MSI Australia & New Zealand Group (MSI ANZ Group)

From the Editor

As 2008 comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the year that was. MSI Global Alliance continues to grow both in numbers and strength. We have achieved positive media coverage over the past year, allowing the MSI Global Alliance brand to be highlighted both globally and at a local level.

MSI Global Alliance started the year with the launch of a new name, livery and website, all of which can be viewed at www.msiglobal.org. MSI Australia and New Zealand also took this opportunity to re-launch a new website, which can be viewed at www.msi-anz.net.

I encourage you to browse both of these websites as they provide great resources and knowledge about ‘doing business’ globally and in Australia and New Zealand. With many of our clients looking to grow their business and expand locally and/or internationally, the MSI Australia and New Zealand member firms feel confident that they can connect their clients with one of the 250 legal and accounting firms for local advice.

The Australia and New Zealand members met in April and September this year for their bi-annual meetings. The group really enjoys these face to face meetings to discuss local issues and foster relationships. The member firms also regularly meet via scheduled conference calls throughout the year and will often call upon each others expertise whenever needed.

I do feel confident in saying that I think the group has become stronger and developed great working relationships in 2008. We have seen numerous successful multi-firm dealings, highlighting the benefits for clients of working with one firm while also gaining access to the collective expertise of the whole MSI membership.

From a broader perspective, MSI Global Alliance hosts an annual conference for member firms; this year’s conference was staged in Beijing, very much the global city of the year.

The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Opening Global Pathways’. The aim is to educate delegates on how to think and act globally, and importantly, give attendees the confidence to do business globally, using MSI contacts.

So we look forward to another successful and prosperous year in 2009 for both MSI member firms and their clients and we will continue to keep you informed along the way.

Rod Commins
Patterson Houen & Commins
November, 2008


Junk email, online credit card usage both on the increase says MSI internet and email usage poll.
	Despite tough anti-Spam laws in both New Zealand and Australia legal and accounting group MSI Global Alliance's annual Internet and Email usage poll shows almost 40% of workplace computer users continue to receive 6 or more spam or junk emails on a daily basis. Click here for the full story

News & member reports
	Check out the latest in news and MSI firm updates from Australia and New Zealand. Click here for MSI news & member reports

Emerging Markets Report
	In this issue we take a closer look at the business environment in Peru . Click here for full story.

Superannuation Funds and Borrowing
	On the 24 September 2007, the new borrowing concessions by Superannuation funds received Royal Assent. Click here for full story

Recent Changes to the subclass 457 Visa Programme
	The subclass 457 visa program allows employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill skilled positions, for up to 4 years. The 457 visa is one of many visas available under the government’s migration program, which is currently focussed on addressing the skills shortage in Australia. Click here for full story

Firm Profile – MSI Tilley (Adelaide)
	MSI Tilley is a dynamic firm of Chartered Accountants with a combination of youth and experience to provide an innovative and professional service to their client base. Click here for full story

Issues dealing with cross-border transactions
	Rod Commins of Sydney lawyers Patterson Houen & Commins recently attended The Commercial Law Association “Commercial Practice in a Global Economy” conference in Sydney. Rod says the conference flagged a number of significant issues for MSI practitioners dealing with cross border transactions...... Click here for full story

MSI Australia & New Zealand Members – 13 offices in 8 cities
	As part of MSI Global Alliance, there are 13 independent legal and accounting firms within the MSI Australia and New Zealand region. For information, practice specialisations and contact details about each Australia & New Zealand member firm, please click here .