the moment
and there is an underlying
tension in the air.
Behind the scenes at
the moment there is some
significant disruption in
Tasmania with the freight
task.
Readers of this column
may recall previous
statements about “the future
is so bright” due to
new capacity in the market.
The capacity has arrived
but there have been
challenges in being able
to manage and work the
new capacity.
There is frustration in
the ability to secure domestic
dry cargo northbound
space ex-Tasmania
as the mojo of
working larger vessels
and balancing cargo
volumes has not been
as smooth as everyone
would have liked.
Stories of full depots
of empty and full equipment,
delays for export
containers, redirection of
trucks at the last minute,
short shipments of trailers
are common presently.
The TLC is engaged
in this issue and have assurances
that the mojo is
being refined – “quickly
please” is the message
we are giving.
Chance to cure ailing Northern healthcare
Paul
Lupo
CEO, StLukesHealth
TASMANIA is facing a
once-in-a-generation opportunity
to fundamentally
change the way hospital
and health services
are delivered in Northern
Tasmania after the
commitment by Calvary
Health Care to invest
$100 million in a new
private hospital co-located
with the Launceston
General Hospital.
It is vital we use this investment
to not just simply
relocate the ageing St
Vincent’s and St Luke’s
hospital campuses, but
that we also see it as an
opportunity to undertake
a full investigation into
future health services
and needs, including different
models of care, to
ensure the delivery of the
highest quality and most
affordable healthcare for
both public and private
patients.
Following Calvary’s
unsolicited bid proposal
to the Office of the Coordinator-General
in 2017,
the project has now progressed
to the next phase.
This involves the assessment
panel and Calvary
working together
to finalise the appropriate
location for the new
hospital and defining exactly
what is required to
ensure the co-location
ultimately increases and
improves services and
health outcomes for all
Northern Tasmanians.
I certainly don’t profess
to have all the answers,
but as Tasmania’s
largest not-for-profit
health insurer which invests
all its earnings and
resources back into the
communities we serve,
St.LukesHealth is an important
contributor in the
north and has a role to
play in improving health
service outcomes for
both our members and
the wider community.
To ensure the best possible
outcome for Northern
Tasmania through
Calvary’s proposed investment,
we believe it
would be beneficial for
the Government to consider
the following:
• ensuring LGH and
Calvary work together to
develop a strategy to recruit
new and retain current
specialists in regional
Tasmania;
• allowing specialists
to provide services in the
A co-location is planned with the Launceston General Hospital
public and private hospitals
without restriction,
and ensuring enough
support between both
hospitals to provide specialists
with an attractive
work-life balance;
• ensuring Launceston
is an attractive prospect
for specialists by allowing
time for specialists to
undertake research, with
a view to improving patient
outcomes;
• eradicating the duplication
of services to ensure
funding allocated to
health is spent efficiently;
and
• ensuring the Calvary
project is incorporated as
part of the larger Launceston
Health Precinct
strategy for increased
and improved health service
delivery.
The $260 million
UTAS relocation, plus
the $20 million Launceston
City Heart project
and the $100 million Calvary
co-location all happening
at the same time
gives us an incredible
opportunity to collaborate,
innovate and deliver
an example of how a
regional city can become
a nation leading example
in regional health delivery.
With all these projects
on the drawing board, the
State Government also
has the ideal opportunity
to bring together northern
health stakeholders to
create a better system for
health services for northern
Tasmanians.
Let’s all get on board
and not waste this once
in a lifetime opportunity
to make a real difference
to the health of our local
community.

6 Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Understanding
franking credits
By WAYNE
DAVEY,CEO
Tasplan Super
THERE have been a
lot of claims and counter-claims
lately about
Federal Labor’s policy,
if elected, to end cash
repayments for franking
credits on dividend imputation.
But what exactly is it,
and what does it mean?
In simple terms, dividend
imputation is designed to
avoid double-taxation,
and works like this.
Let’s say you own
shares in a listed company,
for example a major
bank.
As a shareholder,
you’re effectively a
part-owner of that bank.
If that bank makes a
profit it will pay tax on
that profit at the corporate
tax rate (which is
currently 30 per cent).
Let’s say that after
paying tax on its profit,
the bank returns some of
the remaining profits to
its shareholders.
That’s often referred
to as a dividend, but is
technically known as a
“fully-franked (taxed)
dividend”.
That is, the tax on that
dividend has already
been paid.
However, on your tax
return you’ll have to say
that you received a dividend
as a result of owning
shares and declare
the income.
If there weren’t measures
in place, you may
end up paying tax on
your dividend income
twice – once when the
bank’s profits are taxed
and again when you declare
the dividend income
on your tax return
and pay income tax.
Under the tax system
you receive a credit equal
to the amount of tax
that’s already been paid,
which is offset against
the tax you pay on your
tax return.
That’s called a “franking
credit”.
