Dick Davies Writes...
	"...the human fabric of the workplace precedes in importance that of technology!"
Dick Davies prods us to think about management, independence and motivation. Click here.

Sham Contract Issues
	ICA supports the prevention of sham contracts. We monitor what's happening with them:
Successful FWO prosecution (Dec 2009) Info from Fair Work Ombudsman (July 2009) First sham contract prosecution: ICA summary Business Spectator article Read the debate

Work Safety Issues
There is a series of major developments occurring in the realm of work safety.
National Harmonization
	See here for a summary and understanding of the proposed harmonized laws.
See here for ICA's submission to the draft National OHS laws.

Good/Bad Contracts

We're monitoring contracts in general and promoting good contracts in particular. For example: One of the worst contracts we've seen But a positive development from government Ken Phillips comments And some interesting discussions

What's Happening with Super?
	ICA is monitoring super developments, particularly as they affect SMSFs.
Easier Super Admin
Peter Strong submission Govt super clearing house (through Medicare)
Is Super Safe?
Business Spectator explains attacks on SMSFs Big super in trouble (USA) Mark I Big super in trouble (USA) Mark II USA super funds corruption
Australian Super Review
Profile of Australian super funds Government review: overview Government review: 24-page report

History Repeats
	Here's an interesting quotation from the history books! Images of the USA today?
'The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be filled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome be bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance'
Cicero---55 BC

ICA Small Business Videos

During 2009, ICA made a series of videos on small business issues. The collection appears below.

	Introduction 7m 45s Click here for video
	'Business in Crisis' 5m 24s Click here for video
	Managing relationships when you are in business for yourself 6m 00s Click here for video
	The early years 4m 54s Click here for video
	Basic Business Errors 10m 01s Click here for video
	Managing Debt 7m 04s Click here for video
	Rocket Science 3m 04s Click here for video
	Surviving the Hard Times 5m 17s Click here for video
	Research and Marketing 5m 35s Click here for video
	Crash Without Cash 8m 54s Click here for video

Building Relationships ICA Summit 2009

At our very successful Summit on 12 November, we brought together a unique group of presenters from small and big business, government, academia and the research arena. Conference Presentations are here.

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Illegal workers/Phoenix companies

Two ICA members' tell their stories ATO information on reporting suspect activity.

The Pessimists' Economic Views (Posted January 2010)

We've brought together some pessimistic views about economics and likely economic trends in 2010: Ken Phillips's summary The Atlantic Pivot Capital New York Times Business Spectator Wall Street Journal Investors Insight Reuters The Telegraph New York TImes

2.03 million self-employed Their interests are our interest Join our email list (A confirming email will be sent) More Videos Really good summary of the GFC. Watch the 8-minute video here. Economic Rap Dance. Amusing video on Hayek versus Keynes here. Contractor or Employee? Access the ATO's new 'decision tool' (for tax/super only) Compare with ICA's (for general law): Simple check list Swinging pendulum test USA: Economy Watch Things you might not ordinarily read about the US economy. The list of links is here 'Think' pieces on Economics Interesting pieces on economics to make you think. The list of links is here Small Business Finance News Finance Comparisons: infochoice Handy ATO tax links: New tax form: Taxpayer Statement of Account New tax form: Notice of Assessment Mortgage scams Trouble paying tax? Small business support Payment arrangement calculator Bogus email alert Want an ATO visit? PSI for engineers Common mistakes at tax time Tax calendar ATO Help for small business Business tax breaks ABN eligibility rules Self managing your tax debt Handy Super links: ATO SMSF compliance ATO free seminars. SMSF Admin advice New Super clearing house Self-employed: Quick news Business future in the clouds Working hours drop Recruitment agency problems Previous Quick news ... Publications People who are Self-Employed Profile © Roy Morgan Research The Workforce Superhighway [PDF] Bob Day