The Awards are organised by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and sponsored by IOOF in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia The awards recognise and reward Tasmanian business leaders and celebrate the leadership and management achievements of individuals (as opposed to organisations or innovations).

Winners and sponsors for this year’s awards: Lisa Tedeschi of Sebachi and Mint Bath and Body (10X owner manager of the year); Dean Demeyer 10X; Damon Wise, The Hobart Media Centre; Maree Davis, The Hobart Media Centre (Corporate Communications Tasmanian business manager of the year; Tony Harrison, Corporate Communications (Tas) Pty Ltd; Philip Molineux, Byron Bonney Group (NAB Tasmanian business leader of the year – corporate); Cedric Manen of the Migrant Resource Centre (Tasplan Tasmanian public and community sector manager of the year); Heather Francis, MS Society (WHK business leader of the year for small to medium business); Vanessa Jarvis, WHK; Robert Fellowes, Woolworths (Park Homes Tasmanian young manager of the year).

The winners in the six categories are:

1.     NAB Tasmanian business leader of the year - corporate  - Philip Molineux of Byron Bonney Group.

2.     WHK business leader of the year - small to medium business - Heather Francis of the MS Society.

3.     Corporate Communications Tasmanian business manager of the year - Maree Davis of The Hobart Media Centre.

4.     10X owner manager of the year - Lisa Tedeschi of Sebachi and Mint Bath and Body.

5.     Tasplan Tasmanian public and community sector manager of the year - Cedric Manen of the Migrant Resource Centre.

6.     Park Homes Tasmanian young manager of the year - Robert Fellowes of Woolworths.

Announcing the awards, TCCI CEO Robert Wallace, said the judges were extremely impressed with the high calibre of applications reflecting the high number of commendations that were also awarded for 2010.

“The standard this year was outstanding which is testimony to the strength of Tasmanian business leadership,” Mr Wallace said.

“Just because we are a small state doesn’t mean that we are without significant talent and expertise, and the response to this year’s awards showcases the strength of our business leadership skill.

“Now more than ever strong leadership is needed to guide business and organisations through more challenging times, and it is good to see that we have strong men and women of all ages and capabilities, leading business and industry in this state,” Mr Wallace said.

By ROBERT WALLACE

TCCI Chief Executive

THE Federal election campaign is now in full swing and while Tasmanian business will be looking to all parties to exercise fiscal restraint and not engage in flagrant spending sprees to win votes, there are three key issues for Tasmania that must be addressed by those seeking government.

They are arresting the chronic skills’ shortage that is severely inhibiting our capacity to grow our economy and create jobs, the impact and opportunities associated with climate change, and urgent infrastructure development required to promote growth and provide the necessary service for our community.

While the first two issues are highly relevant for all of Australia, infrastructure support is particularly crucial for Tasmania. Our State missed out on its share of the most recent $22 billion national infrastructure funding pool, so many urgent and required projects are in limbo. Funding is required for Bell Bay and other port developments, for the upgrade of the Midland Highway and while money has been allocated for Tasmania’s rail system, more will be required if it is to perform its vital transport role into the future.

Action is required to arrest the shortage of skilled workers in Tasmania. This requires a coherent plan and funds for skills training, employer rebates and trainee allowances. Our research over recent years has pointed to the lack of availability of skilled labour as the key factor holding back business and jobs growth in Tasmania. Resolution of this issue will go a long way towards ensuring a strong economic recovery.

Political leadership is also required on climate change. While Australia would be foolish to ‘go it alone’ when other countries are reluctant to act, government can assist business with tax incentives to adopt energy efficiency and conservation measures and the identification of business opportunities in this area. As a leader in renewable energy generation and development, Tasmania has a key role to play in our national response to climate change.

In the absence of any global consensus, business certainly does not favour any unilateral emissions trading scheme for Australia. However, industry is keen to work on energy efficiency measures where there is common ground on reducing environmental impact and business costs.