In addition to that, if
you have a tax bill of
zero for the year, your
franking credits will be
given to you as a cash
refund.
Each year, around $6
billion is paid by the government
to shareholders
– either directly, or
through their super funds
– as cash refunds.
According to the Federal
Treasury, the largest
portion, $2.6 billion,
went to self-managed
super funds, followed
by $2.3 billion to individuals,
$700 million to
tax-exempt entities, and
$300 million to regulated
super funds.
If elected, Labor says,
you’ll still be able to offset
your franking credits
against your tax bill, but
you won’t be able to get
a refund if your total tax
bill is zero.
Effectively, their view
is that if you own shares
but you’re not paying
any income tax, you’re
not being taxed twice and
therefore there’s no need
to pay out the franking
credit as a cash refund.
This policy would also
exempt pensioners who
own shares.
It’s certainly a complicated
policy and political
area and I don’t want to
make any judgement on
the relative merit of the
proposal or arguments,
other than to point out
the facts and encourage
you to carefully consider
them and how it may or
may not impact you, and
encourage you to draw
your own conclusions.
Tasplan Super, a
Tasmanian based
profit-for-members
super fund which has
grown to be the state’s
largest and only locally-based
super provider,
with some $9 billion
under management
and 133,000 members
which makes up about
50 per cent of the Tasmanian
workforce.
www.tcci.com.au
Steps to mitigate
effects of gravity
ABOUT 2000 people per year
are hospitalised due to falls that
occur in the workplace.
Although about 17 per
cent of these occurred in the
construction industry the
remainder have taken place
in factories, shops, cafes,
hotels, schools, offices in fact any
workplace.
WHS regulations
Regulation 34-38: In order
to manage risk under the WHS
Regulations, a duty holder must:
• identify reasonably foreseeable
hazards that could give rise to the
risk;
• eliminate the risk so far as is
reasonably practicable;
• if it is not reasonably practicable
to eliminate the risk – minimise
the risk so far as is reasonably
practicable by implementing control
measures in accordance with the
hierarchy of control; and
• maintain the implemented
control measure so that it remains
effective review, and if necessary
revise, risk control measures so as
to maintain, so far as is reasonably
practicable, a work environment that
is without risks to health and safety.
Code of Practice
The first step in the process is
identifying the fall hazards. This can
be achieved by the following.
Craig
Hortle
Workplace Health & Safety
You must identify all locations
and tasks that could cause injury due
to a fall. Tasks that need particular
attention are those carried out:
• on any structure or plant being
constructed or installed, demolished
or dismantled, inspected, tested,
repaired or cleaned;
• on a fragile surface (for
example, cement sheeting roofs,
rusty metal roofs, fibreglass sheeting
roofs and skylights);
• on a potentially unstable surface
(for example, areas where there is
potential for ground collapse);
• using equipment to work at the
elevated level (for example, when
using elevating work platforms or
portable ladders);
• on a sloping or slippery surface
where it is difficult for people to
maintain their balance (for example,
on glazed tiles);
• near an unprotected open edge
(for example, near incomplete
stairwells);
• near a hole, shaft or pit into which
a worker could fall (for example,
trenches, lift shafts or service pits).
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Switch your pension
to a local, trusted,
not-for-profit super fund.
tasplan.com.au 1800 005 166
Issued by Tasplan Pty Ltd. For further information in relation to
whether to acquire or hold the products referred to, please read the
Pension guide available at tasplan.com.au. The trustee of Tasplan Super
(ABN 14 602 032 302) is Tasplan Pty Ltd (ABN 13 009 563 062).
AFSL 235391. © 2019 Tasplan Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

*Source: ABS 8155.0
Authorised by M.Bailey, CEO, TCCI, 309 Liverpool St, Hobart

Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019 9
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
www.tcci.com.au
Nurturing the arts economy
Elise
Archer
Arts Minister
TASMANIA is now recognised
nationally and
internationally for its
cultural and creative industries,
which attracts
visitors, enhances our
lifestyle, and creates employment.
Supporting this vibrant
sector creates jobs and
opportunities and also
contributes to the growth
of the economy through
hospitality, retail and
tourism.
The Liberal Government’s
vision for Tasmania
is to be world-leading
in the cultural and
creative industries, we
have a long-term plan
to nurture and expand
the sector; to flourish in
reputation and develop
collaborative arts partnerships.
Since 2014, the Hodgman
Government has
made great strides in
meeting its goals to grow
our reputation as an attractive
and vibrant community
in which to live;
attract talent to support
population growth; and
support the visitor economy,
and initiate improved
governance and
legislative frameworks
for the arts and cultural
sector.
To assist with achieving
these goals, a new
Ministerial Arts and Cultural
Advisory Council
has been formed.
The purpose of this
council is to have open
and frank discussions
with the sector about opportunities
and challenges
that the Government
may consider in framing
its future arts policy and
activities.
