State Premier Steve Bracks has entered the government print tendering debate and moved to reassure the printing industry that Victorian Government print procurement would not shift overseas. The Premier's involvement comes in response to intensive lobbying by Printing Industries and a coalition of industry companies and organisations following concerns that the government was preparing to outsource some of its estimated $15-25 million worth of print work to overseas companies. Printing Industries General Manager Victoria and Tasmania, Ron Patterson, said that Premier Bracks' involvement and assurances would be welcomed by the printing industry. To read more

The WorkChoices legislation now requires daily starting and finishing times to be recorded for an employee who is entitled to overtime payments under an industrial instrument (award, workplace agreement or Australian Workplace Agreement). Where an employee has a base annual salary or wage less than $55,000, the total number of hours worked each day must be recorded for that employee. As from 26 September 2006 an employer can be prosecuted for not observing these requirements. Members should review their record keeping requirements and where necessary make the appropriate changes. For Assistance.

The ACCI/BCA National Work and Family Awards 2007 were launched last Friday (8 September). Nominations from employers are now invited. The Awards provide employers an opportunity to seek high level national recognition for excellence in employer/employee relations on work and family issues. Nominations close on 20 November 2006. Employers are eligible through self nomination. To read more.

NSW Government agencies generally made good progress between 2003 and 2005 in reducing waste, improving recycling rates and increasing their purchase of materials with recycled content, according to the Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) report for the period. A dramatic improvement in the cardboard recycling rate was recorded, more than doubling from 40% to 82%, while the paper recycling rate increased nine percentage points to 82%. Full Report

On 9 May 2006, the Treasurer announced major reform to the superannuation system and released A plan to simplify and streamline superannuation for community consultation. The Government announced the results of this consultation on Tuesday 5 September 2006 and confirmed the government will proceed with a final package of changes. The majority of changes are due to come into effect from 1 July 2007. However, some transitional arrangements will apply, such as the measure to allow people eligible to contribute to superannuation to make up to $1 million of after tax contributions between 10 May 2006 and 30 June 2007. The government's intention is for the legislation implementing these changes to be introduced into Parliament before the end of 2006. To read more.