Southern Cross Group Newsletter
Labels:
fair go mate
Occasional Newsletter
No.3 of 2008 9 April 2008
in this issue
Australian Parliament
Australian Daylight Saving Ends
Australian Research Council Fellowships
Diplomatic Appointments
PM Meets Expats in Washington
Inquiry Into the 2007 Federal Elections
Electoral Reform
Government Outlook on Women
New Forum for Young Australians
Financial Literacy Fact Sheets for Women
Review of Export Policies and Programs
New National Peak Group On Intercountry Adoption
Australian and Canadian Accounting Bodies Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements
2020 Summit
Government Perspective on International Education
Taxation
Superannuation
Expanded Online Services from the ABC
Web Sites of Interest
From the Editor
As will be apparent from several articles in this Newsletter, the new Rudd Government is seeking input from organistions and individuals on a wide range of topics. (There are many other issues up for comment which we have not seen as directly impacting on expats).
Over the years since the establishment of the Southern Cross Group (SCG) in 2000 it has been painfully obvious that the welfare and interests of Australia's Diaspora has been given scant attention by politicians, their advisors or public servants when new policies and changes to legislation are being developed. Thankfully there are now encouraging signs that there is a change in the air of late.
However, those who prepared the ten lengthy background papers for the 2020 summit seem to have ignored the Diaspora completely except for part of one question -
"How can we leverage (my emphasis) both our multicultural society and the Australians who live abroad to better contribute to Australia's continued prosperity?"
To me that sounds very heavily weighted towards the "Take" side of the required "Give and take" equation that is needed in looking at the value of the Diaspora to Australia. In other words, if you want the Diaspora to contribute towards the well being of Australia and Australians, you have to recognise and demonstrate that Australian citizens living overseas are an integral part of the Australian community and that they should enjoy the same considerations and privileges that are given to those living in Australia.
If we are to move towards that position of equality then you, the individual expat, need to seize the opportunities presented by the Government's thirst for external input to raise the profile of the expat community by making appropriate submissions on the issues in question. After all, your experience in an external environment may just strike a chord with the Government. And remember, those tasked with analysing community input are not the politicians themselves but their advisers and public servants, or, in some cases, Parliamentary staff. They are the ones who will value and remember good ideas.
On a lighter note, we hope you find the range of 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
_____________________________________________________________________________
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
________________________________________________________________________________________
Australian Parliament
Both houses of Parliament rose for the Autumn break on 20 March. The next sitting commences on 13 May on which day the 2008-09 budget will be presented.
The previous plan for the House of Representatives to sit on Fridays has been abandoned. A revised Schedule of Sitting Days has been published. It is available via the link on the Parliamentary Information website of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Remember that you are able to track the progress of any Bills introduced in the Parliament that are of interest to you via the Daily Bills List.
______________________________________________________________________________
Australian Daylight Saving Ends
Daylight saving ended in Western Australia on Sunday, 30 March. It ended in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT on Sunday, 6 April. Queensland and the Northern Territory did not observe daylight saving.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Australian Research Council Fellowships to Become More International
On 26 March 2008 the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (IISR), Senator Kim Carr, announced that Australian Research Council (ARC) fellowships will be progressively opened to greater international competition, including the new Future Fellowships scheme.
Other changes announced by the Minister include:
Allowing Australian Postgraduate Awards (Industry), available under the ARC Linkage scheme, to be awarded to the highest calibre postgraduate students irrespective of nationality;
Removing restrictions on the use of ARC funds for travel for international collaborators; and
Making enhanced international collaboration a priority for all ARC fellowship schemes.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Diplomatic Appointments
Egypt
On 6 March 2008, Stephen Smith, the Minister for Foreign Affairs announced the appointment of Ms Stephanie Shwabsky as Australia's new Ambassador to Egypt with concurrent accreditation to a number of other regional states. Ms Shwabsky will replace Dr Bob Bowker who has been Ambassador since January 2005. Ms Shwabsky is expected to take up her appointment in May 2008.
Burma
On 4 April 2008 the Minister announced the appointment of Ms Michelle Chan as Australia's new Ambassador to Burma. Ms Chan will succeed Mr Bob Davis who has been Ambassador since April 2005. Ms Chan is expected to take up her appointment in June 2008.
____________________________________________________________________________
PM Meets Expats in Washington
The Prime Minister's website carries the text of a doorstop interview given by Kevin Rudd on 30 March 2008 at his meeting with Australian expats in Washington.
