Pick from a range of rewards for your event or conference!

Take advantage of PARKROYAL Parramatta's discounted day delegate package starting from AUD74 per person and pick from a range of rewards that suit you. If you decide to host a residential conference with a minimum of five accommodation rooms per night, enjoy all PARKROYAL Parramatta's rewards as a thank you!

• 20+ delegates = choose one reward
• 40+ delegates = choose two rewards
• 80+ delegates = choose three rewards

For more information, please speak with the PARKROYAL Parramatta team today on:

P: 02 9685 0309 

E: events.prsyp@parkroyalhotels.com

Terms and conditions

• Valid for meetings held before 1st September 2021 with a minimum of 20 guests.
• Subject to availability.
• Not valid for existing bookings and cannot be combined with any other promotions.
• Minimum spends and numbers applies.
• Offer excludes additional audio visual to the standard inclusions listed in the day delegate package.
• To receive all the rewards to your conference, you must have five accommodation rooms per night in addition to the day delegate package.
• Credit to your next event must be used in 2021. Credit is based on event held & number of paying delegates. Credit is not based on the future event.
• Rates are quoted in AUD and include GST.
• A merchant service fee of 0.99% for Alipay, 1.25% for American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Union Pay and 3% for Diners and JCB will be applied to all credit card payments.

Brief the Chief Webinar Series by William Buck

Over the past 12 months, we’ve witnessed a surge of audit activity from NSW Revenue.

Increased data matching with the ATO, ASIC and other databases has meant that Payroll Tax investigations have become an easier task for authorities and are a growing focus area.

Many employers are confused by the compliance rules set in place. Misunderstanding these regulations could result in heavy implications for your business.

In the face of a Payroll Tax audit, financial penalties, complex legal tax issues and an unnecessary pull on resources are just a few of the issues that could arise.

William Buck's tax expert, Raffi Tenenbaum along with experienced employment lawyer, Tony Gooch of Macpherson Kelley, will guide you through real life examples to ensure you’re ready for a Payroll Tax audit.

This concise one hour ‘Brief the Chief’ session will deep-dive into some of the common mistakes that businesses often make in their payroll tax activities.

Topics include:

• Grouping of employers, & legal issues arising from the contractor vs employee distinction

• Underpayments resulting from the above and the potential involvement of the Fair Work Ombudsman

• Individual liability issues

• Fringe Benefit Tax errors

• Interstate wages and thresholds

• Superannuation contributions liable for payroll tax

• Data sharing with other Government authorities (ATO, WorkSafe)

Webinar Details: 

Date: 17th February, 2021

Time: 10.00am to 11.00am

RSVP: 15th February, 2021 

Registration: Click here to book your virtual seat

Multiple channels | Established audience | Affordable solution

Looking for a long-term, affordable marketing solution? Then check this out:

• Online business directory listing on www.accessnews.com.au
• Business directory listing in Western Sydney Business Access newspaper
• PLUS, a bonus virtual stall at www.expovirtual.com.au

All live for 12 months, includes design as required. Total value exceeds $1,050.

For short time only - one payment of only $480 INC GST per package.

For further information or to book your business package, contact:

Julie Jackson

julie@accessnews.com.au

Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate the end of 2020?

The William Inglis Hotel is hosting Christmas Markets in their Riverside Stables, offering the perfect place to send off the year and welcome the magic of Christmas.

They are excited to invite you along with your family, friends or colleagues to their inaugural event, taking place 17-20th December 2020.

The Riverside Stables Christmas Markets is a family & pet friendly event featuring markets stalls, live carols and Christmas lights.

Grab a bite to eat, sip on a glass of bubbles and browse through the 40+ vendors showcasing handmade gifts, arts, fashion and homewares – ideal for any last minute shoppers!

The William Inglis Hotel hope you can join them in supporting local small businesses and creating memorable moments.

Click here for tickets. 

The William Inglis Hotels is an ALLSAFE property and this is a Covid-Safe event. Tickets have been split across multiple sessions to monitor venue capacity and adhere to our CovidSafe plan.

A gene therapy for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) could undergo development in the laboratory within three years, thanks to Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Cure4CF), who in partnership with the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation (NFMRI) have awarded a grant to a team at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) through the NFMRI scheme.

The $140,000 Barbara Stow-Smith Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Innovation grant was awarded to a team of medical researchers from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health who are all based at Westmead. The project will be led by Dr Leszek Lisowski from Children’s Medical Research Institute who is the Head of the Translational Vectorology Unit and Professor Hiran Selvadurai who is Senior Staff Specialist in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. It will also involve Dr Predag Kalajdzic from CMRI’s Vector and Genome Engineering Facility (VGEF), and two PhD students Adrian Westhaus and Kimberley Dilworth from CMRI.

The project aims to develop new vector-based gene therapy tools for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis. Dr Lisowski creates microscopic delivery vehicles, called vectors, which make gene therapies possible. The vectors deliver gene therapeutics into the patient’s cells affected by the disease. The therapy adds a working copy of the faulty gene or replaces the faulty gene with a functional version.

