Jobs
Australia needs to undertake a suite of policy reforms to help us grow our economy and national wealth, create the jobs of the future, put in place the right incentives for work, and ensure that all Australians have the knowledge and skills to be successful in the 21st century.
We need to cultivate a business environment and modern labour market that offer people rewarding work, and a culture that fosters high-performing workplaces. By unlocking the potential of people and workplaces, Australia can become an innovative and knowledge-driven economy.
An effective tax system is an essential ingredient for growth because it can encourage people and businesses to take risks, invest and innovate. But we rely too much on taxes that discourage people from working hard and saving for their retirement.
The Business Council's jobs policy agenda is focused on creating the right policy settings to achieve this, including:
Business Council welcomes an Australian Modern Slavery Act
10 May 2018
The announcement today that the government will move to introduce an Australian Modern Slavery Act is welcome action on ending the scourge of modern slavery, says Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott.
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Jennifer Westacott, Ticky Fullerton, Sky Business
7 December 2017
Topics: year in review, China, Marriage Equality
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Lower Tax Rate Will Create More Jobs and Investment says CEO Survey
20 November 2017
Four out of five CEOs said they would boost investment and 70 per cent said they would hire more people if the Senate votes to give Australia a more competitive company tax rate.
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Decision to Shelve the South Australian Bank Tax Welcomed
15th November 2017
South Australians will be relieved at news today that their government’s proposed investment-sapping bank tax will be abandoned.
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Women in leadership: 10 actions that really drive change
08 November 2017
New research shows Australian companies that lead their industry in women’s leadership representation do 10 things in common, starting with making a compelling case about why gender equality is good for the organisation.
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Jennifer Westacott - 6PR
3 November 2017
Topics: economy, politicians’ citizenship, business confidence, NAB, education and training
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We're interested in solutions – not personal invective
8 September 2017
This opinion article by Jennifer Westacott was published in The Australian Financial Review on 8 September 2017.
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Stronger Together
25 August 2017
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Business Council Welcomes a Collaborative Approach to Industrial Relations
3 August 2017
We are heartened by Brendan O’Connor’s acknowledgment that the discussion around improving Australia’s workplace relations system must involve all voices.
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Make Our Future Work
22 July 2017
This opinion article by Jennifer Westacott appeared in The Weekend Australian on 22 July 2017.
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Bank Tax Opponents Show Real Leadership
3 July 2017
South Australia’s future prosperity depends on businesses having the confidence to invest in local jobs. This won’t happen if governments keep unpredictably changing the rules of doing business.
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Launch of FTA Negotiations with the Pacific Alliance
1 July 2017
Open trade with Pacific Alliance countries can deliver increased exports for Australian companies, more jobs for Australians, and investment and innovation that is driven by a growing economy.
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Sensible Changes to Temporary Skilled Visa Program
30 June 2017
We are pleased the Government consulted widely and listened to businesses who were worried that the system had become too restrictive for those who wanted to fill senior and specialised roles.
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Pollies must stop playing the David v Goliath game
29 June 2017
This opinion article by Jennifer Westacott was published in The Australian on 29 June 2017.
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The Social Compact Behind Globalisation is Failing
20 June 2017
This opinion article by Jennifer Westacott was published in The Australia Financial Review on 20 June 2017.
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Joint Statement with the Smith Family on Schools Funding
20 June 2017
The Business Council and the Smith Family strongly endorse the principle of genuine needs-based school funding, initially proposed by David Gonski, and urge parliament to work together to put it at the heart of the education system.
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Strong Businesses Underpin Lasting Jobs
15 June 2017
One of the best protections we can offer Australian workers is to maintain strong, successful businesses that can employ more people and pay higher wages, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Four-Year Penalty Rates Transition Is Sensible
5 June 2017
With small and medium businesses losing 14,000 jobs last financial year and youth unemployment running at over 20 per cent in some regions, Australia needs every business possible to keep creating jobs.
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Big Business Means Big Employment
1 June 2017
Australia’s big employers have become the only segment of the private economy to boost its overall number of employees last financial year, new statistics show.