Tax incentives for lower-emitting plant and equipment such as the successful investment allowance used during the global financial crisis would be a welcome initiative which would support industry, jobs and the environment.

Tasmania will be looking for response on these issues from our politicians in what should be a financially responsible election campaign.

The key issues business wants addressed include taxation reform, investment in human and physical infrastructure, budget and fiscal responsibility, skills development and workplace productivity, sustainable economic, energy and environmental policies and the restoration of the flow of capital following the global financial crisis. ACCI also wants government to facilitate the participation of small business and independent contractors in national economic affairs, Australia having deep engagement in the economic activity of our Asian region as well as in the global economy and a program of national regulatory reform.

ACCI says these are the elements of a forward-looking economic reform agenda and were developed following a survey of Australian business on priorities for the next national government.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) chief executive Robert Wallace said ACCI intended to promote this agenda through discussions with the Government, Opposition and the minor parties and in extensive debate in the media and community in the pre-election period.

“While business confidence has dipped in recent months, the opportunity for economic growth and national prosperity for Australia are great and will be materially supported by a conducive policy framework from the incoming national government,” Mr Wallace said.

“Neither the Labor Government nor Liberal-National Opposition have yet released their policy frameworks for the next term of government and ACCI will be taking the opportunity to provide more broadly based and integrated business input to the views and approaches of each party,” Mr Wallace said.

The ACCI survey identified three clear areas of high concern for Australian business - government spending, the high level of taxation, and high interest rates and the cost of finance.

On workplace issues, the lack of availability of skilled employees, compliance with the fair work laws and workers compensation and superannuation costs ranked as areas of high concern.

Mr Wallace said these national results mirrored the concerns of Tasmanian business.”Business welcomes a strong contest over policy ideas to reach the goal of long-term economic reform, but expects the political parties to address the key issues it has identified.”

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TCIT) and the Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC) have developed NBN4Business as a joint promotion to their members and stakeholders.

A spokesman for the alliance, TCCI CEO Robert Wallace, said the partnership provided an effective mechanism to inform the wide spectrum of Tasmanian business and industry about the NBN.

“The NBN roll-out probably represents the greatest advantage for Tasmanian business and the State economy since hydro-industrialisation and it is vital we maximise this,” Mr Wallace said.

“We have a relative small window when Tasmania will likely be the most connected community, not only in Australia, but around the world and we must grasp this.

“Most businesses will know about the NBN, but they may not know about the opportunities for education and business, or how they can access these.

“That is where NBN4Business comes in and jointly, we will be informing our stakeholders and advising them of the opportunities.”

Mr Wallace said NBN4Business was developing a series of 16 forums and workshops that would be conducted around the State from next month.

“These will take place in smaller centres such as Smithton, Huonville, St Helens and Strahan, as well as in the cities. We’ll also be conducting them on King and Flinders Island to ensure the message is spread far and wide.

“The forums will deliver comprehensive NBN information and awareness to the Tasmanian business community and outline how the NBN is different from the internet, outline the new trend, tools and technology and importantly, what if can do for business, particularly Tasmanian small business.

“Participants will receive practical information and reference material and will hear case studies from businesses already using the broadband to advantage.”

Mr Wallace said other promotional activities would include the distribution of regular information and updates to stakeholders, a dedicated website and broad media communication.

The activity would build on the foundation established by the community forums conducted by NBN Tasmanian Co.

“The NBN roll-out offers fantastic opportunities for Tasmanian business and through NBN4Business our four organisations will be working strategically to ensure we take the greatest advantage,” Mr Wallace said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Lara Giddings presented a special plaque to commemorate 25 years of TT-Line and Bass Strait shipping operations under Tasmanian Government ownership.

Captain Ralph McDonell from Abel Tasman, TT-Line's first ship in 1985, centre, overlooks the cutting of the cake with, from left, Captain Martin Watts from the present twin ships, Captain Jim Lewis from the original Spirit of Tasmania in 1993 and Captain Kon Eliades.

