Southern Cross Group Newsletter

Occasional Newsletter
No.2 of 2008 25 February 2008
in this issue
Australia 2020 Summit
2020 Youth Summit
Australian Parliament
Apology to Australia's Indigenous People
New Legislation
Immigration Package to Ease Skills Shortage
Australia-United States 'Open Skies' Agreement
Government Review of Export Policies and Programs
Garnaut Climate Change Review
First Home Saver Accounts
New Diplomatic Appointments
Recognition of Republic of Kosova
Taxation
Superannuation
World wide webs: Diasporas and the international system

European Union (EU) Emergency Number...
Avoiding Scams and Fraud
Web Sites of Interest
Spread...the Word

From the Editor

The last two weeks have seen the first sittings of the 42nd Australian Parliament in which the Labor Party now contols the House of Representatives. Much has been happening as you will see from some of the items in this issue of the Newsletter.

You will note that in several of the articles we mention that submissions have been invited from the general public. The SCG feels strongly that individual expats should continually remind the powers that be in Australia that Australians living overseas are part of the Australian community who may have a different perspective to contribute. So if you have any views or comments that are relevant to the issues why not take the opportunity to make a submission.

We hope you find the articles in this newsletter of interest and look forward to receiving your feedback.

Regards


John (Sid) MacGregor
Editor
Canberra and Brussels
editor@southern-cross-group.org


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Sponsorship Opportunities

Would your business like to sponsor future editions of this newsletter? Sponsorship money is essential to enable the SCG to keep serving the Australian Diaspora. The SCG is entirely volunteer-run and has no paid staff. Sponsorship and donations help offset overheads such as web-hosting fees, postage, stationery, and other sundry outlays. Contact us for further information at info@southern-cross-group.org
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Australia 2020 Summit

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, announced on 3 February 2008 that the Government will convene an Australia 2020 Summit at Parliament House on 19 and 20 April to help shape a long term strategy for the nation's future.

"The Summit will bring together some of the best and brightest brains from across the country to tackle the long term challenges confronting Australia's future - challenges which require long-term responses from the nation beyond the usual three year electoral cycle.
"To do this, the Government will bring together 1000 leading Australians to the national Parliament to debate and develop long-term options for the nation across 10 critical areas.
SCG Note: Anyone can nominate for selection for a place at the Summit or make submissions to it.
" ... Participants will be selected by a 10 member non-government Steering Committee. The Summit will be co-chaired by the Prime Minister and Professor Glyn Davis, Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne."

The Prime Minister's media release contains extensive information on the arrangements for the Summit and the 10 critical areas to be examined.

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A website has been established for the Summit. If you wish to nominate for a place at the Summit or to make a submission on a matter that should be considered by the Summit, you will find the relevant forms on the website. Closing date for nominations is Monday 25 February 2008, and for submissions 9 April 2008.
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2020 Youth Summit

The Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, has announced that a 2020 Youth Summit is to be held on the weekend of 12 and 13 April 2008 as a prelude to, and linking to, the 2020 Summit on the following weekend. Details about the Youth Summit are to be found on the main 2020 Summit website.

A nomination form for those wishing to attend is available on the site. Nominations must be received by PM&C by CoB on Wednesday 5 March 2008.

The Minister's advice to the Parliament and the Opposition's statement in support are to be found at pages 62 to 65 of the House of Representaives (HoR) Hansard of 20 February2008.

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Australian Parliament

The new (42nd) Australian Parliament sat for the first time on Tuesday 12 February 2008 and continued in the week commencing 18 February. The first three sitting days have been hailed by most commentators as being of great historic significance, with an indigenous welcome to place ceremony on Tuesday, followed by the Parliament's apology to indigenous people on Wednesday - see the article below. A raft of new Bills have been introduced to give effect to many of the promises made by Labor in the lead up to the November election.

As it has done over many years the SCG monitors the proceedings of the Parliament and its committees in relation to matters of significance to the Australian Diaspora. As appropriate, we will mention some of these matters in our Newsletters as they arise.

However, many expats may have an interest in matters which we would not usually report. Thus, this article is by way of a short primer on finding your own way through the maze of Parliamentary business.

The Parliament's home page is http://www.aph.gov.au/
There you will find links to all sorts of information and access to live video and audio streams.

The Parliamentary Information page of the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (PM&C) contains links to important information including:
• The Administrative Arrangements Order which lists departments and agencies and the legislation which they administer.
• The list of Ministers.
• A list of legislation which the Government proposes to introduce during the Autumn sittings which end on 20 March.
What's planned for each sitting day is notified in the Notice Paper for the House of Representatives (HoR) and the Senate Order of Business which are published a few hours before the sitting commences.
What has actually taken place is recorded each day in Hansard for the HoR and the Senate. It is posted to the web during the early hours of the following morning. For most people these records are too long and uninteresting to be on their must read list. However, a check of the Table of Contents, which is about 11 or so pages into the .pdf document, will alert you to items that will be of interest.