As Arts Minister my
door will remain open to
those wanting to engage
directly.
Arts and culture play a
vital role in the pulse of
any community.
It binds together people
with purpose, pleasure
and passion, as well
as building relationships
across many aspects of
the community.
Tasmania has a long
history of cultural activity.
The nationally renowned
Salamanca Arts
Centre is one of the oldest
multi-arts studio and
presentation facilities in
the country.
More recently, the development
of the internationally-renowned
Museum
of Old and New Art
has led to changes in expectations
of audiences,
visitors and creators as
to the quality of cultural
facilities that can be provided
in Tasmania.
Tasmania’s cultural
pursuits operate across
all dimensions of creativ-
Speigeltent on Hobart’s waterfront is a popular annual event space.
ity, be it screen, the visual
and performing arts,
design, literature, community
and cultural practice,
just to name a few.
In recent years, the
growth of our screen sector
has surpassed many
people’s expectations.
Much of this development
has happened on a
case by case basis and
there is an opportunity
to drive greater value in
cultural asset development
through adopting a
co-ordinated approach.
Tasmania’s brand attributes
and our unique
sense of place enable
and strengthen cultural
events and activities in
the state.
These include festivals,
events and activities
that activate intimate and
flexible spaces including
warehouses, farmland,
sheds, barns, alleyways,
heritage buildings and
the Tasmanian wilderness.
This year marked the
10th anniversary of the
biennial Ten Days on the
Island Festival, a strong
example of the growth,
and also the adaptability
of the Tasmanian arts and
cultural sector.
In 2019 the festival
moved to a new model
where events were
scheduled over three
weekends at more than
50 locations throughout
the North West, North
East and South of Tasmania.
This model encouraged
increased tourism
and local spend, and the
opportunity for people
to discover what our regional
areas have to offer.
To secure Tasmania’s
reputation as a cultural
and creative hub, the
Government is investigating
the current and
future needs for cultural
infrastructure. This work
will assist in guiding the
implementation of the
Hobart City Deal and
inform the realisation of
Macquarie Point as a cultural
and arts precinct.
Tax reform aims at online gambling
TASMANIAN Labor is
committed to meaningful
economic reforms.
That is why Labor will
introduce online wagering
(point of consumption tax)
legislation if the measure
is not included in the upcoming
State Budget.
The Revised Estimates
Report shows that Tasmania
is headed for $343
million in net debt and this
was before the Treasurer
flagged a massive $560
million body blow to the
budget over the forward
estimates early in April
More needs to be done
to improve the state’s bot-
Scott
Bacon
Shadow Treasurer
tom line yet it is a matter
of fact that there has not
been one economic reform
put in place by the Government
since coming to
power in 2014.
Labor is committed to
working constructively
and that’s why we will
move a reform that will
improve Tasmania’s Budget
position by up to $11
million in the first year
with every indication that
this would grow going forward.
A point of consumption
tax on online bookmakers
would make
sure Tasmania gets a
fair return of revenue
from online gambling
companies that are invariably
based on the
mainland.
It is projected that the
levy would generate between
$5-$11 million in
extra revenue for Tasmania.
All mainland states
have introduced a point of
consumption tax on online
bookmakers.
Labor first called for a
point of consumption tax
on online gambling in November
2017.
The measure would
only apply to gambling
companies and not punters.
It would not change the
odds offered to punters –
currently Tasmanian punters
do not get better odds
than those in mainland
states which have a point
of consumption tax.
Importantly, Labor’s
policy includes a tax-free
threshold of $150,000 to
make sure small bookmakers
are protected.
Tasmania’s Budget is
in a weakening position
and it is incumbent on all
representatives to be constructive,
and that’s what
the Labor Party is doing.
www.tasmanianbusinessreporter.com.au
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10 Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Long service rules explained
TASMANIAN employers operating
in building, construction and
civil industry sectors need to be
aware that their obligation to make
contributions for portable long service
may extend to the contractors
they employ.
Where employers engage contractors
who are sole traders wholly
or principally for their labour
they are required to make contributions
into the fund as required
by the Rules of the Construction
Industry Long Service Fund (the
Rules).
This type of worker engagement
is confusing due to the amount of
legislation that may apply in this
area: the Superannuation Guarantee
Act, Alienation of Personal
Services Income and even the
Common Law.
Each has their own test and measures
that muddy the interpretative
waters in this area.
TasBuild’s own rules do not interact
with these other tests or measures.
TasBuild’s rules are a standalone
requirement that only apply to the
Construction Industry (Long Service)
Act and the Rules.
Where an Employer employs another
person in “Relevant Employment”,
and that other person is contracted
to provide, or principally
provide, their labour, then that per-
son is an employee for the purposes
of the Rules.
This applies where the person employed
is an individual or sole trader.
Where the contract is with a partnership
or an incorporated organisation,
the contract is unlikely to meet
the “labour of the person” (i.e. a single
specific person) requirement, unless
specified in the contract.
