Sector News

Upgrade for Adelaide Festival Centre expected to boost State Economy

The South Australian Government has announced an upgrade of Festival Plaza, including a redevelopment of the Adelaide Festival Centre. The renovation is to include an external upgrade and establish new entries, foyers and an interactive arts playground on the bank of the River Torrens. The South Australian Government has committed $90 million to the Adelaide Festival Centre upgrade. The redevelopment will also include a new underground car park, a premium office building with access to…

Queensland Industry Bodies join to call for Industrial Relations Overhaul

Six of Queensland’s top organisations have submitted a combined report to the Productivity Commission, calling for an overhaul of industrial laws. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the Queensland Hotels Association, Motor Trades Association Queensland, Clubs Queensland and the Franchise Council of Australia want changes made to workplace reform, arguing that inflexible workplace laws are contributing to youth unemployment. The…

AIST weighs in on Superannuation Fund debate

Following Treasure Joe Hockey’s recent call for debate over greater flexibility in the superannuation system, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) has spoken out. Mr Hockey asked whether first homebuyers should be able to use some of their superannuation to aid them in their first property purchase. “We certainly need to have a conversation about super, we know we do,” said AIST CEO Tom Garcia. “But I think talking about opening up for home loans or anything else is…

AFA seeks to broaden reputation

A survey by Risk Advisor has found that the majority of its readers listed the Association of Financial Advisors (AFA) as the association that best represents risk advisors’ interests. AFA chief executive Brad Fox said that although he viewed the trend as an endorsement, AFA represented other areas of financial interest as well. “We did come from the Life Underwriters Association,” said Mr Fox. “This is part of our heritage, so what that gives us is a really deep understanding of the issues…

Not-For-Profit Funding Survey Released

An inaugural benchmarking survey by Russell Kennedy Lawyers and financial management firm, Pitcher Partners, has found there is a need for Not-For-Profit organisations to find alternate means of funding to Governmental support. The finding comes in the wake of changed funding policies and a second Survey result that highlights many Not-For-Profits rely heavily on Government grants. The report recommends that all organisations ensure they have the means to maintain solvency in the event…

Women in Supply Chain Breakfast: closing the gap

In the wake of International Women's Day on 8 March, registrations are now open for the Women in Supply Chain Breakfast. The event, an initiative of the Victorian Transport Association, seeks to support women in Transport and Logistics and explore how the genders can collaborate to close the gap. Guest speakers include Gaylynne Neill, General Manager Human Resources at Linfox, Hermione Parsons, Victoria…

100-member rule passed in the Senate

Following a recommendation by the Senate Economics Legislation Committee, the bill repealing the “100-member rule” to call a general meeting has been passed in the Senate. Officially titled the Corporations Legislation Amendment (Deregulatory and Other Measures) Bill 2014, the Governance Institute of Australia has been questioning the suitability of this Bill and advocating against it for nearly a decade. It now looks likely that the bill will be annulled. The Governance Institute has been…

Australian first menu sets Royal ICC apart

Not only is the Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) Brisbane’s newest convention centre, but it also offers guests the unique, location centric menu. In an Australian first, Royal ICC is offering guests a menu filled with award-winning produce from some of the nation’s most prestigious food and wine competitions.From Australia’s best steak, lamb, wine, ice cream, cheese, diary, beer and cider, selected produce has been awarded gold, silver or bronze…

Malaysia vying for Business Tourism Sector

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) unveiled three key initiatives at AIME 2015. These initiatives are designed to draw business events to the Southeast Asia country. The three campaigns, names Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFEST) 2015, Malaysia Like Never Before, and Malaysia Twin Deal X (MTD-X) respectively, are value-added corporate meetings and incentive promotions. “With the introduction of these new initiatives couple with our delegation size here at AIME, we are confident…

New Real Time Analytics App Launched by DoubleDutch

Designed to help event organisers produce more effective, strategic events, DoubleDutch has launched Event Performance, an app that measures delegate engagement and allows delegates to give feedback in Real Time. "Event Performance is the culmination of a much broader vision," said Lucian Beebe, VP of Product. "All along, we were building an app that was architected from the ground up to give organisers the data they need to transform the way they run events. Most analytics reports generated…

Refurbishment paying off for Adelaide Oval

Having undergone a $535 million redevelopment in 2014, Adelaide Oval is now enjoying being one of the most in-demand locations in the South Australian Capital City. The venue has increased its functions spaces from six to 23 and can cater for groups ranging from two to 3000 people. Adelaide Oval is one of Australia’s most recognisable and prestigious venues, which offers panoramic views out over the city and St Peter’s Cathedral. While the site can host many different types of…