April 08 Newsletter

Beaumont Expands!

Well, March was a very busy month for us here at Beaumont Consulting, and we are delighted the team here is growing rapidly! Here are the new faces that have recently joined us:

Susan Betts – Consultant - Parramatta

Jess Mathieson – Consultant – Business Services

Debbie Jenkins – Administration Assistant

Chris Mulvenney – Consultant - Chatswood

You can find out a bit more about our newest stars by clicking here

We are very excited to have some great additions to our team, and they have all settled in fabulously… Watch this space for news on further growth!!

34 Year Low in Unemployment Rate

Job seekers can remain optimistic with the latest increase in employment rates. The recent Labour Force report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that employments rates have risen to over 10.6 million. This is due to an additional 36, 700 jobs filled in the labour market.

The labour force has also seen a decrease of unemployment rates by 4.1%. The unemployment rates decreased by 16,800 to 440,900. This is the lowest it has been since August 1974.

The Australian economic market has been suffering with the recent increase of interest rates coupled with soaring petrol prices. This has caused alarm amongst Australian homeowners, and economic stress has caused people to search for second and third jobs creating a 34 year low in the labour force.

Tax File Alert

Workers are being warned by the Tax Office about protecting their tax file numbers (TFN). Identity crime is an increasing threat, as many people dismiss TFN’s unknowingly. People are being reminded that only a select amount of organisations are allowed to ask for your TFN.

The people that are allowed to access to your TFN

Tax office
Employer when you start work
Bank or financial institution
Tax agent
Centrelink
Superannuation fund

Fast Track Skills Shortages

The Rudd government has decided to fast track the Skilling Australia for the Future policy underlined in the election. The policy pledges to fund 450,000 training places over the next 4 years.

The fast track of the policy is addressing the nation’s skills shortages. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that “the first 20,000 of the additional trading places will be available by April this year”. This will be aimed towards the mining and construction sectors.

According to the PM the new legislation will be brought to the parliament as a matter of priority where migrant skills will also be assessed. “The nation needs to deal with the real economic challenges represented by the current skills shortages” Mr. Rudd said.

Workforce Updates

Australian Work Choices
Australian Work Choices Agreement has been officially disembarked by the Labour government. Labours opposition leader Kevin Rudd officially committed to Labour’s decision to abolish the governments Work Choices legislation. This restores workers rights to public holidays, paid leave, and redundancy provisions.

Lucky Ladies
The trend has been set by Myer as they are providing paid maternity leave for pregnant women. Myer will be paying both part time and full time staff 6 weeks maternity leave in hope to attract and maintain its employees. This strengths the movements for paid maternity leave to be standardized in Australia.

What’s on in April?

Free workshops for parents and supervisors of Learner Drivers
2nd – 3rd April
The City of Sydney is conducting free workshops for parents and supervisors of learner drivers. Bookings essential.

Renaissance food in Library
12 February – 5th April
Hear Heather Bentley tantalize your taste buds from cuisines of the world.

smART Arts Festival 2008
12th April
The annual Youth Arts and Cultural festival showcasing young local talent, including visual arts, performance arts and music.

Surry Hills Festival 2008
12th April
Top line up of artists and bands, more than 250 market stalls, the infamous Surry Hills Dog Show and for the first time, a cat walk, showcasing fashions from local designers are part of a showcase of our inner city’s finest culture and creative arts.

Good Neighbourhood BBQ
30th March- 30th April
A series of community BBQs featuring live music and children’s activities are planned for the City South area to provide you with safety advice on how to better secure your home, and information on events and activities taking place in your area. It is also a chance to meet Council safety officers and local police.

Youth Week in the City
6th-20th April
A great range of events and activities to celebrate Youth Week 2008, including art and skate workshops, film screenings, pool party, exhibitions and sports competitions.

Living in Harmony Program
8th march-30th April
Harmony Day is the Commonwealth’s initiative to provide Australians with an opportunity to think about our community’s success as a multicultural society; re-commit to continuing respect, good will and understanding between Australians of all backgrounds; and say ‘no’ to racism.

For more information about these events visit;
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2199-sydney-event-calendar.asp