Where the Employer does contract
an individual or sole trader, for the
provision of their labour, then the
Employer will be required to register
that employee and pay long service
contributions into the Fund.
The employee will then accrue
service towards a long service entitlement
while they are so employed.
What TasBuild
considers?
In applying the “wholly or principally
for labour” component of
the definition, TasBuild will consider
the following questions:
• Did the contract allow the
worker to engage others to do
the work?
• Did the worker provide materials
of a significant value, as
part of the contract?
• Did the worker provide tools
and/or plant or equipment (other
than that normally expected to
be provided by a worker doing
TasBuild CEO Chris Atkins, left, with Mark Millhouse from Vos, one
of the many partnerships across Tasmania.
the type of work for which they
were engaged) of a significant
value as part of the contract?
• Did the worker need to apply
skills at a higher level than
would normally be expected
from a worker of their classification?
Contracts
The best form of contractual agreement
in these circumstances is a
written contract.
Where both parties have freely
signed the contract, it provides evidence
of their agreement and corroborates
both party’s agreement, as to
conditions.
It will also be a part of valuable
evidence for TasBuild’s assessment.
Where the contract is verbal, evidence
of the actual conditions agreed
to is more difficult to prove.
Having said that, where both parties
confirm the conditions, that is
quite acceptable.
In such circumstances, TasBuild
will review all the available information
and make a decision based on
the evidence provided by each party.
Online tool
To help employers and workers
work out their position, TasBuild has
developed an online assessment tool.
The tool will be available shortly
on our web page at www.tasbuild.
com.au
If you need any further
information, please contact
TasBuild on 03 6294 0807.
There are workers in the construction
industry who are eligible for TasBuild’s
portable long service leave, but are
missing out.
Are they employed
for labour?
Are materials supplied?
Do they invoice the boss?
Are they getting long
service leave?
Take the 2 minute worker test on
our website to see where your
business stands.
www.tasbuild.com.au

Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019 11
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Uni courses target health
By DR CAROLYN
KING
Associate Degree in
Applied Health and
Community Support
course coordinator.
ONE in every five new jobs in
Australia is in the health care,
community development and
social assistance sectors.
In Tasmania, 30,000 people
are employed in paid work in
this industry, with thousands
more in informal or voluntary
roles.
The three service types with
the highest current net growth
are community development,
ageing and carer services and
disability services.
Given that two of these
three areas of growth are currently
engaged in Royal Commissions,
it is an imperative
that we seek new approaches
for educating people within
these roles.
In response to the recognised
need in terms of both
workforce and education, the
University College at the University
of Tasmania has developed
a two-year Associate
Degree in Applied Health and
Community Support which
was offered for the first time
in February this year.
The curriculum was developed
following extensive
consultation with peak bodies,
organisations and individuals
within the health, social and
community service sectors,
who indicated that they were
grappling with the effects of
significant changes in community
needs, service models
and consumer expectations, as
well as increases in role complexity
and projected workforce
demands.
In order to support a growing
workforce through change
and complexity, a number of
critical areas of education and
skill development were identified.
The first was the need to foster
a broad skill base, with the
agility and flexibility to cross
traditional sectoral boundaries
between for example, health,
disability, mental health, aged
care, and social and community
services, while ensuring
that sector-specific requirements
were not lost.
The second was to promote
and strengthen self-determination
and consumer-led approaches,
and increase the
The health care, community development and social assistance sectors are growing.
focus on health promotion,
prevention and community
capacity-building.
The third involved the explicit
inclusion of transferrable
or “enterprise skills”
such as critical thinking, reflective
and evidence-based
practice, health and digital
literacy, as well as planning,
evaluation and quality improvement.
It was determined that supporting
employees to achieve
a balance between providing
quality services and working
within a successful and
sustainable business environment,
required a curriculum
with streams that were people-focused,
examining for
example, the principles of
ethics, inclusivity, diversity,
cultural competence and compassion;
as well as providing
an understanding of the principles
and practices of community
development, business
enterprise, leadership, management
and communication.
In its first offering, the
course has attracted 50 students
from a range of backgrounds,
who are studying at
campuses in Hobart, Launceston
and the Cradle Coast.
Some students have expressed
an interest in upskilling
in their current roles, others
are looking for a career
change, while school leavers
have seen the course as a way
of fast-tracking themselves
into a growing workforce and
a rewarding career.
The diversity of student
backgrounds and life experiences
has contributed to deep
and rich learning opportunities,
while the diversity of
input from industry experts
promises to keep the course
content contemporary, relevant
and rewarding for both
graduates and employers.
It is hoped that this type
of dynamic collaboration between
industry and the University
of Tasmania’s University
College can build
confidence and sustainability
in an industry currently dealing
with significant change
and challenges, and effectively
support and empower the
workforce.
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so you can find the right balance between work, life and study.