Note the Ambassador's comment about the date on which Mr Rudd raised the possibility of meeting some expats on his visit to the US.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Inquiry Into the 2007 Federal Elections
On 27 February 2008 the Special Minister for State, Senator John Faulkner, asked the Australian Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to inquire into and report on all aspects of the 2007 Federal Election and matters related thereto.
The holding of such inquiries is standard practice after each federal election.
Terms of reference for the Inquiry have been published and the closing date for submissions has been set for Friday, 16 May 2008.
As usual, the Southern Cross Group will be making a submission to the Inquiry. Our plans and our call for expats to make their own submissions will be the subject of a special SCG E-bulletin to be issued soon once our site submission template has been prepared.
________________________________________________________________________________
Electoral Reform
On 28 March 2008 the Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, announced proposed changes to the Australian Electoral Act and the preparation of an electoral reform green paper to be issued in two parts later this year.
____________________________________________________________________________
Government Outlook on Women - Current Issues and Future Agenda
On 7 March 2008 the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, delivered a speech to a Women's Business colloquium in Sydney in which she outlined current issues faced by women and the Government's plans for change.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Proposed New Forum for Young Australians
On 17 March 2008 the Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, issued a media release calling on young Australians to help shape the new forum that will allow them to participate in government policy development and decision making. The submission period closes on 30 May 2008.
_____________________________________________________________________________
New Financial Literacy Fact Sheets for Women
The Minister for the Status of Womrn, Tanya Plibersek, has announced a new initiative that will assist women who want to better manage their money. The Women Understanding Money fact sheets, available online, are designed to help women of all ages and income levels improve their financial security, especially as they approach retirement.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Review of Export Policies and Programs
On 21 February 2008 the Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, announced a comprehensive review of Australia's Export Policies and Programs to be conducted by Mr David Mortimer AO together with Dr John Edwards.
The Review will assess Australia's export and investment performance. It will make recommendations on future policies and programs to promote exports and investment flows, develop export capacity and enhance Australia's international competitiveness.
A Key Issues Paper has now been released and the panel is calling for submissions. Closing date is 2 May 2008.
_____________________________________________________________________________
New National Peak Group On Intercountry Adoption
On 30 March 2008 the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, announced the establishment of Australia's first National Peak Overseas Adoption Support Group.
"I am particularly pleased the Peak Group is being established. It will provide an important, national voice on the complex issues involved in intercountry adoption." Mr McClelland said.
The Group will provide advice to the Government on issues of relevance to the intercountry adoption community and enables a direct line of communication between them.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Australian and Canadian Accounting Bodies Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements
CPA Australia has announced that it has signed mutual recognition agreements with Canada's two leading accounting bodies - Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada) and Certified Management Accountants Canada (CMA Canada).
The agreements, among other things, will establish guidelines on how qualified members can gain reciprocal membership.
_____________________________________________________________________________
2020 Summit
The 2020 Summit is to be held in Canberra over the weekend of 19-20 April 2008.
The names of the 1000 delegates selected to attend were announced on 28 March.
Background papers on each of the 10 topics for discussion were launched on 3 April. Note that the only mention of the expatriate community appears as part of one of the questions put to delegates attending the sessions for the final topic "Australia's Future in the World".
____________________________________________________________________________
Government Perspective on International Education
In a speech delivered on 8 April 2008 Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, outlined the Government's perspectives on the current state of international education both for foreign students in Australia and for Austalians studying overseas.
Comments in the speech included:
"To encourage more Australian students to realise the opportunity (to study overseas), the department will be launching a 'Study Overseas' online portal in the middle of this year. This practical tool will highlight the benefits to Australian students of an overseas study experience".
_____________________________________________________________________________
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 Tax Treaty with South Africa
The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, has announced that Australia and the Republic of South Africa have signed a new Protocol to revise the tax treaty between the two countries which was signed in 1999.
OECD Report - Taxing Wages 2006/2007
"This annual publication provides details of taxes paid on wages in all thirty member countries of the OECD. The information contained in the Report covers the personal income tax and social security contributions paid by employees and their employers, and cash benefits received by families. The objective of the Report is to illustrate how personal income taxes and social security contributions are calculated and to examine how these levies and cash family benefits impact on net household incomes. The results also allow quantitative cross-country comparisons of labour cost levels and of the overall tax and benefit position of single persons and families."
The report, published on 11 March 2008, is some 465 pages long and, for most, purchase of the full report would not be justified. However, some useful summary information is given on the OECD website - enough to let you compare the position in your country of residence with that applying in Australia.
