Dear subscribers,

The last few months have been a busy time for the EOA, with meetings with MPs in Canberra, the Australian Government’s review of the rules governing start-ups and employee share schemes and our joint involvement in a major new task force for employee owned public service mutuals.

Our conference registration is now open, the conference will be held in Sydney at PwC this year on Thursday 22 May from 1.45PM onwards. There is a special early bird rate that is only valid for 1 week. If you attend the conference you are also able to become a member at reduced rates.

Our latest speaker confirmations include Sue Benefield from BHP, Micaela Costello from CSL, Craig Hespe from IAG and Yolande Foord from Telstra.

Meeting with the Federal Government Economics and Finance Committee in Canberra - Employee Ownership Sector Calls for Sweeping Reform

The EOA Expert’s Panel met with the Federal Government Economics and Finance Committee in Canberra on Monday 3 March, 2013. The meeting was chaired by Tony Smith MP and Christian Porter in attendance as secretary.

We were delighted to see the support within this group for employee ownership at every level. There were a lot of knowledgeable people in the room and they understood the challenges that companies are facing, including, the issue of tax at cessation of employment.

We were able to present on the key areas for reform, provide some detailed information about research in this area and answer questions from those present.  You can find a summary of the reforms in our latest blog, Press release: March 3, Employee Ownership Sector Calls for Sweeping Reform.

You can also read Tony Smith MP’s opinion piece showing his support, AFR March 4.

Read more of the press articles in this area
Read MPs eye employee share scheme, The Australian, March 3
Read Backbench MPs push for employee share scheme, BRW March 3

Listen can also listen to our Radio interview (from about 15 minutes in).

EOA Submission to Treasury Employee Ownership Consultation

In January the Government issued a commitment to addressing public concerns with Employee Share Schemes. The EOA was consulted for comment, and our full submission to Treasury can be read here: Employee Share Schemes and Start-up Companies: Administrative and Taxation Arrangements.

Public Service Mutuals Task Force

The EOA has joined the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) Public Service Mutuals Task Force. The Taskforce will oversee the preparation of a Green paper on the viability of employee run mutuals to operate public services in Australia, with an emphasis on the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Read the preliminary report: The roles for co-operatives and mutuals in delivering Australian public services.