| Jim Smith, MSI Ragg Weir, Melbourne |
Welcome to the first issue of the MSI ANZ Group's Quarterly newsletter. As clients of the member firms that make up the MSI ANZ regional grouping, many of you will have heard your contact partner talk about MSI which has grown over the past 15 years to become one of the world's top 20 professional services networks.
The biggest difference between the MSI membership and other large professional groupings is that our network is made up of independent legal and accounting firms all of whom are middle tier firms, predominantly looking after the needs of SMEs.
The majority of MSI ANZ Group firms engage in international work but our key focus is local businesses who may operate in a single location or who may operate in multiple locations. Indeed many of our clients are growing businesses who are looking to us to assist in taking them into new markets, either within the Australia and New Zealand region or in other parts of the world. Our connection with more than 200 other lawyers and accountants in over 90 countries ensures that relevant, local advice is always on hand.
As a group we are committed to serving companies and individuals both in Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
We hope you enjoy this first issue of MSI ANZ Quarterly.
Jim Smith
MSI Ragg Weir
August 2005
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from the NZ National Business Review
The New Zealand based National Business Review reports that Associate NZ Revenue Minister David Cunliffe said in July that tax compliance costs had fallen dramatically since 1992 but Business New Zealand said in July that there was considerable doubt about the survey on which the claim was based.Mr Cunliffe had said there 'is a lot of rhetoric and myth when it comes to compliance costs and frankly it's baloney. This research shows clearly that the cost of complying with tax obligations has dropped.>>
click here for full story.
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The changes heralded in Federal Treasurer Peter Costello's May 2005 Budget have been well reported and will have an effect on all businesses and individuals in Australia. Here we focus in on the key changes.
Personal Tax
There will be significant tax cuts for individual taxpayers for the 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 years. The top marginal tax rate of 47% will apply to income over $95,000 during 2005/2006 and over $125,000 during 2006/2007 and following years.
click here for full story.
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Australians considering switching superannuation funds can compare the costs of two funds easily, following the launch of a new calculator from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The superannuation calculator - available from ASIC's consumer website - allows site visitors to compare the costs, benefits and other features of superannuation funds..
click here for full story.
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In a new study, assessing the corporate governance of companies across the globe, Australia has ranked fourth and New Zealand fifth in the world, a result which reflects the positive impact of their highly regarded regulatory systems.
The study was conducted by GovernanceMetrics International (GMI), a US-based corporate governance research and ratings agency. GMI's rating system incorporates hundreds of data points across six broad categories of analysis: board accountability, financial disclosure and internal controls, executive...
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Its always enjoyable to be involved in a business success story and this issue looks at the achievements of Semken Landscaping, based in Ringwood Victoria. MSI Ragg Weir's Paul Bunting has been involved with this business from the very start in 1987 when it set up its shingle with two owners, no employees, a wealth of creative ideas and a commitment to hard work.
Today the picture looks very different: Semken Landscaping currently employs 60 staff, including 19 qualified gardeners and has won countless medals both in Australia and overseas. The company operates out of.
click here for full story .
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Tony Houen has been senior partner of Patterson Houen & Commins since 1983 and, together with partner Rod Commins, was instrumental in the firm joining MSI in 1995. Since that date, Tony has enjoyed working with MSI members and their clients on local, inter-state and international matters.
Qualified as a Solicitor since 1951, Tony has extensive experience as a commercial lawyer including company formations.
click here for full story.
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The partners of Thomas Davis & Co, the MSI ANZ Group's Sydney CBD accounting member firm, are very pleased to announce that Jeffrey Ryan B.Bus C.A. was admitted as a Partner of the Firm on 1st July 2005.
This brings the total number of partners in the firm to four:-...
click here for full story.
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MSI ANZ Group is thrilled to announce the enrolment into the group of Auckland based law firm, Wynyard Wood. With 7 partners and a total complement of 25 professionals, Wynyard Wood is well placed to look after the needs of local, trans-Tasman and international clients.....
click here for full story....
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As a part of MSI Legal & Accounting Network Worldwide, the MSI ANZ Group has member firms located in key cities around New Zealand and Australia.
For contact information on each firm, an introduction to each and a round-up of specialisations within each practice, please click on this link.
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