NEWSFLASH DECEMBER 2015

MEMBERSHIP 2016 New structure & benefits

SAD ANNOUNCEMENT From SwissCham Australia

SWISS INTERNS Your Visa options

NETWORK UPDATES Short & sweet

STADLER RAIL Swiss Solution for Australia?

CORPORATE PARTNERS 2015

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Membership 2016 CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE & BENEFITS

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Key membership benefits for all members:

• Complimentary event attendance (1 ticket/event) to all open events

• National membership • Access to SwissConnect • Discounted advertising opportunities

Additional benefits for Ambassadors:

Guaranteed access to Swisscham’s exclusive Board Room luncheons 8 times per year in Sydney and Melbourne. Guest speakers confirmed so far for 2016 include:

• The Hon Andrew Robb AO MP, Minister for Trade • Peter Freyberg, Head of Global Assets, Glencore • Anthony Shepherd AO, Chairman WestConnex • Martin Purslow, CEO National Trust of Victoria • The Hon Nick Greiner AC, former Premier &

Treasurer of NSW, Chairman of The Nuance Group • Stephen Cartwright, CEO NSW Business Chamber

Furthermore, Ambassador members will receive an additional complimentary event attendance to all open events (2 in total) as well as a further discount on advertising.

SwissConnect

SwissConnect is the only existing online database of all Swiss companies in Australia and all SwissCham members. This is a password protected database only accessible to Swisscham members. Members will be able to make searches on a range of different criteria, 24/7. Also, members will be able to update or change their contact details, add any of their own promotions and set their own privacy settings. SwissConnect will be integrated into SwissCham’s website. We are currently working hard on updating SwissCham’s website and the integration of SwissConnect. We expect to go live in the first quarter of 2016.

Swisscham’s 30th anniversary this year is a major milestone for our network and we would like to thank all our past and current supporters, small and large. Like with all organisations, however, standing still is not an option. Therefore, over the last few months, Swisscham’s Board of Directors have been working on a new strategy for the next few years. The focus was on positioning our network in the market place, adding membership benefits, providing appropriate services to small and large companies as well as simplifying our membership structure.

Key changes and new membership benefits/services are summarised below:

A complete overview of all service and benefits for each membership category will be published and sent to you before you receive your membership renewal invoice early 2016.

OLD:

Partners: $5,000 Large companies (50 staff plus): $900 Medium companies (5-49 staff): $500 Small companies (less than 5 staff): $318 Private/Individuals: $150

NEW:

Ambassadors $5,000 Corporate (25 staff plus): $1,000 SME* (less than 25 staff): $300

*incl. private, entrepreneurs

Membership structure & fees:

Sad Announcement FROM SWISSCHAM

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It is with the greatest of sadness that I deliver you the heartbreaking news of the sudden and unexpected death of our colleague and friend, Fabienne (Roesch) Rodriguez.

I have been informed that Fabienne died on Friday, 6th November 2016, most likely from a heart failure. Fabienne leaves behind her husband Erik and her 8 months old baby girl Zoe.

Her smile and positive outlook on life will be profoundly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Au revoir, dear Fabienne. Marcel

Fabienne Rodriguez 07.09.1982 - 06.11.2015

Stadler Rail SWISS SOLUTION FOR AUSTRALIA?

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Having a close look at Australian rail infrastructure: Left: Peter Jenelten, Executive Vice President Marketing & Sales, Member of the Group Executive Board Right: Stan Skalski, Director Marketing & Sales

During a media conference on 18 November at the Establishment in Sydney, Stadler Rail has officially signalled its intentions to expand into new markets in the east, with the establishment of a new company, Stadler Australia.

Stadler Vice President Peter Jenelten said Stadler Rail had recognised an opportunity to supply the growing demand for fast, modern, lightweight aluminium trains and light rail units in Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region.

“Australia and the Asia Pacific region offer exciting new business opportunities for Stadler Rail, which we are determined to pursue.”

The company’s intention is to provide jobs in both Switzerland and the new region, in keeping with Stadler’s owner and CEO Peter Spuhler’s philosophy that every job Stadler creates in another country protects a job for a Swiss worker at home.

For new markets in Australia and the Asia Pacific rolling stock could be manufactured in Stadler plants in Switzerland and other European countries, and the shipped overseas for local assembly, potentially creating a few hundred Australian jobs.

“The more time I spend in Australia, the more confident I am about the potential for Stadler passenger trains in the region.” Peter Jenelten

Facts & Figures about Stadler Rail

Staff numbers & revenue:1990: 18 & AU$ 7 million

2015: 6,000 & AU$ 3.5 billion

Group CEO, Peter Spuhler owns more than 80% of the company.

Forbes estimates the company’s worth more than AU$ 4 billion.

