10 November 1999

$7 million to boost GST business skills

There’s more help for small and medium businesses, the community sector and educational bodies (SMECEs) to get GST-ready. First, the Business Assist Helpline (13 30 88), second, the Action Guide and now, a program to prepare advisers on business skills for the GST.

As part of this program, a contract was signed today with TEO Training Pty Ltd, an Australian subsidiary of CPD Training Limited (NZ). The selection was based on a tender process, with over 30 proposals received, managed by the GST Start-Up Assistance Office.

Chris Jordan, Chair of the New Tax System Advisory Board, said "This curriculum is targeted to train people who commonly provide business advice to SMECEs without charge. The curriculum will focus on business skills rather than compliance or technical queries."

"This includes people employed by or associated with industry associations, ethnic organisations, regionally-based councils or associations, not-for-profit organisations, and state business education centres." The first part of the three part curriculum will be developed by 5 December. The courses will run from mid January to mid May 2000.

There will be over 400 courses in more than 60 locations Australia-wide, including rural and remote areas.

"We’re particularly interested in coverage for rural, remote and regional areas and may include satellite television broadcasts, video, CD tutorials, as well as seminars".

"We’ll also focus on people who commonly advise SMECEs owned or operated by people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as indigenous Australians."

This curriculum will provide the basis for future GST education programs.

The GST Start-Up Assistance Office is expecting over 7000 nominations for organisations to have individuals trained as advisers. It’s not too late to nominate individuals for this program.