Your path to progress starts with a single step. Visit our website or call 1800 788 244 to speak with a course advisor.
utas.edu.au/college

12 Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019
FOCUS ON BUSINESS
Spotlight on mental health
THE WorkCover Tasmania Board
together with WorkSafe Tasmania
has launched a new Mental Health
Awareness Campaign raising awareness
around mental health hazards
that exist at work
The campaign is titled “Safety is
everything” with the major feature
being a series of attention-grabbing
television advertisements.
They ask viewers to spot the person
who is not safe, acknowledging
that we are used to looking out
for traditional safety hazards in the
workplace, but are not familiar spotting
mental health hazards.
The “Safety is everything” message
highlights that our mental
health is just as important as our
physical health.
The long-term goal is to break
down the stigma associated with
mental health conditions and create
workplaces where it is OK to speak
up and seek help.
And this starts with creating workplace
cultures where mental health is
supported and discussed as openly as
physical health.
Tasmania’s statistics reveal the total
number of workplace injuries has
been steadily declining, alarmingly
though, the number of mental disease
injuries has increased.
In 2018, mental disease injuries
made up 8.5 per cent of all workplace
injuries reported, almost doubling
the 2008 numbers.
These results highlight why more
Workplace bullying has been identified as a common cause of mental injury.
awareness and continual improvement
is still needed and why Work-
Safe have identified mental health as
a priority condition in the 2018-23
WorkSafe Tasmania Strategic Plan.
Mental health is identified in the
Strategic Plan as a priority condition
based on the severity of consequences
of harm(s), the number of
people estimated to be affected and
the existence of known prevention
options.
The most common causes of
mental disease injuries in 2018
were work pressure and work related
harassment and/or workplace
bullying.
Mental disease injuries can impact
on workplaces in a number of
ways including but not limited to;
• increased staff turnover;
• reduced productivity for example
through presenteeism and absenteeism;
• increased number of workplace
injuries (claims); and
• increasing workers compensation
premiums.
WorkSafe is continuing to develop
and promote a number of strategies
to deliver its promise to the
Tasmanian community of being
‘Safe and Well, Every Day’.
These strategies include a focus
on targeted harm reduction and
building culture and capability.
Ensuring Tasmanians are safe and
healthy at work is also one of the
Tasmanian Government’s key commitments
and the Government has
set itself the goal of making Tasmania
the healthiest population in Australia
by 2025.
The Tasmanian Population Health
Survey conducted in 2016 surveyed
6300 Tasmanians.
Thirty per cent of those interviewed
sought help for current mental
health issues showing an increase
in previous years.
Sadly these results are above the
Australian Bureau of Statistics’
2017-18 National Health Survey results
which indicated 20.1 per cent
of Australians reported experiencing
mental and behavioural conditions.
With mental health affecting so
many Tasmanians regardless, Work-
Safe is committed to improving
awareness around mental health,
particularly around mental health
hazards at work.
The television advertisements
aired for the first time on Saturday,
April 28, instilling the message -
“Safety is Everything”.
Dedicated WorkSafe Mental
Health Awareness webpage
campaign information and support
materials can be found at
www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
Can you spot
the people who
aren’t safe?
Find out who they are at worksafe.tas.gov.au
Have a close look. Workplace hazards are
often hard to spot, and not all of them are
about physical safety. We keep our bodies
safe at work. Let’s keep our minds safe too.
Safety is
everything.

Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019 13
NEWS
Lift in poppy crop area and returns
Poppy Grower, Jason Cresswell, from Deloraine, left,
and Tasmanian Alkaloids’ Field Operations Manager,
Noel Beven,
Customer-owned
banks hail reform
TASMANIAN Alkaloids has announced a 65
percent increase to the 2019/2020 poppy crop
and increased payments to growers.
The number of hectares required for the
2019/2020 poppy crop has increased to more
than 8000 hectares. The company has also
announced price increases for two of the four
poppy varieties currently grown, at 12 per cent
and 15 per cent.
About 400 growers statewide will cultivate
the crop to fulfil the company’s forecast sales to
international pharmaceutical manufacturers.
About half of the world’s legal opiate crop is
grown in Tasmania and processed by Tasmanian
Alkaloids.
Tasmanian Alkaloids’ Director of Alkaloid
Raw Material Business, Peta Dolan, said the
industry was positive of its future despite recent
challenges.
“While the international regulatory
environment continues to evolve, and
the industry adjusts accordingly, health
professionals acknowledge that appropriately
managed and administered opiate-based
medications remain one of the best options to
treat acute pain; including pain associated with
palliative care, post-operative care, and massive
trauma.
“More than three million Australians alone
live with chronic pain,” Ms Dolan said.
“The alkaloid raw material grown in
Tasmania and processed by Tasmanian
Alkaloids is used to manufacture active
pharmaceutical ingredients that offer effective
pain management solutions to patients.
