Start-ups - Our experts panel were involved in the consultation process that took place around start-ups, which in part resulted from some of their ideas set out in a report. The report highlighted the key issues for start-up companies and the proposed solutions. It also suggested a plan design that could work across all companies and remove complexity. This design was eventually implemented in the final legislation.
As a result of this work, in June, 2015, the Employee Shares Schemes (ESS) Legislation was passed through Federal Parliament, with 22 MPs speaking in favour of the motion. The debate on the ESS Bill 2015, the electronic version of the Act, and the background to the Bill – as well as some excellent research on employee share ownership in Australia produced by Parliament House staff to inform MPs – can be seen on the Government page.
Our Inner Circle Company Group - In March, 2014 we set up our Inner Circle Group made up of companies committed to employee ownership. There are two Inner Circle groups, one targeted at
private and unlisted companies and one targeted at listed entities. These groups are now driven by their members with input from EOA. You can see their initial reaction of large listed companies to the Regulatory changes that happened this year.
Overseas Connections - EOA has continued to stay in contact with Graeme Nuttall in the UK and Loren Rodgers in the US. A close relationship has also been developed with the International Association for Financial Participation who participated in our 2015 Conference.
Public Service Mutuals - We have also been working with BCCM (Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals) on their Public Sector Mutuals Taskforce. EOA made a submission in June, 2015 to the “Senate Enquiry into cooperatives, mutuals and member owned firms”. The report of this Enquiry will be delivered in in early 2016.
