Productivity Commission Enquiry into Paid Parental Leave

The Australian Government has announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake an enquiry into paid maternity, paternity and parental leave, with its report due in early 2009. 

The ABN has indicated its interest in being kept informed of the inquiry’s progress, making a submission to the inquiry and discussion our submission at a public hearing – any input from our community is welcomed.

If you’d like to register your own interest, here’s a link to the online registration form; http://www.pc.gov.au/registrationforms/parentalleave.

Nominate for the 2020 Summit Now! Closes Friday 29 Feb 5 pm AEDST

Due to a high level of interest from Australians, the closing date for nominations to attend the 2020 Summit has been extended to 5 pm this Friday 29 February.

Click here for information about how to nominate for your chosen critical area of discussion.  The ten areas are:

• Australian Economy – future directions for the Australian economy – including education, skills, training, science and innovation as part of the nation’s productivity agenda
• Infrastructure – economic infrastructure, the digital economy and the future of our cities
• Sustainability and Climate Change – population, sustainability, climate change and water
• Rural Australia – future directions for rural industries and rural communities
• Health – a long-term national health strategy – including the challenges of preventative health, workforce planning and the ageing population
• Communities and Families – strengthening communities, supporting families and social inclusion
• Indigenous Australia – options for the future of Indigenous Australia
• Creative Australia – towards a creative Australia: the future of the arts, film and design
• Governance – the future of Australian governance: renewed democracy, a more open government (including the role of the media), the structure of the Federation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens
• Australia’s Future in the World – Australia’s future security and prosperity in a rapidly changing region and world

Women the biggest financial losers after divorce

Today’s Sydney Morning Herald article: Divorcees out in the cold, explained how women fare worse than men after a divorce and are often the ones that are left renting and in financial hardship. “Contrary to popular perceptions, women are more likely than men to fall out of home ownership after separation or divorce, and to suffer severe financial difficulties in keeping a roof over their head.” Learn more. http://tinyurl.com/yt8f33

 

How are you taking care of your financial future? Watch out for our quick-poll and suggested resources on women and finance. 

MentorNet’s International Mentors

The first MentorNet program for 2008 started last Tuesday with 45 business owners participating in the six-month business training and mentoring program. We’re very excited to include in this program’s mentor line-up two mentors from the USA! 

 

The next MentorNet program will start shortly. Dates will be posted next week. Get in early to avoid missing out. Remember you can participate from ANYWHERE in Australia.

 

I’m often asked why I choose to mentor women in business … well let me say this…

There comes a point in the dynamic with mentoring a woman in business that is unique, a revelation for a male mentor that sadly most (male mentors) aren’t priviledged to see or comprehend the significance in someone’s life. One of my mentorees has recently fallen pregnant and in between sage words of advice excuses herself to throw up. She was (and is) reluctant to share this with her female colleagues and yet she shares it with me. I cannot express how being invited into the sanctity of something so sacred makes me feel as a mentor and human being.

 

I’m often asked why I choose to mentor women in business … well let me say this, I don’t experience such gratification in other things I do in life. I only wish such heartfelt experiences were shared more commonly with male mentors.”

 

Dennis Roberts –  Coaching Professionals

 

Mentornet starts tomorrow

36 mentorees (all women business-owner) start a six month business-development journey tomorrow when the MentorNet program begins. Nine mentors (from Aus and the US) will guide these women through the development of new skills to grow their business. Places are now closed for this program, but stay tuned for the release in the next week of dates for the next program. Get ahead of ‘the game’. Click on the Apply Now tab to download an Application Form.