Ms Giddings said TT-Line had done an outstanding job, keeping visitors coming to Tasmania during its 25 years of operations.

“During its 25th year, the company has promoted a number of campaigns featuring discounted fares and other initiatives that have all delivered impressive results in terms of visitor numbers,” she said.

“This performance is even more impressive considering competition from other Australian destinations, more Australians choosing to holiday overseas and cheap airline fares.”

Former and present captains reunited to cut a celebratory cake to mark the occasion.

Captain Ralph McDonell from Abel Tasman, TT-Line’s first ship in 1985, Captain Jim Lewis from the original Spirit of Tasmania in 1993 and Captain Kon Eliades and Captain Martin Watts from the present twin ships all played an important role in reliving a nostalgic 25 years of TT-Line.

Special edition anniversary flags were also raised in the Devonport terminal and on board the ships.

Deputy chairman Michael Grainger said the success of the $25 fares that were offered on night sailings from  June  1 surpassed expectations.

“The tickets sold out in a week,” he said.

“This is just one example of the campaigns the company has been running for the ultimate benefit of the Tasmanian tourism industry and the broader Tasmanian economy.

“Much has obviously changed over the past 25 years, but I can assure you all that as we move forward we will continue to work to achieve excellence in safety, reliability and exceptional passenger and freight service.”

Tasmania’s peak employer body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), says the latest unemployment figures and the most recent Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations confirmed that the lack of skilled workers was inhibiting growth.TCCI Chief Executive Robert Wallace said it was incumbent on the State Government, as well as the Opposition, to outline strategies to increase skills and encourage private sector growth.

Mr Wallace said Tasmania now had the unenviable distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the nation with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) job figures for June 2010 showing the trend rate at 6.3 percent.

“This is a real concern coming at a time when national trend unemployment remains steady at 5.2 percent,” Mr Wallace said.

“While the Government likes to gloss over the reality and talk only about a small increase in jobs and ignores the fact that even more people are looking for work, and the Opposition simply criticises the Government for a lack of action, nobody appears to be examining the cause or coming up with solutions.

“Tasmanians need to know what plans the Government has to lift our skills base and also what the Opposition would do if it was in government.”

Mr Wallace said while the number of net jobs in Tasmanian had risen by 100 in June, much of this was only part-time and unemployment had risen because the economic circumstances had caused more people to enter the workforce to look for work.

” Tasmania’s unemployment rate was now at its highest level since August 2006 with 16,000 people now unemployed, an increase of 3800 on the same time last year.

“Business wants to see effective strategies to increase skills that can boost productivity and confidence.”

Mr Wallace said as well as the lack of skills, the TCCI’s latest Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations also listed compliance with occupational health and safety provisions and the Fairwork Act, as well as state and local government taxes as key constraints on business.

“Business remains concerned at the high cost of government with public sector salaries now comprising almost 50 percent of the State Budget and rising year on year. As well, the unfunded public sector superannuation liability amounts to 104 percent of the Budget and is predicted to increase by 1.6 percent annually over the next five years.

“The TCCI is still concerned about the recent lifting of the State Government’s memorandum on creating new jobs within the public sector.  This is doing nothing to improve the State’s skill base, nor boost business confidence.

“The State Government must do all it can to reduce the cost of government to ensure Tasmania can return to a fiscal surplus before 2012-13 and all available resources must be directed towards the productive sector of the economy.

“The Government to ‘remain on track’ to maintain its increase in employment expenses over the next 12-months at its promised 2.5 percent.”

Mr Wallace said the TCCI is about to launch a major initiative aimed at reducing compliance costs for business and boosting performance.

The marine inspector and cleaner (MIC) was announced as the winner of the Aquavision 2010 innovation award in front of 500 aquaculture industry delegates from 35 countries. The award includes a prize of €10,000.

Tassal chief executive officer and managing director Mark Ryan and Tassal chairman Allan McCallum receive the Aquavision Innovation award in Norway from Robert Kirschbaum, vice president Open Innovation, DSM, the award’s sponsor.

