These are the results of the survey as to whether the Y2K Information Disclosure Bill 1999 will stimulate Small and Medium size Enterprises (SME) to take action on Y2K compliance conformance.

The survey comprised 5 questions:

1. LIKELY IMPACT Y2K BILL ON SME Y2K ACTIVITY
2. TAX DEDUCTIBLE ISSUES
3. SOFTWARE AMNESTY
4. LARGE COMPANIES ASSISTING TRADING PARTNERS
5. ENSURING APPROPRIATE SKILLS AVAILABLE

The results of the 2nd Public Consultation e-mail survey 25-26/02/99 on the Y2k Information Disclosure Bill are:

1 IMPACT Y2K BILL
Not Much	47%
Great Deal	13%
Depends	40%
2 TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO INCLUDE CONSULTANTS & ADMINISTRATION
Yes	93%
No	7%
3 SOFTWARE AMNESTY FROM 01/04/99-30/06/99
Yes	73%
No	27%
4 LARGE COMPANIES ASSISTING TRADING PARTNERS
Yes	67%
No	33%
5 ENSURING APPROPRIATE SKILLS AVAILABLE
Yes	53%
No	27%
Too Late	20%

BACKGROUND TO SURVEY

This survey was carried out by e-mail after the 2nd Public Consultation of the OIC Y2K Resource Asset Management Program (OICY2KRAMP).

Further details on what the OIC Y2K Compliance Consortium (OICY2KCC) is doing with providing trading partners with Y2K Certificates can be found at http://www.oic.org/3b2.htm

The Y2K Information Disclosure Bill 1999 encourages:

1. the exchange of proof of Y2K check and remediation processes
2. large companies to assist their trading companies to become Y2K Compliant
3. financial assistance through tax deductions for Y2K Remediation software.

The details of the Bill can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/parlinfo/billsnet/99006.pdf

If you would like to view how your trading partners and intermediaries can provide those Y2K checking and remediation details please look at http://www.oic.org/ramptest

PUBLIC CONSULTATION QUESTIONS

Q1 LIKELY IMPACT Y2K BILL ON SME Y2K ACTIVITY

What impact do you think the Year 2000 Information Disclosure Bill 1999 will have on Y2K compliance activity by Small and Medium business ?

A1

1 Not much

2 Great Deal

3 Depends on.......................................................

Q2 TAX DEDUCTIBLE ISSUES

Do you think that the tax deductions for remediation software should be extended to cover consultant and administration costs

A2

Yes

No

COMMENT: ....................................................................

Q3 SOFTWARE AMNESTY

It is not unknown for users to load their own software on the systems that they use. If the Y2K Checking software discovers un-registered software there is a possibility that company directors could be liable. Is a 3-month amnesty for software registration required say from 01/04/99 - 30/06/99 to ensure that SMEs have an incentive to start Y2K Checking and Remediation action ?

A3

Yes

No

COMMENT: ..................................................................................................

Q4 LARGE COMPANIES ASSISTING SMALLER TRADING PARTNERS

The large companies have identified their key trading partners (the 20% that provide 80% business & services). But what about the other 80% probably Small and Medium size Enterprises ? Should the large companies, as they obtain tax deductions for Y2K remediation software, consider contributing to assist all trading partners ?

A4

Yes

No

COMMENT:............................................................

Q5 ENSURING APPROPRIATE SKILLS AVAILABLE

Often the most time consuming part of the Y2K process for an SME is gathering the base information relating to detailed computer system information ie hardware configuration, software levels, supplier details. Then there is the major problem of remediation work on spreadsheets and databases for SMEs without IT resources.

Should the local employment networks train unemployed and disabled in Y2k information gathering, checking and remediation work ?

A5

Yes

No

COMMENT.......................................................

If you have any further comments or questions please e-mail me at Y2Kproject@oic.org