Stadler has at least on modular family of vehicles for each market segment including urban, suburban, regional, interregional, intercity and high-speed transport.

www.stadlerrail.com

Swiss Interns FINDING VIABLE VISA OPTIONS IN AUSTRALIA

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Businesses have often utilised the Working Holiday program to facilitate internships undertaken in Australia by foreign nationals from eligible countries. While not strictly aligned with the intended purpose of the Working Holiday program, Australia’s immigration authorities have traditionally tolerated this practice.

Despite being a host to one of the biggest Swiss communities overseas, Australia does not currently have a working holiday agreement in place with Switzerland. This has at times acted as a deterrent to Australian businesses hiring Swiss interns with the alternative visa options often being perceived as overly complicated. This article aims is to clarify on the process and requirements involved in obtaining an appropriate visa for Swiss nationals entering Australia as interns or trainees.

Australia-Switzerland agreement for exchange of trainees Since 1991 Australia and Switzerland has held a Memorandum of Understanding (‘SUI-AU MoU’) aimed at providing streamlined arrangements for the exchange of trainees (or Stagiaires). Australia currently incorporates the provisions of the SUI-AU MoU through the “government agreement” stream of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (or ‘Subclass 403’).

Consistent with the provisions of the SUI-AU MoU, Swiss nationals aged between 20 to 30 years old are able to travel to Australia on a Subclass 403 visa in order to receive workplace-based training for an initial period of up to 12 months with the possibility of an extended stay for a further 6 months. This visa option is then primarily intended for eligible Swiss nationals travelling to Australia in order to enhance their professional or vocational skills and improving their English language proficiency.

Subclass 403 under the SUI-AU MoU

(a) The requirements To be eligible to apply for a Subclass 403 under the SUI-AU MoU an applicant must:

• be a Swiss National, • aged between 20 to 30 years old, • intend to visit Australia for the primary purpose of

undertaking workplace based training for up to 12 months,

• hold the relevant skills and English ability to perform the training position in Australia,

• hold any registration, licensing or certification required to work in their profession or industry of employment while in Australia, and

• have their application supported by an Australian hosting employer.

As part of the visa application, the Australian hosting employer would be required to complete a Statutory Declaration attesting that relevant labour market, training and workplace relations requirements covered under the SUI-AU MoU will be met. These requirements include:

• the trainee will be employed full-time as a direct employee with the primary purpose of their engagement being to undertake workplace based training;

• the workplace based training offered to the trainee must relate to an eligible professional, trade or technical occupation. A list of approved occupations is currently available on the website for the Australian embassy, Berlin. The list primarily relates to occupations requiring a bachelor or diploma level qualification;

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Swiss Interns FINDING VIABLE VISA OPTIONS IN AUSTRALIA (CONT.)

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• the employer is satisfied the trainee has the skills at the Australian standard for the relevant professional, trade or technical occupation;

• the trainee will be provided salary and employment conditions that meet applicable Australian workplace laws and standards. Arrangements involving periods of unpaid work or salary paid at the minimum wage are unlikely to meet these requirements; and

• an employment agreement must be held between the trainee and the hosting employer. The agreement must NOT:

o refer to an Australian apprenticeship position which includes an Australian citizenship or permanent residence requirement,

o refer to any period of unpaid work, o relate to a position in a company where

the primary purpose is work rather than training,

o propose a length of time for the training position that exceeds an initial period of 12 months, or

o provides for the entry of independent contractors.

(b) The application process An application for a Subclass 403 under the SUI-AU MoU would involve the following steps:

• Statutory Declaration submitted by Australian hosting employer (-> Employer must submit a Statutory

Declaration relating to the trainee and training position to Australia’s Department of Employment)

• Certification provided by Australia’s Department of Employment (Australia’s Dept. of Employment must certify that the declaration meets the Labour Market, Training and Workplace Relations terms of the SUI-AUS MoU)

• Recommendation provided by Swiss Immigration authorities (The trainee must then submit the completed visa application to the State Secretariat for Migration SEM in Berne)

• Visa application submitted to Australian immigration authorities (The State Secretariat would then submit the visa application to the Australian immigration authorities together with their letter of recommendation)

The entire process would generally be expected to take up to 14 weeks. However, additional delays may arise due to unforeseen circumstances including if there are health or character issues. The entire process would generally be expected to take up to 14 weeks. However, additional delays may arise due to unforeseen circumstances including if there are health or character issues.

(c) Obligations As sponsorship is not a requirement for a Subclass 403 under the SUI-AU MoU, the Australian hosting employer would need to comply with any formal sponsorship obligations. However, criminal penalties may be imposed on representatives of a business found to have provided false or misleading statements as part of an Australian visa application.

Swiss Interns FINDING VIABLE VISA OPTIONS IN AUSTRALIA (CONT.)

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Throughout their stay in Australia, a Subclass 403 visa holder would have obligations to:

• continue to perform only work or activities that are consistent with what had been identified in their visa application,

• only work for the Australian host employer identified in their visa application, and

• maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance.

Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the cancellation of the trainee’s visa and their removal from Australia.