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Australian Supplier Payment Code
29 May 2017
The Business Council Australian Supplier Payment Code commits signatory companies to pay eligible Australian small business suppliers on-time and within 30 days of receiving a correct invoice.
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Performance Review of the Australian Innovation, Science and Research (ISR) System
May 2017
For many economies worldwide struggling with flat productivity growth, sluggish trade and ageing populations, becoming a globally competitive, innovative economy is the answer.
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A Sustainable Higher Education System
2 May 2017
The government's reforms will ensure higher education will be made available to all Australians, and that cost is no barrier to participation, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Time To Face Up To Trump's Tax Plan
27 April 2017
This tax cut is a massive threat to the incomes of Australian workers; it will suck billions of investment dollars away from countries like Australia and funnel it back to America, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Young Australians Need a New Pathway To Prosperity
22 April 2017
This essay by Jennifer Westacott was published in The Weekend Australian on April 20, 2017.
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New Cadetship Program To Open Doors for Disadvantaged Students.
19 April 2017
The Business Council and The Smith Family have joined forces on a new program to give young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds the best chance to kickstart their careers.
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Time To Pull The Plug On Energy Culture War
12 April 2017
This essay by Jennifer Westacott was published in The Australian on 12 April 2017.
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Submission To The Foreign Policy White Paper Taskforce
April 2017
Australia should undertake domestic economic reforms to underpin competition and openness which are not only in its own interests but also allow us to lead international reform by example and to enhance the credibility of our international advocacy.
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ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION TO THE SENATE INQUIRY INTO CORPORATE TAX AVOIDANCE AND MINIMISATION
April 2017
The Business Council believes that PRRT has worked appropriately to date and no changes should be pursued without a clear, demonstrable net benefit from doing so. The potential for policy reversals to jeopardise future investment is of serious concern.
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Statement On Youth Jobs PaTH
3 April 2017
We welcome today’s launch of Youth Jobs PaTH, an important practical initiative to help address youth unemployment, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Statement On Company Tax Negotiations
31 March 2017
We welcome this historic step towards rebooting Australia’s international competitiveness and prosperity, and it is now imperative that parliament continue negotiating the full passage of the Enterprise Tax Plan, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Politicians Can’t Walk Away From Tough Decisions
30 March 2017
This opinion article by Jennifer Westacott was published in The Australian on 30 March 2017.
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Proposed "Effects Test" Puts Pressure On Household Bills
23 March 2017
The Turnbull government seems intent on putting pressure on the household bills of every Australian with its broad and vague "effects test", says Grant King.
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Address to the Australian Labor Party Jobs and Skills Summit
17 March 2017
Reform of Australia's vocational education and training system is not even halfway done, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Australia Needs Clear, Stable Policy To Deliver Secure, Reliable, Affordable Power
16 March 2017
“Our energy system is the cornerstone of our economy, powering our industries, our cities and our homes. And so we must get our energy supply right. But at the moment we’re not,” chief executive Jennifer Westacott says.
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Coalition of Business Groups Calls for Decisive Action to Rescue Australia's Ailing Apprenticeship System
14 March 2017
Governments must take urgent action to avert an imminent crisis in our apprenticeship system, one that risks leaving young people without pathways to work and many businesses unable to access the skills they need to grow.
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National Accounts Underscore Threat To Australia From Trump Tax Plan
1 March 2017
This mixed bag of economic indicators is a sobering reminder that Australia must urgently boost its international competitiveness by reducing business taxes and overhauling bad regulation that are together strangling investment, says Jennifer Westacott.
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The Numbers Stack Up, Now Let's Get Moving on Infrastructure
1 March 2017
Amid public frustration at the seeming inability of politicians to get things done, Infrastructure Australia's priorities list provides an opportunity for the governing class to prove their doubters wrong, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Tackling Australia's $65 Billion Red Tape Industry
25 February 2017
This essay by Danny Gilbert AM was published in The Weekend Australian on 25 February 2017.
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Business Council Welcomes Activation of New Trade Agreement
23 February 2017
When an agreement has the potential to add $1 trillion to the world economy and create 21 milion jobs, it’s worth pausing to welcome its entry into force, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Penalty Rates Decision
23 February 2017
The onus is now on employers to demonstrate that modest changes to penalty rates can mean more hours for workers and better service for customers, says Jennifer Westacott.
