As the centenary of the Gallipoli landings on Anzac Day approaches, New Zealand’s Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has opened the new Returned and Services Association building. “It’s a real pleasure to be here today for the opening of a new building for New Zealand’s oldest RSA,” said Sir Mateparae. “I appreciate how distressing it must have been to lose your previous building after the earthquakes – and so I’m pleased to be able to follow in Lord Jellicoe’s footsteps and help you…

Read more

A memorial service has been held for Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister. He was 91. A number of associations were present, including the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), Singapore Indian Association (SINDA), Eurasian Association, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA), Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) and Business China. Tens of thousands lined the streets in…

Read more

Mercer has become the first salaried advisor firm to be accepted as a Financial Planning Association (FPA) Professional Practice. The membership comes after Mercer announced the appointment of its six financial advice officers and 40 Strategic Financial Advisors as accredited Professional Practices of the Financial Planning Association FPA.  The FPA is Australia’s peak professional body for financial planners and is designed to recognise financial planning practices of the higher calibre.…

Read more

Peter Skillern has been named the new CEO of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA). Mr Skillern came to the role after former CEO Jan Davis retired.  Mr Skillern is a lamb farmer and has been the TFGA’s policy and advocacy manager for the past two years. After Ms Davis decided not to seek reappointment, Mr Skillern took up the role on an interim basis. Previously, Mr Skilern worked as a banker and has held senior roles with Environment Tasmania and the state’s Liberal Party.  “Being…

Read more

Although competitors and Councils are supporting the development, South Australia’s top independent tourism body has said there is no need for a $60 million hotel at Adelaide Airport. The hotel would form part of a $1 billion expansion of the airport, which the Federal Government approved in January. “Outside of March, it could be argued Adelaide hotel occupancy levels wouldn’t warrant additional beds – particularly…

Read more

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…

Read more

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…

Read more

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…

Read more

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…

Read more

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…

Read more