The MIC has the potential to revolutionise the way companies around the world manage the cyclical problem of net cleaning - a fact confirmed by the award jury who look for “…breakthroughs in the area of aquaculture.”

The award criteria calls for entries of innovation that “…break with conventional processes and go beyond marginal improvements in existing products and services.”

Manufactured by Tasmanian company MIC Pty Ltd, a joint venture between Tassal and Seafarm Systems, the MIC features a hydraulically powered cleaning head that crawls over the sides and base of any size net, vacuuming off fouling (weeds) in a single pass and disposing of it well away from the net.

Due to the speed and ease of operation, nets can be cleaned on a regular basis, resulting in minimal fouling growth.

Tassal managing director and chief executive officer Mark Ryan said the most compelling benefit of the cleaning system was fish growth and health.

“We have been using MIC for the past three years and have seen a two per cent improvement in fish stock growth and a two per cent increase in survival rates,” he said.

“The innovation is assisting Tassal to move away from the need to use anti-fouling paint on our fish farm nets.

“MIC is an example of how Tassal is building sustainability into our day-to-day operations.

“Moving away from anti fouled nets to in-situ net washing is a critical step in our work to be truly sustainability.”

Seafarm Systems director James Cretan said he was pleased to be partnering with Tassal in the MIC joint-venture.

“Tassal and Seafarm Systems are of the same mind when it comes to sustainability and the need for the sustainable practices,” he said.

Mr Cretan said there were many benefits associated with the MIC system.

“While it ensures healthier fish, better growth and lower mortality rates, it also dramatically reduces cleaning times, labour costs and occupational health and safety risks,” he said.

“For example, where it once took four divers using high pressure cleaning equipment eight hours to clean the base and sides of a 120-metre circumference net with 10-metre sidewall, using MIC it takes one person about three hours to clean the same net.”

International patents on the unique technology used by MIC are pending.

Tassal employs 697 people, is the largest aquaculture company in Australia and is a public company listed on the ASX.

The company is also a fully integrated producer of premium quality Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon, operating hatcheries, marine farms, processing facilities, value-adding plant and a sales and marketing division for Australian and international markets.

Tassal has invested $123 million in the State over the past three-and-a-half-years, including a world best standard hatchery at Ranelagh on the Huon River, environmental improvements and expansion at its Huonville processing facility and an innovation centre at Margate for product, packaging and recipe development.

Seafarm Systems, a division of Plastic Fabrications Pty Ltd, is Australia’s largest supplier of seacages for aquaculture.

Plastic Fabrications supplies the tuna and kingfish industries in South Australia.  Internationally, Plastic Fabrications is aligned with Dainichi Corporation in Japan, has developed a strong alliance with Cakir Fishing in Turkey and has recently established a branch of Seafarm Systems in Denmark.

In Australia, Seafarm Systems has developed its AquaSure product range in close consultation with the local aquaculture industry, supplying both new and refurbished cages according to changing needs.

It is currently upgrading seacages for Tassal Ltd to incorporate differential flotation rings, reusing pipe and other components resulting in lower cost and an environmentally-friendly end product.

In Japan, it has supplied a number of 220-metre diameter cages for growout of Northern Bluefin Tuna, believed to be the largest of their type in the world. The robust design and manufacture of these cages was proven recently when they withstood a tsunami wave action with no ensuing problems.

TASMANIA’S State Budget for 2010/11 delivered on  June 17 by Treasurer Michael Aird, represents the beginning of the quest to bring our public finances back into surplus and to establish a fairer and more effective taxation regime.

Robert Wallace, TCCI chief executive officer

The Budget for the coming 12 months does not represent the completion of the Government’s task and much work still remains to be done if Tasmania is to continue its economic recovery and provide the opportunities and services for Tasmania now and into the future.

While the TCCI has welcomed the Budget as a responsible fiscal plan that will work towards restoring business confidence, there are of course a number of areas where business would like to see greater focus.