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For Canada and Australia, shared values are the greatest defence
21 February 2017
This opinion article by Jennifer Westacott and Norman Steinberg was published in The Globe and Mail on 20 February 2017 and The Australian Financial Review on 21 February 2017.
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Crossbenchers Show Political Guts By Improving Building Code Legislation
16 February 2017
Derryn Hinch and other crossbench senators have shown real political guts by working with the government to bring forward the transition to the new Building Code, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Failure To Pass Enterprise Tax Plan In Full Puts Farmers At Risk
11 February 2017
Joint Statement: There are tremendous opportunities for Australian agriculture in Asia but, if we fall asleep at the wheel, these opportunities will be snatched up by our overseas competitors.
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Business Supports Accelerated Transition to New Building Code
9 February 2017
We firmly support the Turnbull government's move to bring forward the transition to the new Building Code, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Business Stands Ready To Help Make 2017 The Year Of Vocational Education and Training
31 January 2017
We welcome Bill Shorten’s recognition that vocational education and training is not a second-best alternative to a university degree – both types of qualification should be valued equally.
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The shifting economic themes under Trump must not distract Australia from the need for innovation
18 January 2017
We need to encourage innovation in our economy, not to fear it, writes Tim Reed
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Lower company tax rate key to higher living standards
20 December 2016
Arguments for burdening enterprises with high taxes demand to be challenged, writes Jennifer Westacott.
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2016 Indigenous Engagement Survey
6 December 2016
Indigenous employment has grown by 30 per cent among Business Council member companies since 2014, our new Indigenous Engagement Survey report shows.
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Statement On The Australian Building And Construction Commission
30 November 2016
The passage of the ABCC legislation shows that the parliament can work together to improve Australia’s competitiveness, a critical factor in driving our ongoing prosperity and creating meaningful jobs in a volatile world
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World-Class Model for Major Project Approvals
25 November 2016
The Business Council of Australia today released a new blueprint for streamlining the planning and approvals system, saying it was unacceptable that more than $375 billion of proposed projects across Australia were potentially facing lengthy delays.
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Competitive Project Approvals
25 November 2016
A new blueprint is needed to streamline planning and approvals for major projects, with $375 billion worth of proposed projects facing lengthy delays due to the current system.
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Global Challenges, Smart Solutions
22 November 2016
All major institutions in our society – government, academia, businesses, and religious organisations – have a moral imperative to contribute to policy to improve our country.
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Calling on Senators to Restore the ABCC
21 November 2016
The Business Council has campaigned strongly for the Parliament to support the legislation to restore the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
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Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's Energy Strategy
November 2016
This is the Business Council's submission to the AIIB's Energy Strategy Issues Note.
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Business Bashers Must Explain The Consequences
21 November 2016
Populist politicians who target business should tell their voters to expect years of low growth - and tell them why.
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Working Together to Restore a World Class VET System
17 November 2016
Employers and industry groups have become concerned that the VET system is deteriorating and that recent attempts at reform have failed to impact on some core issues
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Submission to the Queensland Renewable Energy Target Expert Panel
November 2016
Reinforcing the importance of a coherent national climate change and energy policy framework.
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The More Things Change
11 November 2016
Jennifer Westacott's speaks to the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce WA about how the more things change, the more business must lead in an uncertain world.
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Statement On New Training Package arrangements
10 November 2016
The Business Council of Australia welcomes the government’s announcement today of the new Service Skills Organisations (SSOs) to develop Training Packages for the manufacturing, automotive, and mining and drilling sectors.
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Business Council Statement on the US Presidential Election
9 November 2016
Market volatility in the wake of the US Presidential Election underscores the absolute imperative on our own political leaders to strengthen Australia’s competitiveness and repair the Budget, so that our economy remains prosperous amid global shifts
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The True Value of Humanities
4 November 2016
Jennifer Westacott on how humanities can play a fundamental role in the prosperity agenda.
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City's Growth At Stake
4 November 2016
Restoring the ABCC is vital to get regional areas and towns like Townsville going.