Tax File Number and Proof of Identity for Those Resident Outside Australia
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued two advices for those living outside Australia who are required to pay Australian taxes:
Tax File Number - application or inquiry for an individual living outside Australia
Proof of Identity - for individuals and businesses resident outside Australia
To display the full text of the advice on your screen click on the printer icon at the top right of the ATO page.
Rental Properties
The ATO has just published several advisories regarding rental property:
Avoiding common mistakes
Claiming borrowing expenses
Claiming legal expenses
Claiming interest expenses
______________________________________________________________________________
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.
Make the Most of Your Super
The Australian Taxation Office has published an article on making the most of your super. "Taking advantage of a few superannuation concessions and resources now could mean the difference between a modest retirement saving, and a generous one."
Superannuation Statistics
For the very technically minded the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has published its Annual Superannuation Bulletin containing a wide range of superannuation statistics for the 2006-07 finacial year.
Government Priorities for Superannuation
The Government's priorities for superannuation policy over the coming year were outlined in a speech on 31 March 2008 by the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry.
Several other issues are covered in an interview given by Senator Sherry on 16 March 2008.
______________________________________________________________________________
Expanded Online Services from the ABC
The ABC recently made a number of changes which greatly expand their online radio and TV-based services that will enable expats and others to download material to their computers. Podcasts of a number of radio programs are available as are vodcasts of a number of regular programs on ABC 1 and ABC 2.
___________________________________________________________________________
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:
Anzac Day
Anzac Day ceremonies are being planned for many locations around the world. Find the details on the Anzac Day page of the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.
http://www.dva.gov.au/commem/anzac/index.htm
Many of our overseas missions have, or will have, further details on their websites which you can find through the links provided by DFAT at http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/
Newcomers Network
Newcomers Network is an Australian-based organisation looking after the interests of newcomers to Australia, especially returning expats.
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/nn/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
_____________________________________________________________________
Spread the Word
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to someone you think will be interested. Clubs and other organisations receiving the Newsletter are also authorised to forward it to those on their mailing list. All we ask is that it be transmitted in full.
Should you wish to use only part of the Newsletter we ask that you acknowledge the source and include our website address.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Forward email
This email was sent to mowgli@netvision.net.il, by editor@southern-cross-group.org
No.3 of 2008 9 April 2008
in this issue
Australian Parliament
Australian Daylight Saving Ends
Australian Research Council Fellowships
Diplomatic Appointments
PM Meets Expats in Washington
Inquiry Into the 2007 Federal Elections
Electoral Reform
Government Outlook on Women
New Forum for Young Australians
Financial Literacy Fact Sheets for Women
Review of Export Policies and Programs
New National Peak Group On Intercountry Adoption
Australian and Canadian Accounting Bodies Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements
2020 Summit
Government Perspective on International Education
Taxation
Superannuation
Expanded Online Services from the ABC
Web Sites of Interest
From the Editor
As will be apparent from several articles in this Newsletter, the new Rudd Government is seeking input from organistions and individuals on a wide range of topics. (There are many other issues up for comment which we have not seen as directly impacting on expats).
Over the years since the establishment of the Southern Cross Group (SCG) in 2000 it has been painfully obvious that the welfare and interests of Australia's Diaspora has been given scant attention by politicians, their advisors or public servants when new policies and changes to legislation are being developed. Thankfully there are now encouraging signs that there is a change in the air of late.
However, those who prepared the ten lengthy background papers for the 2020 summit seem to have ignored the Diaspora completely except for part of one question -
"How can we leverage (my emphasis) both our multicultural society and the Australians who live abroad to better contribute to Australia's continued prosperity?"
To me that sounds very heavily weighted towards the "Take" side of the required "Give and take" equation that is needed in looking at the value of the Diaspora to Australia. In other words, if you want the Diaspora to contribute towards the well being of Australia and Australians, you have to recognise and demonstrate that Australian citizens living overseas are an integral part of the Australian community and that they should enjoy the same considerations and privileges that are given to those living in Australia.
If we are to move towards that position of equality then you, the individual expat, need to seize the opportunities presented by the Government's thirst for external input to raise the profile of the expat community by making appropriate submissions on the issues in question. After all, your experience in an external environment may just strike a chord with the Government. And remember, those tasked with analysing community input are not the politicians themselves but their advisers and public servants, or, in some cases, Parliamentary staff. They are the ones who will value and remember good ideas.