Prime among these is reform of Tasmania’s payroll tax regime and we are looking for a firm commitment to continue the payroll tax rebate scheme beyond 2011 and the eventual removal of the anti-jobs impost. The TCCI’s representations that delivered this rebate at the height of the Global Financial Crisis have been successful in creating 360 new jobs in the past year.  A continuation of this benefit and a more permanent reform leading to a discontinuation of payroll tax will provide a strong incentive to employ more people in an economy where we have the highest unemployment rate in the nation.

Increased funding for skills training is also vital. The lack of availability of skilled staff is a constant finding of the TCCI’s Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations and this inhibits employment, business growth and Tasmania’s economic recovery. We need to upskill our people to take on new jobs in new businesses and industries.

It is critical that the Government addresses this through the coming year and increasingly, in subsequent Budgets.

With the public sector wages bill now set to comprise more than 50 percent of the total State Budget, business is looking to see significant productivity gains within the public sector. This spending on public servant wages is the highest of all the Australian states and severely inhibits the Government’s ability to spend on vital infrastructure projects such as roadworks, port facilities, railways, schools, hospitals. Increased productivity is not just a challenge for business and industry, The State Government must set out a path to gain sustainable improvements in the public sector, particularly through working smarter and using new hardware and software technology.

The Treasurer’s announcement of a comprehensive and consultative review of the Tasmanian taxation system to improve its competitiveness and sustainability is a welcome initiative. The TCCI looks forward to participating the proposed all-party review.

We will use the opportunity to push for reform and removal of the iniquitous payroll tax and are keen to see an examination of more innovative taxation models as opposed to tinkering around the edges.

Above all, we want to see a system that is fair, efficient and sustainable, one that supports the provision of essential public services and which allows Tasmanian business to grow and prosper.

But keynote speaker and master of ceremonies Michael Pascoe, one of Australia’s most respected and experienced finance and economics commentators, also told the summit’s 120 delegates that they had to work smarter and more productively in the future.

TBCITB chairman Bob Panitzki, keynote speakers John Mitchell, Thomas Fussell and Michael Pascoe, and BCIC chairman John Pitt at the summit at Moorilla.

“Australia’s population is increasing, and this increasing population needs to live somewhere,” he said.

“At the same time, dwelling investment has been flat.

“There needs to be more investment in housing, not just because people need a place to live, but also because it is a wonderful multiplier in the economy.”

Mr Pascoe also warned that he thought there was a big risk that Tasmania’s skilled workers would be “stolen” for jobs interstate.

“Importantly, the building and construction industry in Tasmania is ahead of the game when it comes to developing people,” he said.

“We heard today about the level of training and the high numbers of apprentices in employment in Tasmania.”

The summit, jointly organised by the Tasmanian Building and Construction Industry Training Board (TBCITB) and the Building and Construction Industry Council (BCIC), brought together industry leaders from around Australia, including local industry figures, to talk about examples of innovation and industry best practice that have the potential for application in Tasmania.

Keynote addresses were delivered by John Mitchell, the chairman of BuildingSmart, and Thomas Fussell, the executive director and chief architect of Project Services in the Queensland Government.

Both Mr Mitchell and Mr Fussell spoke at length about digital technology, specifically Building Information Modelling (BIM), and the positive changes this would ultimately deliver the industry.

The merits of BIM technology were clearly explained to delegates.  Examples were provided to demonstrate how BIM had helped numerous large building and construction projects interstate.

In addition to the keynote addresses, there were five panel discussions covering civil, building, independent, professions and people.

TBCITB executive director Peter Coad said the industry needed to find about $2.2 billion in building work every year to keep the state’s building and construction workforce employed.

“The building and construction industry in the last few years has had a 150 per cent increase in apprentice commencements and training,” he said.

“But the question we asked the summit to consider is how do you sustain a 20,000-strong workforce?”

Peter said the industry was being urged to adopt new efficient technology.

“There was a lot of discussion about digital technology, particularly BIM and the benefits for industry,” he said.

