Briefs

Farécla appoints Asia Pacific manager

Farécla Products Ltd has appointed Paul Maclean as technical sales manager, Asia Pacific. He has worked in Australia for the past nine years, working for a leading dust extraction company.
With his vast experience in the automotive paint industry, McLean’s role with Farécla will enhance their current market presence, and work hand in hand with Farécla’s sole importer Australian Warehouse Distributors. Farécla offers world class surface finishing solutions, with the aim of providing exceptional results to bodyshops and distributors.
Contact 0458 710 812.

Tasmanian Skills Institute Awards

The Tasmanian Skills Institute recently held its 2009 awards, and Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce group scheme apprentices featured prominently.
In the panel beating section of the awards, best automotive panel beating apprentice award, sponsored by Blackwood’s was Joshua Pace employed by Brian Smith Bodyworks at Moonah while the best 3rd year panel beater, sponsored by Car-O-Liner was Mathew Wisby whoes host employer is Northside Smash Repairs of Glenorchy.
The Tasmanian Skills Institute was formed with a clear objective: to improve the skill levels in Tasmanias workforce. To achieve this goal, theorganisation specialise in working with employers and employees, including apprentices, trainees and cadets.

Still time for investment allowances

Autobody repairers are reminded that there is still time to take advantage of the federal government’s investment allowances.
According to the Tax Office web site, businesses can claim an additional tax deduction when they buy certain assets, and when they spend money to improve existing assets.
The scheme, called the Small Business and General Business Tax Break – ‘business tax break’ for short – allows small businesses to claim a 50 per cent tax deduction on eligible assets bought by 31 December 2009.
For businesses turning over less than $2m, the allowance is 50 per cent. For businesses turning over more than $2m, there was the 30 per cent allowance earlier this year. There is now an extended second chance with a 31 December 2009 deadline extension providing an allowance of 10 per cent.
Eligible purchases include new and demonstrator vehicles and equipment and major upgrades of existing equipment.
For more information visit www.australia.gov.au/businesstaxbreak

On-line employment information

The Motor Traders Association of NSW has launched ERIS – an on-line employment relations information system.
According to the MTA, it is an interactive, current and comprehensive member-only employment relations information system that caters for the retail motor industry.
Subscribing members may access the information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anywhere around the world.
Subscribers will receive E-mail news services and be able to utilise a wide range of web based functions. Additionally, subscribers will be able to access hundreds of pro-forma documents on employment information.
ERIS subscribers will also benefit from access to and use of AutoSafe - an OHS Management System, which will assist businesses comply with workplace safety laws.
For information about subscribing to ERIS, contact the MTA NSW on 02 9213 4222 or visit www.mtansw.com.au