Published: 08/08/2018
Category: Member Benefits
Published: 08/08/2018
Category: Member Benefits

In the August edition of your Member Benefits Update we welcome the new ACTU President, Michele O’Neil, we help you make the most of tax time, there’s info on the government’s proposal to find your lost super, we’re calling on you to help Australia get the pay rise it deserves, we have some terrific Father’s Day gift ideas you can access through your Member Benefits program, plus you can go in the draw to win one of four double passes to see ‘Madiba the Musical’!

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Make the most of tax time

With a juicy refund up for grabs, bank statements can hold the key to tax savings. Find out why from your industry super fund-owned bank ME.

It’s tax time again, and that means working out what you can legitimately claim to maximise your refund. Our bank statements show two key pieces of information that the tax man is looking out for:

  • income we have earned – including salary and interest earned from fixed investments; and
  • expenses – including expenses we have paid in earning that income such as registration or servicing a work vehicle or flights and accommodation for a work trip.

Reviewing your bank statements can trigger a recall of both pieces of data. And in these days of electronic transactions, many payments will appear on your bank statements.

Read on for full article

This article is brought to you by ME. For more information, please visit mebank.com.au


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Why wait? Find your lost super now

The Productivity Commission recently released a report highlighting the problem of Australian workers having multiple super accounts. It estimates that holding one additional account over a working life could cost $51,000 at retirement.

The Government has now announced proposals to transfer all super accounts with a balance below $6000 that have not received a contribution for 13 months to the ATO. The ATO will then use data matching to consolidate these accounts with members’ active accounts.

This is scheduled for 2019.  But why wait until then to get your super in order? You can find your lost super yourself and start growing your retirement balance today.

Read on


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Door knock  

Take action – volunteer for the national door knock

Australia needs a pay rise. Can you be a part of winning change on the first weekend in September?

Let us know how you want to be involved and we will be in touch to connect you with local people in your community and send you the material you need for the day.

Register to volunteer here


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Father’s Day gift ideas through your Member Benefits program

Father’s Day is quickly approaching so it is time to think about gifts. Through your Australian Unions benefit program you have access to great offers to save you money on the ultimate Father’s Day gift.

The Good Guys Commercial has special promotions and prices on thousands of products, so there is something to suit every Dad. Register for your account today* to take advantage of 24-hour online access and in-store pickup or delivery. Make sure you place your order soon to ensure your presents arrive in time.

Visit your Australian Unions Member Benefits website to register and find out more information about your benefits.

Please note; to access the special password you will first need to register online with Australian Unions Member Benefits, if you haven’t done so already.

*Terms and conditions apply, savings dependent on availability and location.


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Michele O’Neil elected as ACTU President

At ACTU Congress last month in Brisbane, former TCFUA National Secretary, Michele O’Neil, was elected President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, replacing newly-elected Labor MP Ged Kearney, who was ACTU President from 2010 to 2018.

Ms O’Neil said in her first President’s Address to Congress, “This is our moment. I urge you to bring every bit of fight and passion you have in you to the struggle ahead. It will be tough but it will be worth it. We will change the Government. We will change the rules. We will grow our movement. Remember there is no power greater anywhere beneath the sun.” 

Read on for full address

The ACTU thanks all sponsors and partners for their support of the 2018 ACTU Congress. 


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ACTU Congress 2018   

Congress 2018 award recipients

Congratulations to the individuals and unions that were recognised for their achievements with an award at the 2018 ACTU Congress in Brisbane last month:

  • AMWU – Andrew Casey Award for Outstanding excellence in aspects of Movement communications  
  • Sam Parker, ASU NSW/ACT Branch (Services Branch) – Jennie George Award for an Outstanding Contribution by a Woman to our Movement  
  • IEU NSW/ACT Branch – Campaign of the Year
  • Wayne Kurnorth, United Voice NT Branch – Organiser of the Year Award

Click here to find out what ACTU policies and resolutions were passed at the conference.


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Job Vacancies  

Jobs with the union movement

Check out the union roles currently on offer on the ACTU Job Vacancies web page.  There is a variety of positions vacant, from Industrial Officer roles to Organising Support and everything in between.

So if you’re in the market for a great union job see what’s on offer today.


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Mabida the Musical


 

WIN one of four double passes to ‘Madiba the Musical’

Enter the draw to win a double pass to Madiba the Musicalthat we are giving away to four lucky union members this month. There is a double pass to be won for each of the performances in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.

The powerful and uplifting Madiba the Musical is a soul-stirring celebration of the visionary leader Nelson Mandela. The epic show pays tribute to the charismatic icon and activist whilst exploring the struggles, racial conflicts and divisions behind his unyielding crusade for reconciliation in South Africa.

Ndaba Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s grandson) described this musical as “the best show about my grandfather”. Read more about the musical here.

To enter the competition email [email protected] with your name, address, union name, membership number and location preference before close of business Friday 31st August 2018. Don’t forget to include your preference for location – you must choose between Melbourne, Sydney, Perth or Adelaide.


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ABS shows wages going backwards 

Wages are falling compared to cost of living, according to new ABS data released today.

The ABS Living Cost Index shows that the cost of living for working households has increased 2.3 percent for the year to June 2018 well above wage growth of 2.1 percent. Private sector wage growth is even lower, at 1.9 percent.

Australian workers are going backwards under the Turnbull Government.

The ACTU is campaigning to give working people the power they need to restore the balance so they can win pay increases.

Read on for full report


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Aussies running down savings to make ends meet

The latest Household Financial Comfort Report (HFCR) has just been released by ME and provides in-depth insights into the financial situation of Australians.

The survey of 1500 Australian households revealed that more and more households are overspending to cover necessary living expenses which are restricting their savings. On top of this, 42% of households still had the same income as they had a year ago and 24% of reported income cuts.

You can read the full findings from the Household Financial Comfort Report here


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ISA

 

Stay up to date on the latest issues in superannuation and retirement

Head on over to the Industry SuperFunds website features and articles section to read about super and the gig economy, the gender super gap, steps to boost your super as you approach retirement and more helpful information.

See all the articles here


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Member Benefits Update August 2018

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Member Benefits Update August 2018