On a lighter note, we hope you find the range of 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
_____________________________________________________________________________
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
________________________________________________________________________________________
Australian Parliament
Both houses of Parliament rose for the Autumn break on 20 March. The next sitting commences on 13 May on which day the 2008-09 budget will be presented.
The previous plan for the House of Representatives to sit on Fridays has been abandoned. A revised Schedule of Sitting Days has been published. It is available via the link on the Parliamentary Information website of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Remember that you are able to track the progress of any Bills introduced in the Parliament that are of interest to you via the Daily Bills List.
______________________________________________________________________________
Australian Daylight Saving Ends
Daylight saving ended in Western Australia on Sunday, 30 March. It ended in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT on Sunday, 6 April. Queensland and the Northern Territory did not observe daylight saving.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Australian Research Council Fellowships to Become More International
On 26 March 2008 the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (IISR), Senator Kim Carr, announced that Australian Research Council (ARC) fellowships will be progressively opened to greater international competition, including the new Future Fellowships scheme.
Other changes announced by the Minister include:
Allowing Australian Postgraduate Awards (Industry), available under the ARC Linkage scheme, to be awarded to the highest calibre postgraduate students irrespective of nationality;
Removing restrictions on the use of ARC funds for travel for international collaborators; and
Making enhanced international collaboration a priority for all ARC fellowship schemes.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Diplomatic Appointments
Egypt
On 6 March 2008, Stephen Smith, the Minister for Foreign Affairs announced the appointment of Ms Stephanie Shwabsky as Australia's new Ambassador to Egypt with concurrent accreditation to a number of other regional states. Ms Shwabsky will replace Dr Bob Bowker who has been Ambassador since January 2005. Ms Shwabsky is expected to take up her appointment in May 2008.
Burma
On 4 April 2008 the Minister announced the appointment of Ms Michelle Chan as Australia's new Ambassador to Burma. Ms Chan will succeed Mr Bob Davis who has been Ambassador since April 2005. Ms Chan is expected to take up her appointment in June 2008.
____________________________________________________________________________
PM Meets Expats in Washington
The Prime Minister's website carries the text of a doorstop interview given by Kevin Rudd on 30 March 2008 at his meeting with Australian expats in Washington.
Note the Ambassador's comment about the date on which Mr Rudd raised the possibility of meeting some expats on his visit to the US.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Inquiry Into the 2007 Federal Elections
On 27 February 2008 the Special Minister for State, Senator John Faulkner, asked the Australian Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to inquire into and report on all aspects of the 2007 Federal Election and matters related thereto.
The holding of such inquiries is standard practice after each federal election.
Terms of reference for the Inquiry have been published and the closing date for submissions has been set for Friday, 16 May 2008.
As usual, the Southern Cross Group will be making a submission to the Inquiry. Our plans and our call for expats to make their own submissions will be the subject of a special SCG E-bulletin to be issued soon once our site submission template has been prepared.
________________________________________________________________________________
Electoral Reform
On 28 March 2008 the Special Minister of State, Senator John Faulkner, announced proposed changes to the Australian Electoral Act and the preparation of an electoral reform green paper to be issued in two parts later this year.
____________________________________________________________________________
Government Outlook on Women - Current Issues and Future Agenda
On 7 March 2008 the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, delivered a speech to a Women's Business colloquium in Sydney in which she outlined current issues faced by women and the Government's plans for change.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Proposed New Forum for Young Australians
On 17 March 2008 the Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis, issued a media release calling on young Australians to help shape the new forum that will allow them to participate in government policy development and decision making. The submission period closes on 30 May 2008.
_____________________________________________________________________________
New Financial Literacy Fact Sheets for Women
The Minister for the Status of Womrn, Tanya Plibersek, has announced a new initiative that will assist women who want to better manage their money. The Women Understanding Money fact sheets, available online, are designed to help women of all ages and income levels improve their financial security, especially as they approach retirement.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Review of Export Policies and Programs
On 21 February 2008 the Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, announced a comprehensive review of Australia's Export Policies and Programs to be conducted by Mr David Mortimer AO together with Dr John Edwards.
The Review will assess Australia's export and investment performance. It will make recommendations on future policies and programs to promote exports and investment flows, develop export capacity and enhance Australia's international competitiveness.
A Key Issues Paper has now been released and the panel is calling for submissions. Closing date is 2 May 2008.
_____________________________________________________________________________
New National Peak Group On Intercountry Adoption
On 30 March 2008 the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, announced the establishment of Australia's first National Peak Overseas Adoption Support Group.