“This is a huge responsibility and one our
growers and Tasmanian Alkaloids takes very
seriously.”
Free range
‘eggspection’
Paul
Ranson
CEO, Bank of us
IN THE week leading up
to the announcement of
the Federal election, Parliament
passed the Treasury
Laws Amendment
(Mutual Reforms) Bill
2019.
This important Bill includes
several reforms
that will lower barriers
to capital raising by mutual
companies and help
customer-owned banking
institutions, like Bank of
us, be more competitive.
The customer-owned
banking sector has been
advocating for a more
level playing field across
the Australian banking
industry for some time
now.
Back in 2016, I wrote
about how the sector was
in an enviable position.
As a sector, we’ve
continued to perform
strongly – delivering better
pricing, choice, innovation
and service for
customers and we have
seen an increasing trend
of new customers voting
with their feet and join
us.
There is a real opportunity
for the customer-owned
banking sector
to be a bigger player in
the Australian banking
sector but it relies on
having access to affordable
high quality capital
to support our growth.
To date the customer-owned
banking sector
has been restricted to relying
on its profits as the
principal source of capital
generation.
With the sector typically
operating on a lower
level of profitability
due to their desire to pass
on real value to customers
in the form of lower
priced products this has
meant that growth potential
over the long run can
only be modest unless
Customer-owned banks pass on value through lower priced products.
there is the opportunity
to generate new forms of
capital.
The passing of Mutual
Reforms Bill is crucial
as it amends the Corporations
Act to implement
the following key reforms:
• defining a mutual entity
as a legitimate business
model;
• reforming the demutualization
rules to only
be triggered in an intended
demutualization; and
• creating a mutual-specific
Mutual Capital
Instrument (MCI).
Ultimately, the new
legislation will give Australia’s
customer-owned
banking sector another
option for raising capital.
The Bill was drafted
in response to recommendations
in the Senate
Economics References
Committee report
into cooperatives, mutuals
and member-owned
firms, released in March
2018.
The report acknowledged
that the customer-owned
model has not
had a fair go in regulatory
frameworks that are
set up to deal with listed
companies.
The passing of this Bill
shows both sides of Parliament
support the customer-owned
banking
sector and can see how
these reforms will help
provide greater choice
for customers and with
greater choice comes
better outcomes for customers.
The customer-owned
banking sector has a long
history of putting customers
first. With continued
action towards a
more level playing field,
we will be positioned to
do this on a sustainable,
long-term basis.
Anna Yip from Off the table with farm manager
John Sattler at Pure Foods Eggs Longford.
TASMANIA’S largest
free range egg farm has
launched on-farm experiences
that lets consumers
go behind-the-scenes.
Tens of thousands of
eggs are laid, washed,
quality checked and sold
all around Tasmania, every
day of the year - with
many consumers unaware
of the process involved.
Pure Foods Eggs has
opened up its state-of-the
art facilities at Longford
to showcase the technology
it uses to keep its
hens happy.
Farmer John Sattler
said the business had
designed its farming
systems around bird behaviour.
An agritourism marketplace
that enables
food producers to access
tourism through on
farm food experiences,
Off the table, has
launched “eggspection”
tours in conjunction with
Pure Foods Eggs, with
consumers now able to
walk through the facility.
“It’s incredibly clean,
high-tech and fun” says
Off the table founder
Anna Yip.
Pure Foods Eggs supply
well-known brands
such as Valleybrook, Aberfeldy,
Country Farmhouse
and Save the Tasmanian
Devil Program
Appeal and are sold in
Coles, Woolworths, selected
IGA supermarkets,
Hills Street Grocers and
Salamanca Fresh.

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
14 Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019
NEWS
Red flags out
for workplace
mental health
TASMANIA’S business
community made a commitment
to support mental
health research during
a recent International
Women’s Day luncheon.
Business leaders and
Parliamentary representatives
started to publicly
challenge each other to
battle it out in The Mind
Games.
The Mind Games -
Race for Research - is
being held in October
this year.
Teams will come together
in a series of fun
challenges, with the aim
of raising the profile
of mental health in the
RETIRED Australian
Rear Admiral and former
Deputy Chief of Navy,
Michael van Balen, has
been announced as the
new Principal of the
Australian Maritime
College.
Mr van Balen, pictured,
will start in the
role on May 13.
He has had a more
than 38 year career in
the Navy.
After joining the Navy
as a cadet in the late
1970s, Mr Van Balen
has held several key positions
including Principal
Warfare Officer,
Commanding Officer of
HMAS Sydney, Chief of
Defence Force Liaison
Officer to United States
Central Command, Deputy
Chief of Navy and
Head Navy Personnel,
Training and Resources.
workplace and raising
money for the Menzies
Institute for Medical Research.
“It was really encouraging
to hear so many
people in the room say
this issue resonates with
them, and how keen they
were to support workplace
mental health research”
said Larissa
Bartlett, mental health
researcher at Menzies.
