From the Chair - Workability Oceania Seminar
“Not for Loss is not negotiable even in a recession”
Against the backdrop of a global economic recession and a mid winter cold
snap in Wellington, New Zealand it was great to attend this informative
seminar and catch up with many members.
Presentations ranged from managing businesses in tough times to an
overview of the implications of individualised funding – and just about
everything in between.
A Price Waterhouse Cooper representative provided some good
commonsense strategies to manage businesses during a recession. These
included developing a “cost culture” in your organisation where all staff are
actively looking at ways to save money, to ensuring all Managers are
communicating to all key stakeholders on what the challenges are, and what
organisations need to do to remain viable. Strong leadership is critical in
these times.
There was also a presentation from the Employers and Manufacturers
Association and one on how to structure “strategic pay”. It was outlined that
many niche businesses thrive in tough times and food in particular is one that
doesn’t necessarily experience a downturn (people still have to eat).
There were three presentation from members who manage businesses that
are closely aligned to their local communities. The presentations
demonstrated that even in tough times services are more resilient if they
draw on the support of their communities and where their businesses meet
local needs.
A representative from National Disability Services (NDS) outlined the issues
and challenges in moving to a more individualised funding environment. This
included lessons and research from other areas in the world, particularly the
UK.
Finally the seminar ended in the “Tasman Challenge” Debate. The topic was
“Duality of roles doesn’t work” and the winners were the Australian team that
argued for the affirmative. Whilst at times light hearted the debate drew out
some important issues for the industry.
There is no doubt that all attending got great value and came away with
some very useful information. As well people from both sides of the Tasman
caught up and swapped notes on how things are going.
In particular many of the presentations and discussions demonstrated a
resilience and determination amongst members that will ensure “Not for
Loss” is not negotiable.
Now we are rapidly approaching the 2009 WI Conference in Sydney. This
will be a great opportunity for members from Oceania to catch up and
showcase our region to the rest of the world.
I hope to see you there.
Tony Lund
Chairperson
