14 November 1999

Peak bodies begin to roll-out GST education programmes

Peak bodies are gearing up their GST information and education programmes for their sector, with contracts signed or being secured with the GST Start-Up Assistance Office.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and its member organisations have already started to run GST seminars nationally as part of their $1.7 million funding, with Chief Executive, Andrew Higginson saying "The seminars are one of the most important business skills education initiatives ever developed."

"The support of the GST Start-Up Assistance Office has allowed us to educate our industry nationally on not only the introduction, but the implementation of Australia’s New Tax System".

Reinforcing the success of the Sydney seminar, Lawrence Brooks, President of the NSW Road Transport Association said "I’ll be sending six of my people to the next seminar in Sydney. It’s important that all levels of my organisation know about it, not just me".

Responding to their $800,000 in funding, National Executive Director, Richard Mulcahy of the Australian Hotels Association said " We welcome the opportunity to assist our sector with education activities, including workshops and seminars in all capital cities and regional centres".

The Office is continuing negotiations with the education sector with more contracts to be finalised shortly.

Fergus Thomson, Executive Director National Council of Independent Schools Associations welcomes the $4 million of GST start-up funding for independent schools across Australia.

"The independent school sector is keen to ensure that GST is properly implemented given the complexities of independent school operation requirements. This funding will provide a range of training and information resources to assist the sector manage the implementation of the new tax system", said Mr Thomson.

Organisations in the community sector are close to securing funding with negotiations at an advanced stage.

Jim Hagan, General Manager, GST Start-Up Assistance Office, welcomes the positive feedback from industry peak bodies which have received GST funding for their proposals, saying "Organisations are keen to implement GST education to help their sector get GST-ready".

"Both members and non-members will be able to access assistance through this programme."

"Contracts with our Office are being finalised everyday. We’re particularly interested in having all sectors covered, so if you’re a peak body and believe your sector might be missing out, it’s not too late to apply ".

Details of other organisations are attached and further lists will be released as contracts are finalised with the GST Start-Up Assistance Office.

For information regarding coverage of your sector, please call
02 6263 4490.