Legislation is introduced into the Parliament in the form of Bills. Once introduced, the texts of the Bill, the Minister's second reading speech made when the Bill is introduced, and an Explanatory Statement are listed alphabetically on the Current Bills by Title page.

You can track the progress of Bills through the Parliament on the HoR Daily Bills List (for Bills initiated in the HoR) and the Senate Daily Bills Update.
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Apology to Australia's Indigenous People

On Wednesday 13 February 2008 the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, introduced for debate in the Parliament an apology to the indigenous people of Australia.

The text of the apology and the Prime Minister's speech is available on his media website.

The HoR Hansard record of the speech and the response by the Leader of the Opposition, Brendan Nelson, is available at pages 1 to 7 of the HoR Hansard for that day.
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New Legislation

Some of the new pieces of legislation introduced into the Parliament so far may be of interest to expats.

Social Security and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Allowances) Bill 2008.
The bill aims to put in place the government's $4 billion election commitment to help older Australians, carers and people with disability make ends meet.
Tax Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Bill 2008
The amendments contained in this bill will cut personal income tax for all Australian taxpayers from 1 July 2008, and implement important taxation reforms that have been long championed by the newly elected government.
Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Bill 2008
The Bill introduces the Government's proposed first stage changes to existing industrial relations legislation.
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Immigration Package to Ease Skills Shortage

On 17 February 2008 the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, issued a media release announcing a package of migration measures designed to address Australia's skills and labour shortages. They include:
• An increase in the number of skilled migration places.
• Negotiations with other countries to expand the reciprocal Working Holiday visa program for young people.
• changes to the Working Holiday visa program to enable people who undertake at least three months work in the construction sector in regional Australia to extend their 12 month working holiday visa by another year. (A similar arrangement already applies to those who work in primary industry in regional Australia).
• The appointment of an industry experts reference group to advise the Minister. The construction, major infrastructure, tourism and the resources sectors will be the focus of the External Reference Group.
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The following pages on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website provide information on:
Working Holiday Makers

Skilled Occupation List and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List
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Australia-United States 'Open Skies' Agreement
On 15 February 2008 the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, announced that agreement had been reached with the United States on the terms of an "Open Skies" air transport agreement between Australia and the US.

"Australian and US airlines will now able to determine the frequency of their air services, and the routes they wish to serve without government interference. Previously new entrants to the route were only guaranteed four services weekly, making it difficult for new airlines to start services. Australian travellers, trade and tourism will benefit as designated airlines will be able to operate unlimited services between the two countries, via other countries and beyond to other countries".

The Minister's statement to the HoR and the response by the Opposition spokesman, Warren Truss are to be found at pages 37 to 40 of the HoR Hansard for 18 February 2008.
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Government Review of Export Policies and Programs
Of interest to those expats in business will be the announcement by the Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, on 21 February 2008 of a review that is to be undertaken of Australia's export policies and programs. A separate research project on Australia's approach to free trade agreements will be undertaken in parallel with the export policies and program review.

The terms of reference for the review and biographical details of those who will conduct it are included in the Minister's media release.

The Minister's statement to the HoR and the response by the Opposition spokesman, Ian Macfarlane, are to be found at pages 60 to 64 of the HoR Hansard of 21 February 2008.
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Garnaut Climate Change Review

An interim report by the Garnaut Climate Change Review was released on 21 February 2008.

The review was commissioned by Australia's State and Territory Governments on 30 April 2007. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, has confirmed the participation of the Commonwealth Government in the review.

The review's website provides extensive information about the review including a call for submissions.

The Commonwealth's Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, issued a media release on 21 February welcoming the interim report.
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First Home Saver Accounts

Of interest to expats planning a return to Australia will be the announcement on 4 February 2008 by the Treasurer, Wayne Swann, that a First Home Saver Accounts scheme will be in force from 1 July 2008 which will provide tax advantages to those saving towards their first home.
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New Diplomatic Appointments

Hong Kong, Macau
The Minister for Foreign affairs, Stephen smith, announced on 8 February 2008 that Mr Les Luck is to be Australia's new Consul-General in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. Mr Luck will also serve as Australia's representative to the Macau SAR and will replace Mr Murray Cobban who has been Consul-General since January 2005. Mr Luck is expected to take up his appointment in April 2008.

The Netherlands
The Minister also announced on 8 February that Ms Lydia Morton is to be Australia's new Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Australian Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) based in The Hague. She will replace Mr Stephen Brady who has been Ambassador since March 2004. Ms Morton is expected to take up her appointment in March 2008.

