RCCIWA Advocacy
We always strive to represent and advocate on behalf of our collective membership to ensure the voice of regional business in WA is heard. We do this in a variety of ways and are able to do this effectively because of how engaged our members are. Thank you. Having direct feedback and examples from our members as to how decisions, rules and polices are affecting their members means that we can provide genuine, relevant information that we hope can be used to form better decisions to effect positive outcomes. Some of the priority issues we are currently working on are:

• The Productivity Commissions Review into Remote Area Tax Payments and Concessions
  RCCIWA contributed a submission to this review, following extensive feedback from our members and we note that they are also conducting some briefings in Regional WA. Read our full submission here and to find out more visit here.
• Water Corporation – Fixed Water Services Charges
  We have been contacted by several accommodation businesses in different parts of WA, that are struggling with the fixed water services charges (not usage) that are not at all reflective of occupancy. We are talking about the fixed charges each accommodation business pays for each toilet that they have connected, regardless of occupancy, and we have heard from some businesses that their water bill at some times of the year is over 10% of their income. The only way those businesses can reduce these fixed charges is to have the toilets disconnected, which is not practical. We are currently working on this and will be in touch with all of our members to get more information, but if you do have any feedback regarding this please get in touch at ceo@regionalchamberswa.com.au
• Support for Retailers in regards to antisocial behaviour
  We have been contacted by several members in regard to how we can support retailers more in the regions, particularly in regard to antisocial behaviour. At a time when retailers are facing challenges on many fronts, the lack of consequences for individuals who steal, vandalise and generally behave outside of the law is seen as a big contributor to the escalation in this unacceptable behaviour. We know that all regional towns and communities are working really hard to attract new retailers and also ensure that current retailers don’t close down. We are working on gathering more information which we are hoping to present and discuss at our meeting at Parliament House on June 13th. What we will be looking for is more consequences for the offenders, so there are true deterrents to this behaviour. Please get in touch if you have anything to add on this issue.
• Payroll Tax Threshold
  Calling for the Payroll Tax Threshold to be raised to $1M in the upcoming state budget. For more details read here.
• Regional Taxi Businesses – not eligible for cash buy back
  The voluntary taxi plate buy back scheme that the State Government is currently offering is only for metropolitan taxi plate owners, and currently there is no support or offer for regional taxi operators. We understand the Department of Transports rationale behind their decision and are aware they are currently looking at ways they may be able to support regional taxi businesses. We would like to find out more about how this decision is affecting regional taxi businesses and work together on ways we may be able to assist. If you have any comments or information from regional taxi businesses that could assist us with working on a mutually agreeable outcome please email me.

RCCIWA Members Forum – June 13th and 14th 2019 - Perth
We are pleased to announce that the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA has generously agreed to host Day 1 of our members forum in June at Parliament House. Meeting at parliament House is a genuine privilege and one that is not taken for granted by RCCIWA and all of our members. It affords us the valuable opportunity of meeting with key members of Parliament to discuss issues of concern and also ways we can work collaboratively to affect positive change for all regional business communities. We are currently planning the day and inviting Members of Parliament to come and speak with and meet our members, so if you have any particular issues you would like us to raise, please let us know.

Day two is also shaping up to be a very valuable day. Held at the Mercure Hotel Perth, the second day focuses on operational and strategic items that all of our members have in common. We are aiming to have session on place activation, revenue streams, digital business directories and more, and again please get in touch if there are topics you would like us to cover.

For this first meeting we will be taking advantage of the booking platform, Try Booking, so keep an eye out in your inbox for the invitation in the next week or so as we think it will make the registration process much easier for everyone.

To compliment the excellent networking of the forum, we will also be holding our Business After Hours on Thursday June 13th in the early evening. Hosted by National Australia Bank, the BAH will also feature tastings from a true regional business success – Limeburners – who are also a customer with NAB. Thanks to Jeff from NAB for coming up with this great idea and also to Cameron from Limeburners for agreeing to take part. It promises to be a fantastic networking event for members and key regional stakeholders. More information will be sent to your regarding this BAH over the coming weeks.

Mercure Perth looks forward to welcoming all RCCIWA Members and Guests for 2019!
Our Fabulous Corporate Member, Accor Hotels WA have a great offer for all members attending the RCCIWA Members Forum in June. Set in the vibrant cultural and business district of Perth CBD, Mercure Perth is an excellent choice for every imaginable kind of travel in Western Australia. Take in sweeping views of the city and Swan River from the rooftop pool. Relax in stylish, contemporary accommodation with friendly and personalised service. Enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine and inspiring cocktails at Beccaria Restaurant. Mercure Perth extends great rates for both business and leisure. Starting from $159 per room per night including WIFI standard room. We look forward to making you FeelWelcome! Go to the website to Book, call 08 9326 7000 or email.