On behalf of the ABSIA Board and staff, I would like to thank our members for their continued support and for being a part of our association for another year.
2020 has been a challenging year for many but for the software industry, it has also paved the way for industry and government collaboration like we haven't seen before with the introduction of JobKeeper. I'm sure that there have been many highs and lows for the industry but throughout it all, ABSIA has seen the resilience of the software community.
This year has been another busy year for ABSIA with continued industry initiatives and new opportunities arising. Here's a snapshot of some of our activities this year:
- Continued work in the e-invoicing space and involved in the creation of two A-NZ Industry Practice Statements one for invoice content and another for invoice response.
- Assisted members with implementing JobKeeper and shared information from ATO JobKeeper webinars.
- Advocated for members and the industry on STP Phase 2. This involved raising industry concerns with the ATO and formally requesting a deferral for STP Phase 2. Further, ABSIA sent a letter to Ministers, which was co-signed by 30 members, asking them to reconsider the mandatory start date of 1 July 2021.
- Actively participated in the Operational Framework review working groups.
- Assisted members with their SSAM implementations and provided tips and tricks for implementation in a May webinar.
- Participated in four Consumer Data Right consultations to advocate for the adoption of the DSP Operational Framework as an alternative accreditation method for Accredited Data Recipients (ADRs) and further, the adoption of the SSAM for intermediaries. Later in the year, the ACCC announced they will recognise the Operational Framework.
- Established the Government Relations Sub-Committee which has met monthly beginning in May.
- Conducted research on the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and subsequently published a report.
- Began a relationship with the Fair Work Commission surrounding their new Modern Awards Pay Database (MAPD).
- Completed 12 submissions to government and industry consultations.
This is also my final year as President and Chair of ABSIA. Despite my stepping down from this role, I will be continuing with ABSIA as a Director next year. I have thoroughly enjoyed working for our membership and alongside other ABSIA Directors over the past two years. I would like to thank you all for your support and to wish incoming President Simon Foster all the best in taking on this role.
ABSIA looks forward to working with you all again in 2021 on matters that are important and relevant to the business software industry.
Chris Howard,
President on behalf of the 2020 ABSIA Board.
Happy Holidays!
The ABSIA Board and staff would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and all the best heading into the new year.
ABSIA will be operating throughout the holiday period (aside from public holidays). Continue to engage with ABSIA on social media and post to the throughout this time. If there is anything you need assistance with, please contact us.