As part of the project Dr Lisowski’s team will also work to develop a novel preclinical model of human lung that will enable studies not only of potential treatments for CF but also other conditions such as asthma and other lung diseases.

A gene therapy treatment like the one Dr Lisowski is working to develop has the potential to extend the life expectancy and improve quality of life for over 10,000 mostly young patients in Australia living with CF.

“Our approach has the potential to alleviate the lung-associated complications of CF, which have major health implications and are usually the most difficult to treat,’’ Dr Lisowski said.

“We are very excited to start this project in an endeavour to help children suffering with CF, and so grateful to Cure4CF.org for making this possible.’’

Senior Staff Specialist in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Professor Hiran Selvadurai, says he is excited about the prospect of a gene therapy cure for CF patients.

“This grant gives us an opportunity to make a difference to sick children. We are excited to embark on this journey in order to bring real hope for children with CF,” said Professor Selvadurai.

Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis Executive Manager Suzy Dimaline said they were thrilled to partner with Dr Lisowski and his team at CMRI. “We are incredibly excited to fund this research, a gene therapy treatment would be game-changing for our cystic fibrosis community, not only here in Australia, but also across the globe.’’

Cassie Jones knows all about this suffering. Her son Charlie, who is only five, takes 20 pills a day and needs medicine every time he eats plus physiotherapy and use of a nebulizer every day.

“Gene therapy eventually aims to cure, not just treat, cystic fibrosis, and the beauty of this is that it could work for anyone with CF, no matter what their mutations are,’’ Ms Jones said.

“This is so important in CF because there are so many different mutations, and more so for us as Charlie carries a rarer one that makes current break-through medications ineffective.

“We work hard to keep Charlie as healthy as possible because we’re waiting for the day that treatments like this will prevent further damage to his body and add years to his life. News like this just brings that day closer and within reach.’’

The Cystic Fibrosis gene is carried by 1 in 25 Australians. Around 100 newborns in Australia are diagnosed each year with the disease.

To donate to CMRI click here.

This is usually the time of year that energy markets brace for peak energy demand associated with higher consumption over the summer months. This, and the wave of contract renewals that fall due at the end of each December, typically converge to place upward pressure on energy prices and drive volatility.

However, as we know, 2020 is different from previous years. We have seen the COVID-19 pandemic change the nature of energy demand amid temporary business shutdowns and an exodus of people from offices and worksites as they worked from home. Essentially, the pandemic lifted residential energy use as it constrained commercial and industrial use, with overall demand declining.

Over the course of 2020, we have seen electricity prices continuing their downward trajectory that started from its peak in mid-2017, reaching levels that we believe to be at or near the bottom of the current pricing cycle. In recent months we have seen wholesale electricity prices continue to trade sideways in the absence of clear direction on demand levels that will remain opaque until the economy emerges from the pandemic.

The sideways price movements are a function of both supply and demand-side forces acting to keep a cap on prices. Production costs remaining at or near the cost of generation curtailing prices, and current demand levels are influenced by reduced economic activity, the expected limited short-term growth in renewable capacity and increasing roof-top solar capacity.

As a result, far more businesses than previous years have already brought forward their energy contract renewals to take advantage of the lower price environment. This means that fewer businesses will be vying for contracts in the lead up to December 31, reshaping the extent of the typical ‘renewals cliff’.

However, electricity demand will rise over the summer peak demand period, which will lift prices, even if, amid reduced overall demand, there is less price volatility this summer compared to recent years. In fact, AEMO has indicated in a recent report that the reliability outlook has improved for this summer.

As businesses have moved quickly to lock in lower prices, we have also seen contract lengths extending with most businesses renewing contracts out to 2023 and in some cases, 2024. Again, businesses are taking advantage of the current point in the pricing cycle to lock in lower prices over the long-term, ahead of the economic recovery and the likelihood of steadily increasing demand.

Our outlook remains that both wholesale and retail prices will remain generally steady until greater economic certainty returns, notwithstanding seasonal fluctuations. And amid the continued lower price environment and with demand set to increase over summer, there is a substantial opportunity for those who are yet to renew contracts to do so while conditions remain favourable.

Energy Action specialises in achieving significant cost savings and has helped businesses save thousands on their energy bills. If you would like to discuss how you can save energy and reduce costs over summer, call 1300 553 551 or visit https://www.energyaction.com.au.

By Professor Philip O’Connell, Executive Director, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

Recent weeks have seen new cases of COVID-19 steadily drop across most of Australia, and reports of promising COVID-19 vaccine trials are being cautiously welcomed. While 2020 has been a challenging year for so many, both personally and professionally, it seems that the early, decisive and committed approach taken across Australia to stop the spread of COVID-19 has proven successful.

However, we now watch as a very different situation continues to unfold in the United States and parts of Europe, and this should act as a warning. We cannot be complacent. A vaccine is still some way off, and continued vigilance is vital.

Australia’s success to date is primarily due to its world-leading contact tracing capabilities and its public health response. I am proud to say that The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) has been at the forefront of Australia’s COVID-19 research efforts, and continues to play significant leadership roles in these areas.