"I am particularly pleased the Peak Group is being established. It will provide an important, national voice on the complex issues involved in intercountry adoption." Mr McClelland said.
The Group will provide advice to the Government on issues of relevance to the intercountry adoption community and enables a direct line of communication between them.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Australian and Canadian Accounting Bodies Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements
CPA Australia has announced that it has signed mutual recognition agreements with Canada's two leading accounting bodies - Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada) and Certified Management Accountants Canada (CMA Canada).
The agreements, among other things, will establish guidelines on how qualified members can gain reciprocal membership.
_____________________________________________________________________________
2020 Summit
The 2020 Summit is to be held in Canberra over the weekend of 19-20 April 2008.
The names of the 1000 delegates selected to attend were announced on 28 March.
Background papers on each of the 10 topics for discussion were launched on 3 April. Note that the only mention of the expatriate community appears as part of one of the questions put to delegates attending the sessions for the final topic "Australia's Future in the World".
____________________________________________________________________________
Government Perspective on International Education
In a speech delivered on 8 April 2008 Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, outlined the Government's perspectives on the current state of international education both for foreign students in Australia and for Austalians studying overseas.
Comments in the speech included:
"To encourage more Australian students to realise the opportunity (to study overseas), the department will be launching a 'Study Overseas' online portal in the middle of this year. This practical tool will highlight the benefits to Australian students of an overseas study experience".
_____________________________________________________________________________
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 Tax Treaty with South Africa
The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, has announced that Australia and the Republic of South Africa have signed a new Protocol to revise the tax treaty between the two countries which was signed in 1999.
OECD Report - Taxing Wages 2006/2007
"This annual publication provides details of taxes paid on wages in all thirty member countries of the OECD. The information contained in the Report covers the personal income tax and social security contributions paid by employees and their employers, and cash benefits received by families. The objective of the Report is to illustrate how personal income taxes and social security contributions are calculated and to examine how these levies and cash family benefits impact on net household incomes. The results also allow quantitative cross-country comparisons of labour cost levels and of the overall tax and benefit position of single persons and families."
The report, published on 11 March 2008, is some 465 pages long and, for most, purchase of the full report would not be justified. However, some useful summary information is given on the OECD website - enough to let you compare the position in your country of residence with that applying in Australia.
Tax File Number and Proof of Identity for Those Resident Outside Australia
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued two advices for those living outside Australia who are required to pay Australian taxes:
Tax File Number - application or inquiry for an individual living outside Australia
Proof of Identity - for individuals and businesses resident outside Australia
To display the full text of the advice on your screen click on the printer icon at the top right of the ATO page.
Rental Properties
The ATO has just published several advisories regarding rental property:
Avoiding common mistakes
Claiming borrowing expenses
Claiming legal expenses
Claiming interest expenses
______________________________________________________________________________
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.
Make the Most of Your Super
The Australian Taxation Office has published an article on making the most of your super. "Taking advantage of a few superannuation concessions and resources now could mean the difference between a modest retirement saving, and a generous one."
Superannuation Statistics
For the very technically minded the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has published its Annual Superannuation Bulletin containing a wide range of superannuation statistics for the 2006-07 finacial year.
Government Priorities for Superannuation
The Government's priorities for superannuation policy over the coming year were outlined in a speech on 31 March 2008 by the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry.
Several other issues are covered in an interview given by Senator Sherry on 16 March 2008.
______________________________________________________________________________
Expanded Online Services from the ABC
The ABC recently made a number of changes which greatly expand their online radio and TV-based services that will enable expats and others to download material to their computers. Podcasts of a number of radio programs are available as are vodcasts of a number of regular programs on ABC 1 and ABC 2.
___________________________________________________________________________
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:
Anzac Day
Anzac Day ceremonies are being planned for many locations around the world. Find the details on the Anzac Day page of the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.
http://www.dva.gov.au/commem/anzac/index.htm
Many of our overseas missions have, or will have, further details on their websites which you can find through the links provided by DFAT at http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/
Newcomers Network
Newcomers Network is an Australian-based organisation looking after the interests of newcomers to Australia, especially returning expats.
http://www.newcomersnetwork.com/nn/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
_____________________________________________________________________
Spread the Word
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to someone you think will be interested. Clubs and other organisations receiving the Newsletter are also authorised to forward it to those on their mailing list. All we ask is that it be transmitted in full.
Should you wish to use only part of the Newsletter we ask that you acknowledge the source and include our website address.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Forward email
This email was sent to mowgli@netvision.net.il, by editor@southern-cross-group.org
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