Commonwealth Grants Commission
Last month we were approached by the New South Wales Treasurer Eric Roosendaal, to be part of a broad group which called on the Commonwealth Grants Commission to review the current formula used by the Federal Government to disperse GST proceeds.
Whichever way you look at it, NSW gets a raw deal from the Commonwealth and it’s got to stop.
As the economic powerhouse of the nation, even Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett, conceded at a recent business breakfast in Sydney attended by our board, that it was vital NSW and particularly Sydney, maintains its place as a world class commercial centre.
The group, labelled by the Treasurer as being a “coalition of the compassionate,” was made up of industry groups, unions, social justice advocates and the Chamber of Commerce. It was truly a broad church.
As I mentioned at the time, when industry groups and Unions NSW unite in one accord, there is something either very right or very, very wrong. Unfortunately for us it was the latter.
The main gripe for NSW was the fact that our GST contributions make up a much higher percentage of Commonwealth income than does the grants returned by the Commission to ours, the Premier State. In essence, NSW taxpayers are subsidising the lifestyles of the citizens of the smaller states.
That is not to say that NSW does not recognise the need to support those less fortunate. Indeed, there has been no criticism of the fact that both the Northern Territory and Tasmania do well out of the NSW subsidy. However, when the governments of Queensland and Western Australia send delegations to Asia and the Middle East boasting about how much lower their taxes are and how prosperous their economy is, you can sympathise with the average Hunter Valley businessman who is paying extra taxes to subsidise this Cayman Islands type haven.
So while this practice continues, the NSW economy is being steered through the global financial crisis with its main sail in tatters. And when the Premier of Queensland is called to express her views on this economic injustice, one has to question its justification, given her only response was to call us cockroaches “whingers”. How can you argue against such an intellectual approach?
Railcorp
A large number of members, primarily those operating smaller enterprises, have expressed their concerns regarding the new tendering system implemented by Railcorp, and particularly the practise of reducing shifts at late notice and disallowing variances on plant and equipment.
CCF (NSW) has subsequently made a number of representations to the minister, chief executive and senior management of Railcorp. Unfortunately both the Federation and Railcorp have deemed it necessary for some of our complaints to be referred directly to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Last month we also sent a delegation to meet with Railcorp’s GM of procurement and we are confident our concerns and questions will be addressed. A meeting with minister David Campbell is scheduled for November 25th.
Annual leaders forum
The annual Civil Contractors Federation (NSW) leaders forum will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Norwest on Friday November 20 from 9am. This year we are delighted to welcome Dial Before You Dig as our major sponsor of the day. Speakers will address pertinent issues such as the Awards Modernisation Process, Time Bars, Individual Flexibility Clauses and the ABCC.
Delegates will also attend a luncheon with the Minister for Infrastructure Joe Tripodi.
The cost of the day will be $125 for members or $250 for non-members. Please register by calling Sarah Clarke on (02) 9009 4000.
Plant theft
The number of thefts still occurring from construction sites around NSW has not subsided and the Federation was pleased to be called to join an industry taskforce coordinated by the NSW Police. CCF is represented on the committee by former president Joe Cato, with a number of initiatives being reviewed, in an attempt to reduce this costly criminal activity.
Members, who feel they are not receiving adequate attention from insurers or police, are encouraged to contact Joe Cato or me via this office on (02) 9009 4000.
Non financial members
The branch has been thrilled at the high level renewals for the 2009/2010 financial year and we look forward to rolling out new and improved services including a free Field Diary and Members Handbook. Members, who had not renewed by October 31, will be deemed to be unfinancial, and services to them will be suspended until arrangements for payment are made by the Chief Executive.
Christmas shut down
With the Christmas break fast approaching, members are advised that the CCF (NSW) office will close from lunchtime on Christmas Eve, and re open at 8.30am on Monday January 4. Please be advised that Brian Duggan will be the acting chief executive from December 24 until Monday January 11. In the event of an emergency, Brian will be available on his mobile (0408 964 718) during the shut-down period.