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Statement On The Closure of Hazelwood Power Station
3 November 2016
Our thoughts are with the employees of Hazelwood power station. Its closure is reflective of Australia's inevitable transition to a lower-emission electricity system.
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Easing Companies Burden Lifts The Load For Us All
27 October 2016
When Australian businesses are not globally competitive, the consequences are felt in suburban streets and regional towns.
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Students Should Not Be Caught Out By New VET Loan Scheme
26 October 2016
Small changes should be made to the replacement of the VET FEE-HELP (VFH) program to minimise the impact on students and the VET market
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VET Student Loans Bills Inquiry
October 2016
This is a joint submission from the Australian Industry Group and the Business Council of Australia to the Senate inquiry into the VET Student Loans Bills.
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Why Our Children Need a Strong ABCC
20 October 2016
Restoring the ABCC is vital to creating a healthier culture in the building and construction industry and ending unlawful and inappropriate behaviour.
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ABCC essential to combatting unlawful union behaviour on construction sites
19 October 2016
Unlawful behaviour by unions on Australia’s building and construction sites may reach crisis point unless Parliament acts now to restore the ABCC
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Senator Xenophon Urged to Back Lower Taxes For All Businesses
19 October 2016
Senator Xenophon urged not to miss a massive opportunity to revive South Australia's flagging economy.
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No Reason Left for Parliament to Delay Restoring the ABCC
18 October 2016
No Reason Left for Parliament to Delay Restoring the ABCC
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Now's time to cut company tax
10 October 2016
The big four professional services firms agree cutting company tax leads to big benefits for Australians, and our national economy.
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Business Council Submission to the Senate Inquiry on the Income Tax Relief Bill
September 2016
The Business Council has recommended the Senate to pass the Income Tax Relief Bill without amendment.
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Business Council Submission to the Senate Inquiry on the Enterprise Tax Plan Bill
September 2016
The Business Council has recommended the Senate pass the Enterprise Tax Plan Bill without amendment to lay foundations for future growth.
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Purposeful Business, Purposeful Country
24 September 2016
We have an expression we use constantly at the Business Council: “Doing nothing doesn’t mean nothing will happen”.
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STRONG BIZ OR ED AND HEALTH. REALITY IS WE NEED BOTH
30 June 2016
Having to decide between strong business, or education and health, is a phony choice this election.
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MAKE BUSINESS STRONG AND WE ARE ALL WINNERS
30 June 2016
Business groups representing more than 360,000 businesses employing more than 6.2 million people explain why, in a global environment, a more competitive company tax rate is vital for a strong Australia.
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AUSTRALIA HAS TO COMPETE IN THE RACE FOR FOREIGN INVESTMENT
28 June 2016
Global uncertainty in the wake of Brexit reinforces the imperative for consistent policies to ensure Australia is a competitive destination for foreign investments.
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BCA STATEMENT ON BREXIT VOTE
28 June 2016
Australian businesses are carefully monitoring global markets, following the British decision to leave the EU last week.
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REDUCE COMPANY TAX AND OUR ECONOMY WILL TAKE OFF
23 June 2016
BCA Member, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, writes in the Herald Sun newspaper about how a trip to his homeland of Ireland reminded him why lower company tax will help Australia's economy take off.
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WHAT WILL BREXIT MEAN FOR AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS?
22 June 2016
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott is interviewed on BBC World News.
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WHEN THE DUST SETTLES, CORRUPT CONSTRUCTION CULTURE NEEDS A MAJOR REPAIR
22 June 2016
The election winner must not forget the issue that triggered the double-dissolution - restoration of the ABCC.
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BCA Statement on Victoria’s Renewables Targets
15 June 2016
Victoria’s latest announcement of renewable targets represents an unwelcome return to competing state climate change policies that risk driving up the cost of emissions reduction and threaten the orderly transformation of the electricity sector.
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Time for Business to Fight Back
10 June 2016
Having a vibrant business sector, one that continually strives to grow by investing, employing more workers, paying decent wages and making strong returns for shareholders, has been fundamental to Australia’s unbroken growth over the last quarter century.
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Jennifer Westacott on Sky News Live 5 June 2016
5 June 2016
Jennifer Westacott on Sky News Live, Sunday Agenda with Peter van Onselen and Paul Kelly.