The Mind Games will
have teams competing in
a series of challenges that
will encourage working
together and having fun.
“Unfortunately I’m
seeing it more and more
Navy man at AMC helm
He was appointed as
an Officer of the Order
of Australia (AO) in January
2015.
Mr van Balen will
oversee the development
of a new strategic plan
that captures the role of
AMC nationally and in-
in the work that I do”
said Sherri Ring, of Energy
Health.
“People are more anxious,
stressed and depressed
than ever,” she
said.
“We want The Mind
Games to remind people
to look after both
their physical and mental
health, and at the same
time raise money for
Menzies to undertake its
research.”
The Mind Games will
be held on October 18.
For more information
and to register your
business go to www.themindgames.com.au
ternationally and defines
its role and priorities.
College of Sciences
and Engineering Executive
Dean, Professor Brian
Yates, welcomed the
appointment.
“As the national institute
for maritime education,
training and research,
AMC has a remit
which will be of great
importance as Australia
seeks to achieve sovereign
capability in the
National Naval Shipbuilding
Enterprise,”
Professor Yates said.
“At the same time,
AMC will work closely
with the state as part of
the state’s defence strategy,
the development of
the defence network and
the proposal for the Maritime
Defence Innovation
and Design Precinct
at Newnham.”
WANTED
Business
movers and
shakers
• Promotions
• Appointments
• Awards
• Celebrating
success
Share the news
with the
Tasmanian
business
community
Cripps CEO Paul Gadomski challenges local business leaders and politicians, incuding Labor
MLC Sarah Lovell, to raise a red flag for mental health.
Assesors reduce risk
WORKFORCE Health
Assessors has celebrated
its 15th anniversary and
will open its first international
office this year to
celebrate.
The business has
grown in leaps and
bounds since it first
started operating out of
a shearing shed at Cambridge.
Previously operating
as National Strategic
Occupational Services,
WHA is a provider of a
variety of occupational
health services, including
pre-employment and
ongoing medicals, drug
and alcohol testing, hearing
tests and health and
wellness programs.
WHA began when
Managing Director and
Co-Founder, Jason Unwin,
and his three business
partners, recognised
a gap in the market, formulating
a plan to revolutionise
the way medical
assessments were
Flair Office Furniture is a Tasmanian owned and operated family
business offering an exceptional range of ergonomic furniture to
home offices and businesses across Tasmania. We work closely with
occupational therapists and focus primarily on alternative seating
and height adjustable desks to fulfil the needs of our clients.
A free measure and quote for every client is all part of our service.
Everyone here at Flair Office Furniture is committed to making your
working day a pleasure, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call or
visit our showroom at 260 Argyle Street.
Flair Office Furniture
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2
CELEBRATING
E S T
.
YEARS
WHA Managing Director Jason Unwin, right, and staff members.
2 0 0 4
conducted and reported.
“Competitors were
looking to off-the-shelf
and off-shore solutions,”
Mr Unwin recalled.
The business developed
game-changing
proprietary software and
technology, to provide
clients with the ability to
book, track and receive
reports within a 24-hour
time frame.
Mr Unwin said WHA’s
software went live in August
2005 and it was an
industry first—the only
truly digital pre-employment
medical online
software system.
“The software we’ve
created helps reduce
workplace risk. It ensures
the safety of the employee
in question, and the
workers around them—
helping to provide a safer
working environment,
but also ultimately improving
an organisation’s
bottom-line,” Mr Unwin
said.
WHA has more than
40 facilities across Australia
and is set to open
its first offices in New
Zealand later this year.
It has also recently upgraded
its four Tasmanian
offices in Hobart,
Launceston, Devonport
and Burnie.
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fontpr.com.au

Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019 15
EVENTS
Tony Fox of WIN
TV, left, and
Brad Nowland
of
Font PR.
Saigon District owner Cuong Nguyen, left,
William Neale and Debi Marshall.
What:
Saigon District Kitchen
and Bar grand opening.
Where:
Saigon District, Elizabeth Street,
North Hobart.
When:
Thursday, April 18.
Tom Coyle and Andrea Wright.
Amy McKenzie, left, and Kathy Tria.
Emma Devlin
and Jake
Smith, both
of Macq01.
Attorney General
Elise Archer, Brad
Stansfield of Font
PR and Priscilla
Stansfield.
Varuni Kulasekera, left, Brian Ritchie, Griff Jones,
Damian Mather.
Kate Fox, left, Adam Reibel, Dave Flower and
Trish Lewis.

16 Tasmanian Business Reporter - MAY 2019
PROPERTY MATTERS
Confidence in sight for retail
Scott Newton
Property Matters with
Knight Frank
In this month’s editorial, Matthew Wright,
our Retail Sales and Leasing specialist,
gives an update on Hobart’s retail sector
of the property market.