Greece, Albania, Bulgaria
The Minister announced, once again on 8 February, that Mr Jeremy Newman is to be Australia's new Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, with non-residence accreditation to the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Bulgaris. He will replace Paul Tighe who has been Ambassador singe January 2005. Mr Newman is expected to take up jis appointment in March 2008.

Consul-General Chicago
The Minister announced on 11 February that Ms Libby Schick is to be Australia's new Consul-General of Australia in Chicago, USA. Ms Schick will succeed Mr Bob Charles who has been Consul-General since March 2005. She is expected to take up her appointment in March 2008. ______________________________________________________________________________
Recognition of Republic of Kosova
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Smith, announced on 19 February 2008 that Australia has formally recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state.

The establishment of diplomatic relations with Kosovo will be considered soon.
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Taxation
SCG Note
All we are seeking to do in regard to taxation matters is to make you aware of some of the issues that may affect you. It is for you to do your own research and make your own decisions about the issues.

We are not qualified or competent to provide personal advice on the matters we identify, nor are we able to respond to any queries you may have

Revised Australia - Japan Taxation Treaty

On 1 February 2008 the Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, announced that a new taxation treaty had been signed with Japan to replace the existing treaty that has been in force since 1969.

The new treaty does not take effect until the necessary legislative processes have been completed in both countries. In Australia this measns consideration by the Treaties Committee of Parliament and the passing of an enabling Act.

Lodging Objections

Advice on how to lodge objections to decisions by the ATO is contained in a recently released ATO information sheet.

Click on the printer icon at the top right of the page to see the full document.
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Superannuation
SCG Note
All we are seeking to do in regard to superannuation matters is to make you aware of some of the issues that may affect you. It is for you to do your own research and make your own decisions about the issues.

We are not qualified or competent to provide personal advice on the matters we identify, nor are we able to respond to any queries you may have.

Unclaimed super - information for superannuation providers

While this information sheet has been published by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for the benefit of superannuation funds, it contains much information which may be of interest to those individuals who believe that they may have lost track of superannuation contributions made on their behalf.

A reminder that the ATO maintains extensive information links to a range of superannuation topics for individuals.

Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)

A reminder that the fido page of the ASIC website contains a number of links to information on superannuation.
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World wide webs: Diasporas and the international system

To quote:
"On 18 February, the Lowy Institute launched Michael Fullilove's new Lowy Institute Paper, World wide webs: Diasporas and the international system. In this paper, Michael argues that diasporas (communities which live outside, but retain their connections with, their homelands) are getting larger, thicker and stronger - with important implications for global economics, identity, politics and security. Michael compares diasporas to 'world wide webs' emanating from states, with dense, interlocking, often electronic strands spanning the globe and binding different individuals, institutions and countries together. World wide webs offers a fresh take on globalisation which raises difficult questions for national governments, including the Australian government".
A copy of the paper may be downloaded from the Institute's website.
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European Union (EU) Emergency Number

The European Commission has recently announced that a common emergency number - 112 - now applies across all countries within the EU.
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Shining the Light on Scams and Fraud

On 24 February 2008 Competition Policy & Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen launched the little black book of scams, at the start of 'Fraud Fortnight' the annual nationwide scams awareness campaign.

A copy of the book may be downloaded via the link on the SCAMwatch page of the ACCC website.
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Web Sites of Interest
From time to time we come across web sites that may be of interest to expats. Where appropriate, and where a commercial objective is not their primary purpose, we will mention them in the Newsletter.
In this issue:
Expats on 702 Mornings
ABC Radio 702 Sydney is inviting people to share their expat stories. The website contains an online form for you to provide the details.

Listen to 702 Breakfast, just before the 6am News on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays for the expat stories. For a taste of stories broadcast to date go to the Radio 702 website and search for "Expats on 702 mornings".

Remember that you can tune into ABC Local Radio around Australia via the links on their Backyard Audio web page.
British Pensions In Australia (BPiA)
BPiA is a non-profit national association of 8076 UK pensioner volunteers incorporated in NSW partnered with more then 25,000 other British expats from Canadian and South African pensioner associations.

Their aim and mission is to achieve an improved (indexed) UK pension income for all recipients of the UK State pension especially those expats who have worked in the UK and paid into the UK's National Insurance system before retiring in Australia.

See their website for more information
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Spread the Word

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Should you wish to use only part of the Newsletter we ask that you acknowledge the source and include our website address.
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SCG Contact Information

Newsletter Editor John (Sid) MacGregor editor@southern-cross-group.org

Continental Europe Anne MacGregor anne@southern-cross-group.org

UK & Ireland Eric Brown eric@southern-cross-group.org

North America Robyn Stephenson robyn@southern-cross-group.org

Asia Ed Smith ed@southern-cross-group.org

Australia Jacqui Mowbray jacqui@southern-cross-group.org


The Contact Us pages on our site list the SCG volunteer nearest you.
Go to the SCG Home Page.

Find out more about the SCG.
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