Delve deeper to unearth pay gap causes
The gender pay gap, International students, and the NBN were among the issues that attracted comment to our website: www.wabusinessnews.com.au
Balanced view needed
With regard to the article: ‘WA gender pay gap worsens'...
WHENEVER a story comes out about the gender pay gap, the implication is that the reason is pay discrimination on behalf of the employers.
Another, more likely reason is the resources sector in Western Australia is mostly comprised of FIFO workers - who are predominantly male.
It is well understood that these arrangements are not family friendly and women doing this hot, dirty work are in the minority.
What is the pay difference between men and women doing FIFO work? That’s the figure that will tell you if WA is going backwards.
Craig Hollins
Perth
A STUDY of the comparative hourly rates would be more useful.
Andrew C
Perth
Tax issue
With regard to the article: ‘Business says Buswell payroll tax pledge not enough’ ...
THE budget position of the state government is already precarious due to the volatility of the iron ore price and the dollar on the revenue side, and growing expenses due to a swelling population. Reducing payroll tax, one of the main reliable sources of revenue, would cause further deterioration of the state budget position.
Indexation of the threshold in line with wage growth may be a viable solution because it at least locks in the proportion of funding derived by the tax to the budget.
D Lines
Roleystone
Back to school on students
With regard to the article: ‘Boost international student numbers: Chaney’...
A FINE example of the government succumbing to the idea of never-ending growth.
This way of thinking threatens to make housing in and around universities more unaffordable for all Australians, except those very few who already have houses to rent out. Those who like the report don’t understand economics and sustainability, or perhaps do but don’t care.
Assad Stokes
Perth
THIS will not be possible until and unless Australia: 1.improves its image as a tolerant country; 2.introduces better work experience and job prospects for graduating students, like in the US and UK; 3. provides uniform visa rules for all foreign nationals; and 4. provides assurance that students’ security is a prime concern.
Alex A
Perth
Broader NBN view
With regard to the article: ‘Debate on best NBN options welcome'...
ABOUT time, we need solutions now. The current NBN rollout schedule is experiencing skills/contractor problems. We cannot wait until 2021.
My firm expects to add at least 100 businesses to www.xero.com cloud accounting this year - a fantastic solution allowing multiple access via internet and a range of other cloud-based add-ons to improve business operations.
Can we wait 10 years for clients to be able to use these, and similar, solutions?
Charles Sondergaard
Osborne Park