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G'Day from AACC President Dawn Lillington
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Happy Spring everyone,
I'm thrilled to share that I've been elected as President of the AACC Board of Directors! It’s an honour to continue my commitment to the Chamber and our incredible members, and I’m excited about the opportunities this year will bring.
Amid growing uncertainty around tariffs on Australian products, steel, and aluminium (pronounced the Aussie way!), I’m also concerned about the potential impacts on immigration and the broader implications of these changes. The Australian Embassy in Washington, DC, is actively negotiating with the U.S. government to protect the strong, long-standing relationship between our countries. The next few months promise to be quite eventful! Keep an eye out for our upcoming AACC event focused on the Administration's first 100 days in office. It will be a great opportunity to gain insights and discuss the potential impacts on Australian-U.S. relations.
I’m also pleased to welcome Marsha Laine Dungog from WithersWorldwide to the AACC Board. Her enthusiasm for the Australian-U.S. relationship is evident each time we connect. We’re excited to have Marsha on board and look forward to her contributions to the Chamber in 2025.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting events planned! Join us next week for the Virtual Panel: Australian Impact, Women Innovators in the U.S., and don't miss the ANZAC Service in April. It's also SailGP race weekend in San Francisco, come out to support the Australia SailGP Team, check below for a special discount offer.
Thank you for your ongoing support—I look forward to a productive and impactful year ahead! Cheers,
Dawn
On behalf of the AACC Board |
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AACC Director, Helen Fairclough MAICD...from the Victoria Desk
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Hi there!
Autumn has well and truly arrived in Melbourne, and we're coming to you off the back of the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend (which broke more attendance records) but don’t be fooled by the cooler temperatures—footy fever is heating up! The AFL season has kicked off (yes, round 1 is already behind us, and the underdogs are starting to make their mark). It’s an exciting time as the footy frenzy gets underway (that's if you're a Collingwood, GWS or Hawks fan... not so much for Carlton supporters) with plenty of action ahead in the coming rounds.
Now, let’s talk business. Australia’s economy is still navigating its way out of the slow lane, with GDP growth at a modest 0.5% for the December quarter. We’re not exactly sprinting ahead, but hey, we’re moving! The Reserve Bank of Australia is still playing the interest rate game, keeping rates high to fight inflation. Meanwhile, unemployment is low, and the cost of living is... well, let’s just say it’s still a hot topic at every dinner table. Businesses are taking a cautious approach, but the mood is hopeful—albeit with a few raised eyebrows.
In Other News
A New Political Era? With the next Federal Election looming, political watchers are on the edge of their seats. There's been plenty of chatter about what this will mean for businesses, particularly when it comes to tax reforms and future economic policies. As we get closer to election day, expect a lot of heated debates and policy proposals aimed at addressing the cost of living and job growth. The political scene is never dull, and there’s no doubt the election will have significant ripple effects for businesses operating in both Australia and the US. So, stay tuned, and perhaps grab your popcorn—we’re in for an interesting few months!
Tariff Tangles and Trade Shifts: Global trade continues to be a bit of a maze. Recent shifts in tariff policies are making their way into Australia’s trade landscape, and it’s worth paying attention to how they might affect the import/export sector. With global supply chains still in recovery mode, businesses in Victoria are keeping a sharp eye on how these changes will impact costs, timelines, and access to key markets. This could be the perfect moment to reassess your strategies, especially if you're navigating the world of international trade.
What’s Happening in Melbourne?
If you’re planning to be in Melbourne in the next couple of months, you're in luck! There are some brilliant events coming up that are worth adding to your calendar:
- Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is back in late April, offering some seriously tasty bites and wine tastings across the city. Whether you're a foodie or just looking to try something new, this is an event that’ll leave you satisfied.
AACC Event Alert
In case you missed it (or if you’ve already got a spot in your calendar), we’re hosting an online event in celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth and #InternationalWomensDay. The discussion, with ‘Women Innovators in the US’, will feature incredible voices like Neeti Mehta Shukla, Naomi Seddon, and Dr Yelda Kaya. I’m beyond excited to moderate this conversation about women changing the business landscape, and it’s sure to be a fascinating discussion! Register now
Even though my beloved Pies are just getting started this season, I’m still excited for what’s to come. Whether you're catching a footy match or enjoying some of Melbourne’s amazing cultural events, there’s always something happening in Melbs!
Until next time, enjoy the season ahead!
Cheers, Helen |
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In celebration of Women's History Month and in recognition of International Women's Day earlier in the month, we are hosting an online event to showcase Australian Women Innovators in the US. The AACC's Helen Fairclough will be moderating this conversation with: - Neeti Mehta Shukla - Co-founder, Chief Social Impact Officer at Automation Anywhere
- Naomi Seddon - Author, lawyer, advocate, Keynote speaker
- Dr Yelda Kaya - Chief Business Officer, Foundery Biosciences Inc
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LATEST NEWS FROM AACC MEMBERS |
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INTRODUCTION TO US RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS FOR AUSSIE EXPATS |
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For Australian expats in the US, navigating retirement accounts is essential for long-term financial planning. Key options include the 401(k), Roth IRA, and IRA, each with distinct tax benefits. The 401(k) is especially valuable, particularly when employers offer matching contributions, essentially providing "free money" for your retirement. However, understanding the tax impact on 401(k) withdrawals is vital; non-residents, including many Aussies, face a 30% withholding tax, while US citizens or green card holders can reduce this tax rate with a W8-BEN form. With no automatic super contributions in the US, enrolling in a 401(k) is a smart move to ensure you're saving for the future and taking full advantage of employer contributions.
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UG ADMISSIONS FOR OVERSEAS AUSTRALIANS IN NORTH AMERICA |
Join us for a two-part webinar series to understand the process of applying to Australian universities as an undergraduate student, with a spotlight on three universities.
Part 1 on April 2nd features tertiary admission staff from UAC (New South Wales), VTAC (Victoria), and QTAC (Queensland) about the application process. Part 2 on April 7 highlights study options and entry requirements at the University of Melbourne, Macquarie University, and James Cook University. Both sessions will run from 8pm – 9pm Eastern, with a recording for all who register.
The series is a resource for Australian families based in the US, Canada and Mexico.
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IT'S RACE WEEKEND IN SAN FRANCISCO! |
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Aussies in the Bay Area - this is your chance to cheer on the Flying Roos as they take on 11 national teams in an adrenaline-fueled weekend of racing! Grab your tickets now at SailGP.com and used our code S5SFO15 for 15% off! |
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On May 10, we invite you to join Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin for the exclusive event in Las Vegas. Guests are treated to a scrumptious three-course dinner and a night of wild fun and dancing with roving animals, entertainers, guest speakers and a live auction. In a khaki-decked ballroom, surrounded by fellow Wildlife Warriors, it’s a remarkable night honouring one extraordinary man.
Be part of our Wildlife Warriors family as we follow Steve’s legacy. |
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'MATES RATES' OFFERS FOR AACC MEMBERS |
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One of the perks of being an AACC member is having access to special offers. Log in to the member portal to access the full Mates Rates offering. |
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JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY > |
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