This week I hosted my first ever webinars– employer focused presentations on the obligations for employers when it comes to super. 

This provided an opportunity for employers to obtain a comprehensive overview of the steps they needed to follow to ensure they were meeting all the necessary superannuation obligations…all from the comfort of their own workplace/office. The session was 45 mins in length, and included the opportunity for participants to ask questions both during, and after the presentation. Based on the feedback from ALL participants, this forum has certainly received the thumbs-up from employers. 

“A great way to transfer information without having to leave the office. I learned a few useful things I wasn’t aware of. Thanks Mike & Tasplan” – Dave, Mount Carmel College. 

Last week I caught up with the energetic and infectious Ashley Wilson, Managing Director of the ever growing business, Shiploads. I could tell he was very excited about the impending opening of the new Shiploads store in Glenorchy in July, which I’d read about in the Mercury a week earlier. 

For those who don’t know Ashley, he left his high profile position with Chickenfeed after it was sold in early 2010, as he wanted to live in Tasmania rather than move with the organisation to Sydney. 

Having worked in discount retailing for many years, Ashley told me he saw an opportunity to offer Tasmanians even greater choice when it came to providing exceptional value to customers looking for a bargain. And with the economic climate none too warm, the timing it seemed, was perfect to help Tasmanians weather that storm.

Last night, Treasurer Wayne Swan delivered the 2012 Federal Budget. The glaring omission from this budget was the previously proposed cut in the company tax rate...something clearly not popular with business! 

Below is a summary of the measures affecting superannuation:

Deferral of higher concessional contributions cap
The Government had previously announced that concessional contribution caps (limits on any employer contributions, including salary sacrifice) would be based on an individuals super balance rather than a different cap applying to those over or under age 50.

Today marks the 25th anniversary since Tasplan opened its doors for business back in 1987, and as the staff member who processed the very first Tasplan member application  all those years ago, I’m proud of our achievements from such humble beginnings. 

In those days, superannuation was only for the privileged, until what was then known as “award superannuation” started to roll out industry-by-industry in the late 80’s. This saw the introduction of a compulsory super contribution of 3% for a large percentage of the working population, until the Government introduced the Superannuation Guarantee Legislation in 1992, which saw the contribution rate rise to 9% over a number of years. 

What will YOU be doing this Mother’s Day? 

Sure, sleeping in and getting breakfast in bed would be a great treat, but why not help to raise awareness and important funds for cancer research by joining me, along with thousands of other mums, dads, sons, daughters, uncles, aunties and kids around the country, and run or walk in this year’s annual Mother’s Day Classic? 

Tasplan is an avid supporter of this great community event, organised by ‘Women in Super’ - a national network of women working in the superannuation and finance industries – to support the fight against breast cancer, and improve the survival rate of the one-in-nine women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. 

All proceeds from the Mother's Day Classic are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and since it started back in 1998, the Mother's Day Classic has raised nearly $11 million dollars!

We often hear it said that good things come in small packages, and never a truer word has been spoken after a visit to Richmond based business, Old Hobart Town, now celebrating its 21^st year. 

It’s almost ironical that many Hobart locals like myself probably don’t even know some of our tourist hot-spots and attractions, simply because we’re not looking for them. But I must say I was surprised and fascinated by this historical miniature replica town that I’d never visited before.

Owned and operated by local, Andrew Quick, Old Hobart Town is a 1:16 scale replica of Hobart in the 1820’s offering the visitor a unique and interesting glimpse into the early history of both Australia and Tasmania, along with its notorious and harsh convict past. It shows how the early town differs considerably from the modern city we know now, yet recognisable features and buildings can still be seen.

Last night I attended the annual Business East business forum, with this year’s theme being  “Opportunities for business growth in 2012 and beyond”. At this function, held at Blundstone Arena, I had the opportunity to rub shoulders and chat with a number of people about their local business, both large and small. 

The night was thoroughly enjoyable, with some fabulous guest speakers providing revelations and inspiration about their own business success, as well as learning more about some of the resources available to assist small businesses. 

In particular, we heard from well known Tasmanian entrepreneur, Robert Pennicott, as well as some humorous tales and anecdotes from Michael Cooper, Managing Director of Juicy Isle Pty Ltd. 

If you’re a wine lover, perhaps you might want to take a trip down to old Richmond town and visit the hard working team at Pooley Wines - they've just been voted Tassie’s Top Vineyard for 2012. 

And judging by the number of awards and trophies I saw on display at their business yesterday, the Pooleys are no strangers to success. 

From modest beginnings back in 1985, the family owned and operated business was established by the late Denis and Margaret Pooley at the family farm in Cooinda Vale near Campania. It expanded further in 2003 when son John and his wife Libby purchased  heritage listed Belmont Estate in Richmond where today, cellar door sales are made from old sandstone stables. 

In my regular discussions with employers, I often hear them talk of situations where employees come to them asking for advice or opinions on certain issues relating to superannuation.

Employers need to be very careful when tackling this situation.

The Federal Government’s Financial Services Reform Act (FSRA), sets down a strict code of conduct and a structured licensing regime in regard to the provision of financial planning and advice. This legislation is all-embracing and severely restricts what an employer can and can’t say to employees about their superannuation...or any financial product for that matter.

By just offering an opinion or making a favourable comment about a particular financial product, you could be in breach of the FSRA!

On 29^th March, legislation passed through Parliament providing for the increase in the compulsory Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contribution rate up to 12%. This rise, from 9% to 12%, will be phased in between 2013 and 2019, with the first rise being from 1 July 2013 when the levy rises to 9.25%.

The superannuation increase was originally introduced as part of the mining tax package in 2010, and according to the Federal Government, will be funded through the reduction in the company tax rates. 

From July 2013, the company tax rate will decrease to 29% (from 30%) and from July 2014, the company tax rate will decrease to 28%.