DESPITE the recent media
surrounding the decline of
the general retail market, to
date the 2018/2019 financial
year has proved to be another
growth year for the retail sector
in Tasmania.
Since mid 2013, retail turnover
has shown consistent
levels of growth.
The Australian Bureau of
Statistics (March 2019) reported
that retail sales figures
were strong and reflected a
4.5 per cent increase in the
last 12 months.
The Commonwealth Bank
State of the States’ January
2019 outlines Tasmania’s retail
spending increased 13.7
per cent on the decade average
spend, which increased
Tasmania up two spots to
fourth in Australia.
The Hobart market has
seen change throughout the
past three to four years with a
host of new leading national
tenants coming to the fold.
The past 12 months have
seen further national tenants
join the Hobart CBD – Angus
& Coote, Silk Laser Clinic,
Seed Child and Oscar Wylee.
Hobart’s growing reputation
as one of the world’s best
restaurant and produce scenes
has been further enhanced
during this period with a
number of new restaurants
opening as well as leading
bars. The Den, Botanica and
Evolve opening in the last 12
months.
The long-awaited Parliament
Square development is
forecast to open towards the
end of 2019- early 2020 and
Knight Frank is the exclusive
leasing agent.
There are many exciting retailers/food
and beverage operators
that will compliment
Australia’s first Luxury Collection
hotel by the Marriot
group.
The flow of investment
activity into the Hobart retail
market has been strong
in recent years, aided by an
increasing number of buyers
becoming priced out of the
mainland capital cities.
In turn, more investors are
moving up the risk curve by
investing in Hobart where
yield metrics are move elevated.
The past 12 months have
seen the freehold market for
retail sales transactions reduce
in number of transactions
due to a large number
of strip retail offerings being
sold in the previous 12-24
months prior.
The longawaited
Parliament
Square
development
that is
forecast
to open
towards the
end of 2019,
early 2020.
Buyer confidence remains
very strong in greater Tasmania
for retail assets with either
strong single lease covenants,
development opportunities or
mixed use/multiple tenancies
seeing multiple bidding parties
competing on these retail
offerings that have been put
to the market in the past 12
months.
Key assets that have sold
are 119 Collins Street, Hobart
(Former Country Road),
116 and 112 Liverpool Street,
Hobart, 164 Liverpool, 105-
109 Campbell Street, Hobart
(Officeworks), 179 Macquarie
Street, Hobart (Former
Myer), 345 Elizabeth Street,
North Hobart (Nandos).
Hobart’s CBD has experienced
significant development
in recent years and looks set to
continue as Hobart transitions
into a more modern city.
PROPERTY VIEW
May 2019
Heritage CBD Offices.
111-119 Cameron Street, Launceston.
For Sale by Expressions of Interest.
“Argyle Central” .
36 Argyle Street, Hobart.
For Lease by Negotiation.
Net rent
$540,292 pa*
Land holding
2,433 sqm*
GLA 2,866 sqm*
Premium
CBD location
Anticipated 5
star NABERS
Available est’d
late 2019
“Esk View Terraces” and “Barrett Terrace”, arguably the most
appealing commercial offering for a long time. Refurbished
modern offices with long leases to the State Government
and a highly recognized CBD heritage streetscape, this
offering is simply stunning.
Charles Black 0409 317 607
Rob Dixon 0408 134 025
A Healthy Investment.
118 Liverpool Street, Hobart.
For Sale by Expressions of Interest.
*Approx
Be part of Hobart’s newest, and most exciting mixed-use
commercial development, “Argyle Central” with up to 3,100
sqm of commercial accommodation available over four
contiguous levels. Floor plates ranging in size from 717 sqm*
to 818 sqm* with potential for smaller tenancies.
Scott Newton 0409 186 261
Richard Steedman 0408 559 046
Occupy, Invest, Develop.
4 Watchorn Street, Hobart.
For Sale by Expressions of Interest.
*Approx
Net income:
$110,093 pa*
Lettable area:
554 sqm*
100% leased
to Liv-Eat
Site Area:
247 sqm*
Lettable area:
398 sqm*
Owner occupy
or invest
Four level commercial building that is fully leased to
established operator Liv-Eat. Situated on Hobart’s central
retail block with a high level of passing traffic. Surrounded by
an abundance of leading national tenants.
Richard Steedman 0408 559 046
Matthew Wright 0458 290 588
*Approx
Knight Frank has the exclusive opportunity to offer for sale
this virtually stand-alone office building in a rapidly developing
corner of Hobarts CBD. The property has been utilised as
solicitor’s offices for many years and this is the first time it has
been offered to the market in over 30 years.
Scott Newton 0409 186 261
Hayden Peck 0412 766 395
5 Victoria Street, Hobart 54 Cameron Street, Launceston 48-54 Oldaker Street, Devonport
P: 03 6220 6999 P: 03 6333 7888 P: 03 6424 3568
*Approx