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Statement on the Australia–China CEO Roundtable
15 April 2016
Australian and Chinese business leaders agreed that continued deepening of their relationships and cooperation was essential to successfully navigate the economic transition underway in both countries.
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BCA Annual Forum Address by The Hon. Scott Morrison MP
13 April 2016
This address was delivered by The Hon. Scott Morrison MP at the Business Council of Australia's Annual Forum Dinner in Sydney 13 April 2016.
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University of Newcastle Graduation Address
8 April 2016
Jennifer Westacott addresses the graduates of the University of Newcastle.
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Culture is Critical in Our Workplaces
2 April 2016
Reinstating the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is the best option we have to drive the fundamental and systemic cultural reform of Australia’s vital building and construction industry.
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BCA Statement on ABCC and Registered Organisations Bills
21 March 2016
The Prime Minister’s announcement today that the parliament will be recalled on 18 April for three weeks provides plenty of time for the Senate to complete its deliberations and pass these bills without further delay.
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Business Council of Australia Releases Tax Directions for a Transitioning Economy
8 March 2016
The BCA has released a paper today that sets out a path for transforming the tax system to improve the living standards of all Australians by supporting economic transition and accelerating growth.
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Realising Our Full Potential: Tax Directions for a Transitioning Economy
7 March 2016
Australia needs comprehensive tax reform that brings the whole community along and delivers a tax system that works for all Australians.
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Reinstating the ABCC the Easiest Decision the Senate Can Make
27 February 2016
Reinstating the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) should be the easiest decision the Australian Senate can make, and an opportunity to show leadership at a time when its capacity to represent the interests of voters is under question.
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Statement on the Release of Infrastructure Australia Plan
17 February 2016
This plan to meet our infrastructure challenges is a blueprint that all governments, working together, can support and implement.
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Doing Nothing on Income Taxes is Clearly Not an Option
12 February 2016
Treasury tax reform analysis proves that doing nothing to alleviate the burden of income taxes is not an option.
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BCA Calls for the Reinstatement of the ABCC
1 February 2016
The BCA urges all parties to work with the government to restore the ABCC so that the type of conduct uncovered by the Royal Commission cannot continue to occur.
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Statement on Productivity Commission Workplace Relations Final Report
21 December 2015
The Productivity Commission’s final workplace relations report has fallen short of addressing what is required in a modern economy.
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AFR Workforce and Productivity Summit Speech by Catherine Livingstone
8 December 2015
BCA President Catherine Livingstone talks about how businesses can foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
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Response to National Innovation and Science Agenda
7 December 2015
The National Innovation and Science Agenda highlights the critical importance of innovation in growing the Australian economy.
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The Changing Nature of Work
4 December 2015
The nature of our work and workplaces is changing rapidly.
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Coastal Shipping Reforms Warrant a Second Look
26 November 2015
The Senate's rejection of reforms to streamline coastal trading regulations is a major blow.
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Right Approach and Facts Needed for Workplace Relations Reform
26 October 2015
Our fundamental point is we have to be willing to put the facts on the table and ask honestly if the current regime is fit for a modern, 24-7 economy.
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A Workplace System for a Modern Economy: Article by Jennifer Westacott
24 October 2015
We need to design a workplace relations system fit for a modern economy.
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First Steps to Make the Fair Work Act Future-Oriented
14 October 2015
Our workplace relations system is essential to Australia’s competitiveness and productivity.
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BCA Response to ALP's ChAFTA Conditions
13 October 2015
ChAFTA should be passed and our position remains that it should be passed without unnecessary amendments to the Migration Act.
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Workplace Relations Reform: Article by Jennifer Westacott
26 September 2015
We must acknowledge and respond to the changes and disruption which are transforming Australia's economy.
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Submission to the Workplace Relations Inquiry Draft Report
September 2015
The Business Council's strong view is that the workplace relations system of today does not position us well for the future.
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Opening Remarks to Productivity Commission Hearing on Workplace Relations
11 September 2015
Australia needs a workplace relations system that encourages, rather than stifles, innovation and productivity.