WIMR is a multi-disciplinary institute, and is home to some of Australia’s brightest, and most talented researchers. This expertise and commitment means that WIMR has been able to pivot quickly, and take a leadership role in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact tracing remains a strong defence against COVID-19, and was especially vital in the first weeks and months of this pandemic. Very early on, a team at WIMR adapted its existing, unique genome sequencing method to specifically target COVID-19. They worked with the public health service to analyse and trace the origins of the first wave of cases and how they evolve over time and from site to site. I am proud to say that this sequencing method is now being used across Australia and the world.

Another WIMR research team who, before the pandemic, were focused on infectious diseases like influenza and sepsis, are now using their experience to develop a COVID-19 blood test. This test would rapidly identify which COVID-19 patients would need to be admitted to hospital for urgent medical treatment, rather than being able to self-isolate or quarantine at home.

A team of globally recognised virologists are using expertise gained in areas such as HIV and shingles to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Their focus is to develop a vaccine specifically targeted to some of the most vulnerable members of our community – the ageing.

WIMR has initiated a series of events, aimed at business leaders, to provide the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 from reputable and informed sources. The WIMR Director’s Series will feature WIMR’s researchers, as well as respected business leaders, discussing COVID-19. They will unpack the facts and offer insights into the current and potential future impact of this pandemic.

To register your interest in attending one of the WIMR Director’s Series events, please contact Katrina Dowling, CEO of the WIMR Foundation at katrina.dowling@sydney.edu.au; or Amanda Thompson, Strategic Partnerships Manager at amanda.thompson@sydney.edu.au; or phone 02 8627 3000.

Deloitte Access Economics has been a leader in shaping reform debates over many decades. Now we bring our expertise to the wicked problem of climate change – and the economics of it. This topic has been the subject of debate, misconstruction, and genuine complexity.

At the core of the issue on climate change is the assumption that unconstrained emissions (and therefore warming) are compatible with economies which can grow forever. But, based on the science, this is not possible. Yet this has been the benchmark of economic analysis and the basis for assessment of any actions to solve for climate change.

Deloitte Access Economics has constructed a view of the Australian economy where inaction, or mis-action, in preventing climate change causes damage to the Australian economy. Climate change is no longer a scenario, but instead becomes the baseline for the economy.

While inaction will have the effect of curtailing Australia’s economic growth to the tune of $3.4 trillion and 880,000 fewer jobs in just 50 years, there is an upside – a new choice that Australia can make to create a new climate for growth. And the payoff? A bigger economy –$680 billion bigger – with 250,000 more jobs in just 50 years. Download the report

By Matthews Folbigg Lawyers

Caveats are a powerful tool to protect interests in land. When debt recovery is difficult (say for instance because of a COVID-19 moratorium on certain debt recovery actions) having a secured interest in property can be a significant advantage to creditors. But getting the caveatable interest wrong may end up with proceedings in the High Court of Australia and significant legal expenses and the risk of damages to the land owner. This was what faced a trustee in bankrupt in the High Court’s decision in Boensch v Pascoe (2019) 94 ALJR 112 (“Boensch”).

A simple Caveat

In the case of Boensch, Mr Boensch became bankrupt in August 2005. His trustee in bankruptcy identified a property in Mr Boensch’s name (“the Property”), and lodged a caveat.

However, although the Property was registered in his name, it was held by Mr Boensch on trust for his children. He did not have any interest in the land which the Trustee could take. Although the Trustee challenged the existence of the trust, the issue was resolved in favour of Mr Boensch.

A “Reasonable Cause”

Mr Boensch then commenced proceedings against the Trustee seeking compensation for loss he alleged the Trust had suffered by reason of the caveat being recorded on the title to the Property.

A critical question was whether the caveat had been lodged without “reasonable cause” (s 74P(1) of the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW)).

The Full Federal Court held that Mr Boensch’s legal interest had vested in the Trustee and was enough to justify the Trustee lodging a caveat.

The High Court thought this went too far. In the absence of a substantive or beneficial interest in the Property, there was no caveatable interest. However, after consideration of the complicated history of trusts and insolvency the High Court found that there may have been a right of indemnity which belonged to Mr Boensch which would have vested in the Trustee in Bankruptcy and supported the caveat. This right of indemnity and the Trustee’s ‘honest belief on reasonable grounds’ that the Property had vested in him, meant no damages were payable.

A word of warning

Whilst the Trustee in Bankruptcy was ultimately successful in avoiding liability, it took several years and a High Court case to finalise the matter. The bankrupt has since become bankrupt a second time, and it might be considered doubtful whether the Trustee’s costs may be recovered. Lodging a caveat is one of the most effective ways of preventing a disposition of a debtor’s real property, but must be supported by a proper equitable interest in land and in the absence of legal advice about that interest, may lead to significant unrecoverable legal costs, and claims for even more significant damages for a wrongly lodged caveat.

If you would like more information or advice about the lodgement of caveats, please contact:

Stephen Mullette

P: (02) 9806 7459

E: stephenm@matthewsfolbigg.com.au

or

Jeffrey Brown

P: (02) 9806 7446

E: jeffreyb@matthewsfolbigg.com.au