A Role for Business

Members of the Business Council of Australia are interested in public policy areas that most affect Australians’ capacity to take part in, and enjoy, our nation’s prosperity.

Our priority is to advocate to political leaders the areas where policy needs reform. But we also recognise the role of business in showing leadership and promoting informed national discussion on important issues.

Alongside our policy reform agenda, the BCA identifies focus areas and projects that address these core objectives.

For example, the work of BCA member companies in improving opportunities for Indigenous Australians through employment, professional and economic development opportunities led to the establishment of the BCA’s Indigenous Engagement Task Force in 2008.

Recent and current projects that reflect our leadership, education and community engagement values include:

• The “C Suite” project, a one-year pilot program that involved 11 BCA member CEOs in one-to-one mentoring of senior executive women identified as having the potential to become CEOs, COOs or CFOs in the next five years.
  
  
• Breaking down assumptions and stereotypes about big business by identifying, promoting and encouraging corporate engagement and investment in community organisations and activities.
  
  
• Taking part in national discussion on the issue of executive remuneration – advocating enhanced governance and accountability within corporate Australia while maintaining the flexibility we need for businesses to stay competitive on the world stage.