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National Productivity: Article by Jennifer Westacott
24 August 2015
The National Reform Summit will centre on four issues which are pre-requisites for the goal of sustainable economic growth.
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Job Creation in the Age of Disruption: Article by Jennifer Westacott
14 August 2015
No matter which side of the debate we’re on, if we are looking to go back and settle old scores or use old mindsets in this discussion, we will fail.
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Workplace Relations Reform: Article by Jennifer Westacott
14 August 2015
As our economy undergoes enormous transformation we must prepare ourselves for the jobs of the future in a way that will offer people rewarding work.
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Creating Jobs in the Age of Disruption: Speech by Jennifer Westacott
13 August 2015
Let's approach the workplace relations debate with aspiration and imagination.
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Statement on the Productivity Commission’s Workplace Relations Review
4 August 2015
The Productivity Commission has recommended sensible and practical changes to improve the workplace relations system.
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National Press Club Address by Catherine Livingstone: Q&A Transcript
29 April 2015
A transcript of the Q & A section of Business Council of Australia President Catherine Livingstone’s National Press Club Address on 29 April 2015.
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Digital Disruption: Article by Catherine Livingstone
30 April 2015
Given the disruption of a hyper-connected world, many of our policy settings are simply not fit for purpose.
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National Press Club Address by Catherine Livingstone
29 April 2015
BCA President Catherine Livingstone delivers a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.
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Workplace Relations: Third Article in The Australian
21 March 2015
Rather than more tinkering what is required is a new framework that gets the balance right.
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A Workplace Framework for the Future
20 March 2015
The task of the Productivity Commission is to correct the problems of today, but more importantly be forward-looking to meet the needs of the future.
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BCA Submission to the Productivity Commission’s Workplace Relations Inquiry
March 2015
Australia needs a visionary approach to workplace relations that rises above the ideological issues of the past.
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Higher Education: Article by Catherine Livingstone
16 March 2015
When they are leading, the impact universities can have is nothing less than intergenerational transformation.
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Landmark Strategy to Make Graduates More Job Ready
11 March 2015
University and business leaders announce a comprehensive, national strategy to build the productive capacity of Australia's workforce.
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Workplace Relations: Second Article in The Australian
28 February 2015
The national discussion about workplaces must be about creating a culture of collaboration and innovation.
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BCA Welcomes Gender Reporting Changes
25 February 2015
The streamlining of gender equity reporting requirements will help ensure that the data collected is meaningful and not unduly costly for businesses.
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Statement on the Final Report of the McClure Welfare Review
25 February 2015
This report is a thoughtful and well-considered piece of policy work which deserves an equally thoughtful and coherent response from policy makers.
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Workplace Relations: First Article in The Australian
14 February 2015
Our workplace relations system can be improved to better support job creation, productivity and competitiveness in the 21st century.
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Comment on Workplace Relations Framework Inquiry
22 January 2015
We must rethink how we work to stay competitive in a global economy,including whether our workplace relations system is helping or holding us back.
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Innovation and Research the Keys to Future Jobs and Growth
29 October 2014
The BCA welcomes the opportunity to explore the effectiveness of Australia's research effort in creating jobs and economic growth.
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Fair Work Amendment Bill Deserves Senate’s Support
4 September 2014
The passage of the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014 will enable businesses to respond quickly to global competition, and maintain and create jobs.
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Submission on the Exposure Draft for Employment Services Contract 2015–2020
September 2014
The BCA welcomes the redesign of the employment services contracts and the steps taken to shape a more outcomes-driven and employer-focused approach.
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Submission on Improvements in the Model Work Health and Safety Laws
August 2014
Suggestions on how to reduce business costs and improve health and safety ahead of a full review of the work health and safety scheduled for 2016.
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More Work Needed on Draft Employment Services Model
28 July 2014
Draft model makes some improvements, but more engagement with industry is needed to find the right balance in connecting jobseekers with job opportunities.
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Submission to the Inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014
April 2014
Business Council of Australia submission in strong support of the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014.
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Statement on the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014
27 February 2014
The Bill is an important step in reforming workplace laws, but more changes are needed to ensure a system that works for all workplaces and all workers.
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Submission on the Indigenous Jobs and Training Review
January 2014
Submission to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on the Indigenous Jobs and Training Review.
