Sector News

100-member rule official repealed

After months of lobbying, legislation to repeal the “100-member rule” has been passed. According to the Governance Institute, the initiative will genuinely advance the Federal Government’s initiative to reduce red tape and save businesses thousands of dollars. The “100-member rule” enabled just 100 shareholders to call a company general meeting, regardless of how may shareholders the company had. The company itself had to financially support the meeting, meaning large enterprises were often…

Arthritis South Australia will fund the state’s first dedicated Rheumatology Nurse

As the number of children with arthritis rises and demand grows, Arthritis South Australia has moved to fund a dedicated paediatric rheumatology nurse. There are currently 600 – 700 children diagnosed with arthritis in South Australia and delaying treatment impacts heavily on children. The nurse will be based at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and will act as support for the state’s only paediatric rheumatologist. Arthritis SA CEO, Julie Black, said the need for the specialist was growing. “It…

MFAA gathers SMSF Industry Associations

With Treasury set to review key aspects of the Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) sector, the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has formed a partnership with three other leading Associations in the sector. The aim of the partnership is to ensure the SMSF industry is well represented in the review and the MFAA’s submission to the review is well supported. The MFAA has partnered with the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), the Association of Financial Advisors…

Consumers Health Forum of Australia appoints new CEO

Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) has announced Leanne Wells as new Chief Executive Officer. CHF Chair, Tony Lawson, said Ms Wells brought strong experience in health administration and advocacy to the role. “The appointment of Ms Well is a great development for CHF at a time when pressures on the health system demand a continued and effective voice on behalf of health consumers,” said Mr Lawson. Ms Wells said she was looking forward to taking up the position. “It couldn’t…

SPAA renamed SMSF Association

In a bid to clarify what it actually does, SPAA has changed its name to the Self Managed Super Fund Association (SMSF Association). The Association was quick to clarify that other than renaming and slight logo update, not a lot has changed. The basic logo design and brand style, staff and goal of SMSF Association has been retained and Specialists have a transition phase of 12 months to update to the new logo. All certificates issued from 11 February will carry the new branding, however…

New Executive Director at Independent Schools Council of Australia

The Independent Schools Council of Australia (ISCA) has announced Dr Yvonne Luxford as Executive Director. Dr Luxford comes to the role after Mr Bill Daniels retired after more than 14 years of service. Dr Luxford has extensive experience in senior policy and advocacy roles on the national political scene and comes to ISCA after four years as CEO of Palliative Care Australia. Warwick Dean, ISCA Chair, said ISCA was pleased with Dr Luxford’s appointment. “Dr Luxford comes to ISCA…

Professor David Weisbrot AM appointed Chair of Australian Press Council

The Australian Press Council has appointed Professor David Weisbrot as Chair. Professor Weisbrot is Emeritus Professor of Law and Honorary Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney, as well as part-time Commissioner of the NSW Law Reform Commission, Vice-President of the Australian Academy of Law, a Member of the Strategic Advisory Board of the Garvan Institute’s Centre for Clinical Genomics and a member of the National Pro Bono Resource Centre’s Advisory Board. Previously,…

New Zealand Bankers Association welcomes new member, new affiliate member

Bank lobby group the New Zealand Bankers Association (NZBA) has unveiled its new affiliate membership program, along with its first affiliate member, MasterCard New Zealand. NZBA Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the association had recently expanded its membership criteria. Previously, NZBA membership had been limited to banks registered under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act. “The new affiliate membership category announced today allows us to formalise relationships we have with…

Australian Medical Association calls for National Boxing Regulation

In light of the death of professional Queensland boxer Braydon Smith last Saturday night, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has questioned why the sport is allowed to continue. “We believe that a so-called sport where two people knock each other in the head as often as you possibly can to win a bout seems rather barbaric,” said Queensland AMA president Dr Shaun Rudd. “You’re not allowed to hit the organs beneath the belt whereas you’re allowed to hit the organ above your shoulder,…

ENA New Zealand moves towards infrastructure world-first

In a move that could see New Zealand become one of the first countries in the world to boast this kind of infrastructure, the Electricity Networks Association (ENA) has announced it is investigating the instillation of charging locations for plug-in electric vehicles along its highways. The “Renewables Highway” project could see these charging stations cover all highways across the country to encourage individuals to purchase electric cars. Chief Executive Graeme Peters said the ENA Board…

Rural Doctor's Association calls for more MRI scanners

The Rural Doctors Association of South Australia has called for more MRI scanners in regional SA. “There are no MRI scanners outside of the Adelaide metropolitan area,” said Rural Doctors Association President Scott Lewis. Prime Minister Tony Abbot supported the call and said he would be “amazed” if an MRI licence was not granted to regional SA within 12 months. Health Minister Sussan Ley would need to be consulted. Mr Lewis said rural residents…