“It’s a bit like going from a handsaw to a power saw. Those who get in on the ground floor and use this new technology in an innovative way will reap the benefits.

A series of recommendations will be presented to the industry as soon as practical.

The State’s peak employer body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI),has welcomed the 2010-11 State Budget as a responsible strategy that will work towards restoring business confidence. But the TCCI is disappointed the Budget did not address the demographic challenge confronting Tasmania.

TCCI Chief Executive Officer Robert Wallace said the Budget provided a clear and credible path to return to surplus by 2012-13 and for Tasmania to remain net debt free.

“This Budget will assist in restoring business confidence in Tasmania so that the economic recovery is sustainable. Our economy is expected to grow by 2.25 percent in 2010-11 compared with 3.25 percent growth nationally.

“Being the only state in surplus and net debt free in 2012-13 will be an important signal for investor confidence and importantly, should maintain Tasmania’s credit rating.

“The business community welcomes the Government’s commitment not to increases taxes including backdoor taxes such as raising fees and charges. We also welcome the promised land tax reform that TCCI has campaigned in favour of for some time.”

Mr Wallace said the TCCI was concerned about the rising wage costs for State employees that are set to increase from 48.3 percent of the Budget to 51.8 percent in 2013-14, an increase of $249 million.

“We are concerned that public sector wage bill is increasing across the forward estimates and is putting our net debt-free status at risk.

“We need to have strong surplus budgets and public sector productivity gains if the fiscal strategy and unfunded superannuation target is to be achieved,” Mr Wallace said.

But the TCCI congratulated the Government for continuing the policy of using payroll tax rebates as a stimulus for employment.

“The TCCI’s representations that delivered the payroll tax rebate have been successful in creating 360 new jobs in the past year. We are calling for this commitment to extend past 2011 with a more permanent reform of payroll tax.

“This initiative will provide a strong incentive to employ new staff in an economy where we have the highest unemployment rate in the nation.”

Mr Wallace said the TCCI was pleased to see a review of State taxation to ensure Tasmania had the most competitive taxation system in the country to drive business investment and confidence

“We are pleased to see the Treasurer commit to a review of the State taxation system to ensure it is competitive and delivers increased services to the Tasmanian community.
“Improving the skills of Tasmanians is important in increasing the productivity of our State.

The announcement of $11 million for adult literacy and $5.85 million for raising the awareness of opportunities presented by the digital economy is also welcomed.

“The funding commitment to increase the literacy of the Tasmanian workforce and awareness of digital economy opportunities will help to lift State productivity,” Mr Wallace said.

“But we are disappointed that the Budget failed to address Tasmania’s demographic challenge. During the lead up to this Budget, the TCCI called for the establishment of the Demographic Change Policy Council to manage the strategies and implementation of policy to overcome the issues with the aging Tasmanian population.
“It is a concern that we are not seeing any commitment to address the long-term challenge of demographic change through the establishment of such a Policy Council,” Mr Wallace said.

The TCCI says the State infrastructure spending is significant but business is concerned that the investment in getting Tasmania’s rail system back on track is not sufficient with just $244 million allocated over the forward estimates.

“The large infrastructure spend is due to Federal money in health and education, but we would like to see more investment in the State rail system to bring it back to a sustainable business. However, we welcome the establishment of the new planning fund to identify priority areas of road investment.

“The Budget sees funding for the establishment on a State Asbestos Unit to deal with the removal of asbestos from Tasmanian businesses. The TCCI welcomes the move but would urge the Government to invite industry to be part of establishing the unit. We welcome the Asbestos Unit initiative but would like to see more industry involvement in setting up the unit and developing the legislation,” Mr Wallace said.

“The TCCI is pleased to see the TCCI Growing Business Pilot Project funded so we can start to help businesses throughout the State to benchmark their performances and gain a diagnostic picture of their operations to enhance their viability and ensure we secure jobs for Tasmanian families,” Mr Wallace said.