As I sit in my office and see the date 9 May, 1996 on my Deakin University Bachelor of Commerce certificate – framed and proudly displayed on my wall – it seems inconceivable that almost 20 years since that day, Deakin University Warrnambool may be no more…

There has been much media coverage since Deakin University vice chancellor Jane den Hollander’s announcement that Deakin University may not remain in the city (refer The Warrnambool Standard)

There is a public meeting being held at the Lighthouse Theatre this Friday 18th March, 2016 (details of the event can be found on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1541632609469614/ ).  Prior commitments will keep me from attending the meeting but I will be there in spirit and encourage all locals with an interest to go along and support Deakin University Warrnambool.

Regards

One of my favourite days of the year is Good Friday – from a young age I was involved with family friends in rattling tins at traffic lights and going door-to-door collecting donations on behalf of the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and in more recent years I’ve bunkered down to help count the dollars and cents!

These days I tend to spend Good Friday with my family and I choose to make a financial contribution to the cause – this year I’m also participating (as I have done a number of times) in the Run for the Kids fundraising run this Sunday 20th March! (I think I’ll be doing more walking than running but that’s not the point)…

Watching these kids endure such struggle in their young lives truly breaks my heart, and I hope you will join me in supporting this years Good Friday Appeal – if you’d like to make a donation to this years appeal, follow this link.

(NOTE: Your donation may be tax deductible!)

Regards

It’s that time of the year when we are inundated with Public Holidays!

As an employee I loved this time of year, lots of days off and I even got paid…that’s not quite the case now I’m working for myself…but I try to enjoy the days off anyway!

If you’re lucky you might find yourself spending time on a tropical beach somewhere – but if you need to check your entitlements to Public Holidays, or what you should be paid if you’re working on these Public Holidays, then head to the Fair Work website to check the details of your award.

If you’re not sure if you are employed under an award then check your contract, and at the very least you can refer to the National Employment Standards (NES) for minimum employment entitlements.

Of course our upcoming Public Holidays in Victoria include Labour Day, Easter and ANZAC Day – and I hope you all get to enjoy some extra special relaxation time with your family and friends.

Regards

Claiming a deduction for work related clothing can be a tricky concept to grasp…

Here’s the official stance from the ATO (Australian Taxation Office):

“You can claim the cost of a work uniform that is distinctive (such as one that has your employer’s logo permanently attached to it) and it must be either:

• a non-compulsory uniform that your employer has registered with AusIndustry (check with your employer if you are not sure), or
• a compulsory uniform that can be a set of clothing or a single item that identifies you as an employee of an organisation. There must be a strictly enforced policy making it compulsory to wear that clothing at work. Items may include shoes, stockings, socks and jumpers where they are an essential part of a distinctive compulsory uniform and the colour, style and type are specified in your employer’s policy.

You can also claim the cost of:

• occupation-specific clothing which allows people to easily recognise that occupation (such as the checked pants a chef wears when working) and which are not for everyday use
• protective clothing and footwear to protect you from the risk of illness or injury, or to prevent damage to your ordinary clothes, caused by your work or work environment. Items may include fire-resistant clothing, sun protection clothing, safety-coloured vests, non-slip nurse’s shoes, steel-capped boots, gloves, overalls, aprons, and heavy duty shirts and trousers (but not jeans). You can claim the cost of protective equipment such as hard hats and safety glasses

You can also claim the cost of renting, repairing and cleaning any of the above work-related clothing.

You cannot claim the cost of purchasing or cleaning plain uniforms or clothes, such as black trousers, white shirts, suits or stockings, even if your employer requires you to wear them.”

Bottom line – the uniform must be registered if it’s not compulsory, compulsory and identifiable or related to your safety – one of the most common claim attempts is for shoes which in reality could be for every day wear…

Sadly for me, that means I can’t claim my heels…

Regards