MSI ANZ Quarterly - December 2005
The Quarterly Newsletter of the MSI ANZ Group

Jim Smith, MSI Ragg Weir, Melbourne	Seasons Greetings from the MSI ANZ Group Welcome to the November issue of MSI Quarterly, the newsletter of the MSI Australia and New Zealand Group. This is the second issue of our quarterly newsletter, and I thank all of you who provided positive feedback on our first newsletter, distributed in August of this year. I welcome your ongoing thoughts as to how we can best provide you with the information and advice you need to support your business operations.  Editorial submissions, letters to the editor and suggestions can be forwarded by email to fritha.ryan@strategyco.net As the end of the year draws closer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of our member firms throughout the year, and I hope that you will continue to do so in 2006.  And to all of the MSI ANZ Group member organisations, whose professionalism and dedication to servicing the needs of their clients has contributed to our role as one of the worlds top professional service networks, I thank you for your active participation in the group, and look forward to working with you as we continue to grow in the coming year. As a valued client of an MSI member, you are probably aware that not only are you receiving quality advice and service at the local level, but that you also have access to an international network of over 200 independent legal and accounting firms, operating in more than 90 countries, any time you need them. Importantly, our inter-state links within Australia and our trans-Tasman links with New Zealand ensure that if advice is required in this region, senior professionals are on hand. So as your business expands and your legal and accounting needs change in the coming year, you can rest assured that you already have access to the knowledge and experience you need to ensure your continued growth and success. On behalf of all of the members of the MSI Network, I wish you all the best over the festive season and a safe and happy new year. Jim Smith MSI Ragg Weir December 2005
	Melbourne Hosts MSI Annual World Conference (Aus / NZ)  From Sunday 16th to Tuesday 18th October, MSI Members MSI Ragg Weir and Aitken Walker & Strachan played host to MSI delegates from more than 20 countries at the MSI Annual Conference, held at the Langham Hotel in Southbank, Melbourne.  Click here for full story.
	MSI ANZ Group - Quarterly Business Surveys (Aus / NZ)  As a leading participant in the professional services sector within Australia and New Zealand, the MSI ANZ Group regularly conducts research into the activities of business operators.  Click here for full story
	WA Business Lobby Seeks Tax Changes  The Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on the State Government to reduce the payroll tax rate, while abolishing stamp duty on mortgages and rental transactions.  Click here for full story
	Rethink Urged on Portfolio Tax Plan (NZ)  The Government should take a fresh look at a proposed overhaul of the tax treatment of portfolio investments, says the organisation representing workplace superannuation schemes.  Click here for full story
	NZ Tops World in Doing Business (NZ) New Zealand has been rated first ahead of 154 other countries, for ease of doing business, by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, according to Finance Minister Michael Cullen.  Click here for full story
	AUSTRALIAN COURT FINDS AGAINST KAZAA P2P FILE SHARING SYSTEM (Aus)  Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing systems are widely used to obtain copies of musical works, many of which are subject to copyright, without the approval of the relevant copyright owner.  Click here for full story
	Melbourne a ‘World Class’ Destination According to Global Business Leaders  Melbourne has cemented its reputation as Australias premier conference destination according to a survey of delegates to the 16th Annual MSI Legal & Accounting Network Annual Worldwide Conference conducted at Southbanks Langham Hotel in October.  Click here for full story
	Partner Profile - David Wright: MSI Taylor (Aus)  Currently a partner at prestigious Queensland based firm MSI Taylor, David Wright commenced his career in accounting in London in 1959, and has worked in a variety of commercial and public practice accounting positions throughout his professional life. Click here for full story
	Client Case Study - Seedmark Seed Technology and Marketing (Aus)  In this issue we look at how a business relationship spanning more than forty years has allowed group of 35 seed growers in South Australia to create an award winning international export operation that enjoys a membership of 400-plus growers servicing more than 65 countries.  Click here for full story
	MSI ANZ Group Members – 13 offices in 7 cities  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.  Click here for information on our member firms.