Resources Library

Business links and contacts

Below are brief descriptions of organisations that provide a range of information and services for businesses.

NSW Industrial Relations is providing regular information to assist employers in New South Wales as it moves into the national workplace relations system from 1 January 2010.

For more detailed information please visit www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au

Information about the various agencies that will be delivering services and assistance in relation to the national system and also provides some initial information about the implementation of modern awards which commence in January 2010.

Fair Work - who is who? and modern awards

Business Enterprise Centres
Business Enterprise Centres are a network involving business enterprises, government, professional associations and other organisations. The purpose of this body is to provide job creation and growth of small business. For more information:
Website: www.beca.org.au

Armidale & District BEC Contact David Henderson (02) 6771 2556

Alternately, contact the Department of State and Regional Development on:
Telephone: 1300 650 058
Website: www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) manages the Franchising Code of Conduct. The code has been designed to provide enhanced protection for those entering into, renewing or extending franchise agreements, primarily by providing better information on which to make the decision whether or not to invest in a franchised business. This is a mandatory code and must be complied with by all franchise systems.
The ACCC also investigates complaints between franchisees and franchisers. For further details, or for a copy of the Code, contact the ACCC:
Telephone: (02) 9230 9133 or 1300 302 502
Website: www.accc.gov.au
Address: Level 7, Angel Place, 123 Pitt St (GPO Box 3648) Sydney 2000.

Office of the Mediation Adviser
The Office of the Mediation Adviser (OMA) has been established and funded by the Office of Small Business in the Federal Department of Employment Workplace Relations and Small Business for assistance in resolving franchise disputes. For further information contact them on:
Telephone: 1800 150 667
Website: www.mediationadviser.com.au
Postal Address: Level 2, Suite 205, 370 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000

The Franchise Council of Australia Ltd
The Franchise Council of Australia Ltd (FCA) is the peak body for the franchise sector in Australia, representing franchisees, franchisors and service providers to the sector. Membership is voluntary, and is open to any organisation or individual involved in the franchise sector. For further information, contact them on:
Telephone: 1300 669 030
Website: www.franchise.org.au
Postal Address: PO Box 2195, Malvern East VIC 3145

Australian Tax Office website for businesses

http://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/

Australian Government Intellectual Property

IP Australia. Patents/Trademarks/Designs/Plant Breeders Rights
http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/

Fair Work Australia

Australian WorkPlace

http://www.fwa.gov.au/

Transition to Fair Work - Key Changes

http://www.fwa.gov.au/index.cfm?pagename=transchanges

Super Resources

http://www.australia.gov.au/topics/economy-money-and-tax/superannuation

Superannuation tips and safety checks

http://www.fido.gov.au/fido/fido.nsf/byheadline/Super+decisions%3A+step+by+step+guide+through+super+maze?openDocument

Useful references for a Greener Business

Northern Inland Sustainable Business Network (NISBN) www.nisbn.org.au

The New England Sustainability Strategy is a whole of region approach to sustainability which began being developed with a major public Forum as the final event of the Sustainable Living Expo '08. www.ness.wikidot.com

Australian Government - Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts - 1. Green Office Guide
www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/government/purchasing/green-office-guide/pubs/green-office-guide.pdf

Australian Government - Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts - 2. Greenhouse challenge Guide
www.environment.gov.au/settlements/challenge/publications/factsheets/pubs/fs-office-equipment.pdf

NSW Government - Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability - Work Energy 4. Smart
www.energysmart.com.au/wes/DisplayPage.asp?PageID=34

Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Australia's National 8. Greenhouse Accounts - National Inventory by Economic Sector
www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/2006/pubs/inventory2006-economic.pdf

Greening the Office Environment

(and saving money too!)

Managing your resources and reducing office waste can have real benefits for your business. You can cut costs and do your bit for the Environment at the same time. Waste costs up to 4% of your business turnover.

Here are a few simple eco-friendly options to put in place around the office...

Switch off office machines

Did you know that a desktop computer used for 8 hours a day generates 600 kilograms of greenhouse gases each year?

Between 40% and 89% of the total energy use from computer equipment can be contributed to standby power for some machines

Make sure all lights and computers are switched off at the power point at the end of the day. It really does pay to switch off! Encourage employees to turn off all office equipment after hours and on weekends. On average, office equipment accounts for 16% of an office's energy use

Recycle

Although this may sound obvious the importance of recycling is second to none. It is an easy and effective way to green your office. Placing more recycling bins around the office (for paper and cartridges) can dramatically reduce wastage. Think of the recycle options before disposing of old equipment; there are many charities, schools and service clubs happy to accept old equipment for refurbishment. Ask around...

Equip your office green

Look for the greener option when buying resources Where possible buy recycled and in bulk to minimise packaging.

Consider purchasing laptops, as a laptop uses up to 90 percent less energy than a standard desktop computer. Make savings with an LCD monitor instead of a CRT

Keep in mind that inkjet printers use up to 90 percent less energy than laser printers.

Change to greener processes

Ever thought of photocopying and printing in batches? Energy use while photocopying and printing costs more than just money.

Limit paper usage

Paper still makes up about 70% of office waste. Try to view documents on the computer and only print out when absolutely necessary.

Set printers to print on both sides. Use scrap paper for notes or for printing the less official or important documents.

Green travel options

Provide bike racks to encourage workers to cycle to work, provide a shower and change space for those who like to walk , take the carbon offset option when organizing business flights