The Treasurer Wayne Swan on Tuesday evening announced Labours fifth budget. The government have forecasted a $1.5 billion surplus for 2012-2013.

The government have provided for $5.0bn of generated income from the resources boom being allocated towards welfare incentives for low and middle income earners. This will be paid through increased support payments for the Aged Care, Students and the unemployed. Families will receive increased Family Tax benefit A and there is the introduction of the new school kid bonuses to be paid before 30 June 2012.

By Michael Derin

As seen in the Australian Financial Review

The accounting profession has never really been considered adaptive or quick to change. However, cloud computing is bringing about a transformation in the industry not seen since the introduction of double-entry accounting in the 15th century.

Having a great team is an undeniable asset, says Michael Derin, but are you making the most of their great ideas?

As seen in Smarter Business Ideas

By Michael Derin 

There’s no doubt it takes get up and go to run your own business. Problems must be overcome, issues must be resolved. But did you know that encouraging the same sort of can-do approach in your staff could benefit your bottom line? Research has found that businesses which manage their people well, and let staff fully use their skills and abilities at work, tend to have higher productivity.

At the suggestion of speaking in public, most small business owners would choke on their cornflakes.  But the good news is there is an ever-growing segment of the Australian marketplace that are discovering just how effective speaking can be for attracting new clients and making more sales.

Nearly all high achievers and successful leaders have one thing in common, they all use goal-setting to help them get ahead.

Azure Group’s Michael Derin talks to mentor and business coach Robert Knapp about the power of goal-setting.

By Michael Derin

January is an ideal time to take a step back, evaluate the business and look for ways to make improvements. Doing a strategic review will help you to better position your business to cope with the continuing market uncertainty 2012 is likely to bring.