MSI ANZ Quarterly - February 2006
The Quarterly Newsletter of the MSI ANZ Group 

	MSI Local Knowledge, Global Networks Welcome to the first issue of MSI Quarterly for 2006. With the new year well underway, many clients of MSI member firms will already have an idea as to their expected results for the full 05/06 financial year. As the months to 30 June 2006 roll swiftly by, now is the time to consider what opportunities lay ahead in the 06/07 financial year and to commence the planning process so that ideas can be turned into reality. As your partners in business, whether from a legal or accounting perspective, MSI member firms are always on hand to ensure that the plans you do wish to realise are well founded and tested. So why are so many companies choosing to use MSI firms? Local expertise, international presence As a global network for local firms, MSI Group members can provide you with access to more than 200 firms operating around the globe and representation in all the major centres Australia and New Zealand . So whether you are seeking to expand your operations across the country or across the world, you can rest assured that we can provide the advice you need to grow your business today and into the future. Knowledge exchange As MSI member firms are able to exchange technical information on an informal basis, clients can benefit from the combined knowledge and resources of thousands of the worlds top legal and financial minds. The spirit of co-operation that runs throughout the network is one of MSIs key benefits, and ensures a fast and timely response to most questions and service requests. Large firm experience, without the expense As MSI is not a partnership, but a network of independent professional firms, you can gain access to local and international expertise, without bearing the costs associated with using a large firm. I encourage you to talk to your MSI representative about how you can best utilise the wealth of knowledge and expertise available through the MSI network in the coming year. I also encourage you to share your feedback on your experiences working with the MSI Group with us. If you would like to share your success stories with us, please contact your MSI representative, or email the MSI Quarterly team at fritha.ryan@strategyco.net. I look forward to working with you to ensure the success of your business in 2006! Rod Commins Patterson Houen & Commins, Lawyers Sydney February 2006
	Revised Immigration Laws Address Skills Shortage The Australian Government has introduced new changes to Australias immigration laws in force from 1 November 2005 . The changes have been developed in response to the growing skills shortage in Australia , and follow amendments made in July and August 2005. View full article
	Employers Splash Out on Staff Christmas Functions While many employees may view their boss as a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to celebrating the end of the year, a research study conducted in December by the MSI Network showed that most Australian employers actually spent more on staff Christmas functions in 2005 than in previous years. View full article
	WA Government Announces Tax Relief for Small Businesses From 1 January 2006 , small business operators in Western Australia will no longer pay mortgage duty on existing loan amounts when refinancing new loans. View full article
	NZ Business Insolvencies on the Rise 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. View full article
	e-Security breaches cost NZ business $140-$240m annually Internet security breaches are costing New Zealand businesses between $140 and $240 million a year, according to a survey conducted by the Employers & Manufacturers Association (EMA) Northern in November 2005.  View full article
	Queensland Remains Australia's Jobs Capital Figures released in December 2005 indicate that Queensland 's unemployment rate has dropped to 4.8%, compared with the national unemployment rate of 5.1% View full article
	WA business conditions peak in spite of growing labour shortages Difficulty in recruiting staff continues to be a critical issue for WA employers with two out of three businesses canvassed in the December CCI-BankWest Survey of Business Expectations noting a scarcity of labour as their biggest problem. View full article
	Partner Profile - Brett Campbell, Hudson Kasper (NZ) A partner with Auckland based Accounting firm Hudson Kasper, Brett Campbell commenced his accountancy career in 1985 after graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. View full article
	Client Case Study - Peter Foord Kings Curtains In this issue of MSI Quarterly, we look at how the relationship between Western Australian accounting firm MSI Marsdens and client Peter Foord has developed over a twenty year period, resulting in the firm adding value to all aspects of the clients business and personal financial activities.   View full article
	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.