While in Australia, the trainee may be able to apply to extend their Subclass 403 visa (up to a maximum stay period of 18 months) or to change employers. This would require a further application to be submitted to the Australian immigration authorities for approval.

Alternate visa options Swiss interns or trainees not able to meet the requirements for a Subclass 403 visa may be able to explore the following alternate options to enable travel to Australia:

• Student Visa: Student visa applicants would need to be enrolled in a registered course, have a genuine intention to undertake studies and meet requirements relating to English language proficiency, financial capacity, academic achievement and age. A student visa does, however, permit employment. For most student visa holders, work would be restricted to 40 hours a fortnight while their course is in session. Post-graduate students would usually be permitted to work unlimited hours.

• Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457): This is the most commonly used program for employers to sponsor overseas workers fill skilled positions in Australia on a temporary basis. While generally not be intended to cover applicants filling trainee or intern positions, it may be appropriate where suitably qualified applicants will be occupying an eligible skilled occupation. A number of

requirements would need to be met by the sponsoring business and the visa applicant to apply for a Subclass 457 visa.

• Training and Research visa (Subclass 402): The occupational trainee stream allows approved businesses to sponsor foreign nationals to participate in a structured training program for a period of up to 2 years. At least 70% of the training provided must be workplace based. This visa could also cover trainees undertaking a volunteer position where this meets relevant Australian laws relating to unpaid placements. The process in applying for a Subclass 402 visa can be quite complex compared to the streamlined arrangements available to similar training programs covered by the SUI-AU MoU.

• Special Program Visa (Subclass 416): This may be a suitable option for an Australian organisation looking at establishing a reciprocal youth exchange program (that may involve work) aimed at building social and cultural relations between Australia and Switzerland. This visa option would only be available where an individual is sponsored by an approved organisation to participate in an approved program.

While you may find navigating Australian immigration rules to be a complicated and time-consuming process, it does not need to be. Fastvisa is dedicated to assisting businesses find fast, effective and compliant immigration solutions appropriate to their needs. For further information, please contact Alberto Fascetti on +611300190733 or email us at info@fastvisa.com.au.

News & Updates SHORT & SWEET

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Novartis opens it new campus in Macquarie Park on 9 December 2015. The new campus brings together their associates across three companies - Alcon, Novartis and Sandoz - with an emphasis on collaboration.

Lindt’s new warehouse at Marsden Park NSW is a 25,000sqm site with a total of 350 people at the chocolate hub after it moved all its operations from Sydney’s CBD, Mascot and Eastern Creek. The factory w i l l incorporate i t s head office , space for manufacturing the sweets, a warehouse distribution centre and an outlet centre.

Team 21, representing Lockheed Martin, Pilatus and Hawker Pacific has been officially selected as the preferred tenderer for the new Australian Defence Force Pilot Training System (Air 5428).

The Pilot Training System will deliver 49 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, with RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria to become

home to 22 of the new aircraft and the ADF's Basic Flying Training.

Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer has split with long-term

Formula One partner McLaren and taken up Red Bull, as part of its push

to into connected watch market.

Credit Suisse has appointed Alex Wade as head of

private banking Australia, marking a changing of the guard as Edward

Jewell-Tait retires.

Swissotel’s management is on a mission to instil classic Swiss vitality and freshness into every aspect of the

brand’s 32 hotels.

Events REVIEW

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Event Sponsors & Supporters

23rd November 2015 Royal Melbourne Attendance: 104

Events REVIEW

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Photography by FSPY - Francine Schaepper

Photography

Events REVIEW & UPCOMING

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Cruise with the Europeans 12 November 2015

Following the success of previous years, close to 700 members and friends of 15 European Chambers made their way to King Street Wharf No. 1 in Darling Harbour, to board the MV Sydney 2000 for our Cruise with the Europeans 2015. Our event partners Lufthansa Group and RailEurope drew the winners of the night’s door prizes, which included a premium set of travel luggage donated by Lufthansa, as well as two rail passes for the European rail network, provided by RailEurope.

Right: Anil Rodricks, Head of the Lufthansa Group in Australia

Left: Ingrid Kocijan, Manager Rail Europe Australasia

Left: Swiss Consul General, Mr Ernst Steinmann

EuroMix Melbourne 11 February 2016

EuroMix Sydney 17 February 2016

Diary Note for 2016

� 21ZU22454 - V1 09/14

This is a general description of insurance services and does not represent or alter any insurance policy. Such services are provided to qualified customers by affiliated companies of the Zurich Insurance Group Ltd, as in the US, Zurich American Insurance Company, 1400 American Lane, Schaumburg, IL 60196, in Canada, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, 400 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1S9, and outside the US and Canada, Zurich Insurance plc, Ballsbridge Park, Dublin 4, Ireland (and its EU branches), Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited, ABN 13 000 296 640, AFS Licence No232507, 5 Blue St., North Sydney, NSW 2060.

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