Important Date for Paid Parental Leave Scheme
As of 1 October, employers can pre-register for the Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme.
Registering will save your business time, as you won’t have to provide your details each time you have an employee eligible for Parental Leave Pay. You will also receive communication and notifications regarding PPL.
PPL is fully funded by the Australian Government and will commence on 1 January 2011. Businesses are not required to administer Parental Leave Pay until 1 July 2011. You will be contacted by the Family Assistance Office if you have an eligible employee.
To register your business, visit the Centrelink Business Online Services website.
Changes to Consumer Laws
On 1 January 2011, the national Australian Consumer Law (ACL) comes into effect. The ACL will replace existing national, state and territory consumer laws. As a small business, it's important that you understand your responsibilities under the new law.
The ACL identifies business obligations and consumer rights across all business sectors, covering:
- standards of business conduct
- harmful business practices
- the regulation of specific types of business-to-consumer transactions
- basic consumer rights for goods and services
- the regulation of consumer product safety.
A website has been launched to help businesses and consumers understand their rights and obligations under the new law. For more information, visit Australian Consumer Law.
Development
All development enquiries regarding code assessment and material change of use should be directed to the Community and Development Services Directorate.
All enquiries about subdivision, operational works, building format plans and community title schemes should be directed to Council’s Works and Infrastructure Services Directorate.
Home Based Business
Council believes home-based businesses have a definite role to play in the region’s economic development as they provide a relatively low-cost starting point to help new businesses get off the ground and establish viable markets.
At the same time, Council recognises the need to protect and preserve residential amenity, character and lifestyle.
If you are planning to operate a business from your home, or park more than one heavy vehicle on your property, check with Council’s Community and Development Services Directorate to see if a permit is needed.
Advertising Signs
Council approval is required for the erection of advertising and directional signs on or adjacent to Council controlled roads. The approval process aims to ensure all signs comply with acceptable standards of aesthetics and amenity.
Technology Partnerships Register
Would a specialist piece of equipment or technology give your business the edge you are looking for?
If your business uses or requires specialised equipment the Enterprise Connect "Technology Partnerships Register" could help you. The Technology Partnerships equipment register links businesses owning highly specialised technology or equipment with others that may be able to use it.
If your business has unique and highly specialised equipment that others may want to use, or if you’re looking for access to specialised technical equipment, visit the Enterprise Connect website for more information.
