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EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS UPDATE
Federal Wage Increases
The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) is currently seeking submissions in relation to the 2008 Federal Minimum Wage Review. The AFPC is expected to announce its decision in relation to Pay Scales in July, with any changes to be implemented in October 2008. When a decision has been made the MTA will notify all financial members of the changes.
2008 Tax Changes
On the 1st July 2008 the average employee will receive approximately $20.00 less tax; currently the ATO has not published the new financial year weekly tax tables but are expected to do so during this month. It is anticipated that the ATO will write to employers in this regard. MTA will update the link within the Payroll Section of ERIS as soon as the new tax scales become available.
In addition, some items that were previously exempt from FBT will become subject to FBT including work-related items used mainly for private purposes such as laptops and meals provided on an employer's premises. Prior to the announcement these arrangements would be set up as a before tax deduction and not included within the Reportable Fringe Benefits Amount value up on the payment summary. These changes were effective from 7.30pm 13 May 2008.
Award Modernisation
MTA and other MTAA members placed submissions before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission last week as part of the Commission's consultation on the introduction of modern awards. The Commission has received a request from the Federal Government to introduce new modern awards for Australian Industry. MTA want the Vehicle Industry to be a priority and have a new award for the vehicle industry finalised before the end of this year. This will then give MTA and its members 12 months lead time to make a transition to any new award. These changes are likely to herald substantial change and the MTA will keep members informed.
REMINDER! SUPERANNUATION CHANGES
Members are reminded that as of 1st July 2008 the way employers calculate superannuation for employees covered by the Vehicle Industry Repair Services & Retail Award is changing and the calculation of the 9% contribution will include regular bonuses and commissions.
MTAA SUPER 
Mr Graham Millar -
Business Development Manager
Telephone: 02 9213 4237
Mobile: 0419 410 436
Email: grahamm@mtaa.com.au
Website: mtaasuper.com.au
WORKCOVER UPDATE
Reminder - OHS Regulation Came in Force - 26 May 2008
The Occupational Health and Safety (General) Regulation 2007 came into force on 26 May 2008.
The Regulation provides for risk control, training for health and safety representatives, reporting of and record keeping in relation to dangerous occurrences at the workplace, and for particular duties and safety measures that relate to the management at workplaces of issues such as entry and exit from the workplace; the use of personal protective and safety equipment; the prevention of falls; safe surfaces and floors; noise, and the risk of hearing impairment, and emergency procedures in the workplace.
The Regulation gives effect to national uniform occupational health and safety standards in relation to noise (National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC:1007(2000)], and working in confined spaces (ASNZS 2865 - 2001: Safe Working in a Confined Space).
You can find a copy of the regulation at:
http/:www.legislation.act.gov.au/sl/2007-36/current/pdf/2007-36.pdf
Workplace Safety Inspections to Increase
The Attorney General, Mr Simon Corbell MLA, has advised that the ACT Government will be hiring an additional three occupational health and safety inspectors as part of the 2008-09 budget. This funding is part of the Territory's ongoing commitment to ensuring workplace safety is a priority for businesses.
"The appointment of an additional three occupational health and safety inspectors will give the Territory an improved regulatory presence," said Mr Corbell.
"I anticipate an increase in Inspector visits to workplaces to raise awareness and provide eduction and advice in relation to the obligations of employers and persons in control of workplaces.
"Funding has also been provided to fund a comprehensive advertising campaign and guidance material to assist employers and employees to understand their roles and responsibilities under new workplace legislation which is being developed in the ACT.
"This funding will see employers and other duty holders better informed, encourage understanding and willingness towards the new legislation and ultimately improve compliance and reduce workplace risks, hazards and injury.
"With the appointment of these additional Inspectors I anticipate there will be a 20% increase in the rate of inspections and site visits, including education and advice, throughout the ACT in 2008/09, increasing to 30% in forward years," concluded Mr Corbell.
ACCC UPDATE 
GREEN MARKETING
By Graeme Samuel
With increasing concern about the environment, many in the automotive industry are looking to green marketing to appeal to concerned customers.
A range of products from cars to food, beauty products, toilet paper and even rock concerts are now being labelled as green alternatives.
But the rash of green claims in the market is causing concern for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Some businesses appear to be rushing to put a green stamp on their products or services without considering the absolute integrity of those claims.
Customers are also becoming wary that claims being made are little more than marketing spin.
As these concerns filter through to consumers and government bodies, challenges are being mounted against potentially misleading green claims.
The ACCC’s primary interest in green claims is to ensure businesses are not making misleading claims about their products.
Misrepresentation does not need to be explicit. It can be in the form of a company’s name, or it may be an image depicted on a product’s label. Even failing to mention important information can mislead buyers into thinking a product has an environmental pedigree it perhaps does not deserve.
Generally, companies are advised to avoid broad sweeping catch words like green, environmentally friendly or recyclable. They can mean different things to different consumers and have a greater potential to be misleading than specific terms that can be easily verified.
There are also strict qualifications tied to the use of energy efficiency claims. The Australian Government administers several efficiency schemes relating to products such as electrical goods, the most widely recognised being the Equipment Energy Efficiency Program, denoted by its star and energy consumption stickers.
Businesses need to be aware of the potential to mislead their customers by making green claims they cannot verify. Doing so potentially represents a breach of the Trade Practices Act, which carries stiff penalties.
The ACCC can help business owners ensure they stay on the right side of the law with their marketing and has available a range of material for consumers and businesses on appropriate use of green marketing. It is available in hardcopy by calling 1300 302 502 or as a download at www.accc.gov.au.
Graeme Samuel is chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
HAVE YOU BEEN SCAMMED?
MTA receives a number of calls from members about scams - mainly because they're not sure if they are real or not - which is what a scam is designed to do - it's designed to trick you! Scams come in many forms - via email, mail, telephone, over the 'net' or door to door.
There are several methods a scammer migh use to trick you - they may offer you great prizes or easy money (and lots of it) - but before they deliver, they will ask you to send money or your bank or credit card details; but beware, they won't deliver what they've promised.
A scam may work because it can actually look like the real thing - how many of you have received an email from the bank that you deal with - it looks like the real thing doesn't it - but beware - it isn't. In most cases, the email will ask you for personal information such as account details or a password.
There are ways that you can protect yourself -
Don't respond to offers, deals or requests for your details.
Never send money or give credit card, account or other personal information to anyone who makes unsolicited offers or requests for information.
Never click onto a link provided by an unsolicited email as it will probably lead to a fake website - which may look real - this can be the case, especially from emails that look like they came from the bank you deal with.
If you receive an email from an organisation you are not familiar with, delete it.
If you receive an email from what appears to be your bank, delete it, it is not normal practice for banks to request personal details via email.
For more information on scams please go to www.scamwatch.gov.au
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