Charter of Contractual Fairness

On 1 July we launched our Charter of Contractual Fairness We have heavily drawn the principles of contract fairness from the new consumer unfair contract protections laws. If it's fair for consumers, it's fair for small business people - the self-employed and independent contractors. We are currently writing to Australian corporations asking them to commit to contract fairness in their dealings with small business people.

Election Face-off 2010
	Here's how the 2 sides currently shape up for small business/self employed people! (10 July 2010)
Gillard's ALP
So far, they've told us "here's what we've done!" • Started a superannuation clearing house • Begun a small business online inquiry service • Established a Small Business Advisory Committee • New liability contract guidelines for government procurement • National Business Name Registration • A new guide for self-employed people
Abbott's Coalition
They've announced the first part of "here's what we're going to do!" • A dedicated Small Business Minister who will be in Cabinet • A new Small Business Ombudsman to handle and resolve small business complaints about the federal government • The extension of consumer unfair contract protections to small business people • Retention of the current self-employed (PSI) tax laws • Stop small business red tape on Paid Parental Leave • Mr Abbott's and Mr Billson's joint press release
What we've been asking for
• The extension of consumer unfair contract protections to small business people • Retention of the current self-employed (PSI) tax laws. Our letter to the PM (28 May 2010)

Failure to fix unfair business contracts

ICA says "extend unfair contract protections for consumers to small business". New laws: Legislation #1 (March 2010) Legislation #2 (June 2010) Here's our summary of the situation. How the legislation defines unfair contract terms. Why small business people should have TPA protections from unfair contracts.

We need an answer on tax, please

We've made it quite clear that self-employed (PSI) tax should not be changed. We've written to the PM for an answer, but we do not yet have a reply. Tony Abbott has been clear. NO change!

Industry/Retail super funds must come out

The Cooper Review into superannuation says the big funds are not disclosing enough and must be forced to do so. This is vital. See Chapter 4. Here's why workers' money is at risk if disclosure is not enforced.

Look after your retirement

The Cooper Review of superannuation says Self Managed Super Funds are good and need little change to existing arrangements. This is welcome. See Chapter 8. The Report also seems to have stopped the attack against SMSF's.

Stand Up for Your (Contract) Rights!

We're monitoring contracts in general and promoting good contracts in particular. For example: Another bad contract (Jun 2010) One of the worst contracts we've seen (Jan 2010) 'Tom' versus DEEWR (Nov 2009) But a positive development from government Ken Phillips comments And some interesting discussions

Central Banks on Debt

Since mid-May, central banks have been worried about sovereign debt. Click here for a list of useful links and summaries.

Problems with Phoenix companies

Two ICA members' tell their stories ATO information on reporting suspect activity. Govt's attempts to do something: ICA comment Newspaper comment: The Australian The Age/Sydney Morning Herald Business Spectator What 'Tom' thinks What 'Jim' thinks

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.

Stop Sham Contracts!
	ICA supports the prevention of sham contracts. We monitor what's happening with them:
One person's story Successful FWO prosecution (Dec 2009) Info from Fair Work Ombudsman (July 2009) First sham contract prosecution: ICA summary Make a complaint to FWO Business Spectator article Read the debate

... Unquote

The Pessimists' Economic Views (Posted January 2010)

We've brought together some pessimistic views about economics and likely economic trends in 2010: US toxic loans 'US as sick as Greece' Ken Phillips's summary An 'IMF' perspective Predicting 2010 Government debt a giant ponzi scheme? Click to enlarge. Ken Phillips on the debt equation

Watching Goldman Sachs
	Rolling Stone magazine has blown the lid on Goldman Sachs:
Article 1 [July 2009] Article 2 [April 2010] Article 3 [May 2010]

Tax burden: UK versus Australia

Just as the UK is moving toward more sensible small business (contractor) tax laws, in Australia we're having to defend the progress we've made.

Laughing lawyers
	You'll be amazed by the 'slips' that some lawyers make in court.

2.03 million self-employed Their interests are our interest Join our email list (A confirming email will be sent) Small Business Commissioner Victoria Dispute mediation Excellent, cheap, quick dispute mediation services for small/micro business people. Click here Govt Handbook on Independent Contractors Highly recommended, but care needs to be taken with PSI section The Handbook is here Minister's media release Register Your Business Name Here's how to register your business name nationally. Economic Rap Dance Video Amusing video on Hayek versus Keynes here. Paid Parental Leave Government booklet Too much red tape! 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 Modern Awards Here's a list of most of them. ICA Members only. An Eye on China Stratfor's risk analysis on China Chinese Communist Party politics explain economic policy First warnings of bank collapses in China An excellent economic analysis of China from Pivot Capital Al-Jazeera's video of China's brand new 'empty' city Predicting a China collapse Small Business Finance News Handy ATO tax links: Lodge your BAS online PAYG withholding tax tables New tax form: Taxpayer Statement of Account New tax form: Notice of Assessment Mortgage scams Small business support Payment arrangement calculator Want an ATO visit? ATO Help for small business ABN eligibility rules Self managing your tax debt Handy Super links: ATO SMSF compliance ATO free seminars. SMSF Admin advice New Super clearing house Tax on SMSF loans Small Business Finance Here's a bad story Watching recruitment agencies Publications People who are Self-Employed Profile © Roy Morgan Research The Workforce Superhighway [PDF] Bob Day ICA Small Business Videos 2009 'Business in Crisis' Click here 'The Early Years' Click here 'Research & Marketing' Click here Building Relationships ICA Summit 2009 Our successful November 2009 Conference. Presentations available here