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Increasing the Number of Women in Senior Executive Positions
5 November 2013
Best practices for the merit-based recruitment, selection and retention of women in senior executive roles.
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Submission to the Senate on the Fair Trade (Workers’ Rights) Bill 2013
October 2013
The BCA recognises the importance of regulations that protect workers’ basic rights, but does not support the proposed changes in the Bill.
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Submission on the Implementation of Labour Market Testing in the Standard Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa Program
September 2013
The reintroduction of labour market testing would be unnecessary, ineffective and costly.
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Action Plan for Enduring Prosperity: Recommendations Report
July 2013
Ninety-three mutually interdependent recommendations to restore Australia’s competitiveness and lift productivity.
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Action Plan for Enduring Prosperity: Summary Report
July 2013
A prosperous future for all Australians will depend on maintaining strong economic growth and policies that support businesses to do well.
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Action Plan for Enduring Prosperity: Read the Plan and Give Your Feedback
March 2014
Read the plan and give us your ideas on how Australia can progress important things that need to be done.
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Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill 2013
June 2013
The BCA calls for all parliamentarians to oppose the Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill 2013.
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Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Social Security Amendment (Supporting More Australians into Work) Bill 2013
June 2013
The Bill represents a positive but very minor step towards addressing the issues raised in the committee’s inquiry into the adequacy of the allowance payment system.
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Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Migration Amendment (Offshore Resources Activity) Bill 2013
June 2013
The BCA calls for all parliamentarians to reject the Migration Amendment (Offshore Resources Activity) Bill 2013.
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Submission to the Senate regarding Subclass 457 Visas, Enterprise Migration Agreements and Regional Migration Agreements
April 2013
A demand-driven, uncapped temporary skilled migration program is essential to Australia’s long-term prosperity.
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Submissions regarding the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013
April 2013
The recently announced second tranche amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 is a missed opportunity resulting from poor process and poor policy.
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Action Plan for Enduring Prosperity: First Column in The Australian
20 April 2013
First in a series of columns by Jennifer Westacott in The Australian discussing the Business Council of Australia’s Action Plan for Enduring Prosperity.
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Submission regarding the Australian Jobs Bill 2013 Exposure Draft
April 2013
The proposals to regulate the procurement processes of private projects in the Bill are a step too far.
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Submission regarding the DEEWR Employment Services: Building on Success Issues Paper
April 2013
Employment placement services need to be made easier for employers and jobseekers to use.
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IR Changes Damaging to Jobs and the National Interest
19 March 2013
In a letter to parliamentarians, ACCI, AiG, AMMA and the BCA call on the government to reconsider its second-tranche amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009.
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Locking in Penalty Rates Does Nothing to Create Jobs
14 March 2013
The federal government’s proposed ‘hard wiring’ of penalty rates in industrial relations laws will undermine the ability of all businesses to create jobs.
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Submission on Reporting Matters under the Workplace Gender Equality Act
February 2013
The BCA does not support any additional reporting on workplace gender equality issues.
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Opportunity for All: Joint Statement on ACOSS, ACTU and BCA Cooperation
December 2012
ACOSS, the ACTU and the BCA announce an alliance to tackle entrenched disadvantage.
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Opportunity for All: Demand-Led Employment Services Roundtable Report
December 2012
Report of a roundtable discussion on how to assist Australians who are disadvantaged in the labour market to gain the opportunity to find and keep real, meaningful paid employment.
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Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Consolidation of Anti-Discrimination Laws
December 2012
Strong support from the BCA to make a society more inclusive for all Australians.
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Submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in relation to the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2012
November 2012
Australia’s international competitiveness is being challenged by a high-wage, high-cost, low-productivity economy.
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Submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Protecting Local Jobs (Regulating Enterprise Migration Agreements) Bill 2012
September 2012
Enterprise Migration Agreements play an important role in helping to manage labour shortages and support companies to deliver projects in a difficult economic environment.
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Restoring a High-Performing Public Service: Speech by BCA CEO Jennifer Westacott to the IPAA 2012 International Congress
20 September 2012
Speech by BCA Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott to the IPAA 2012 International Congress in Melbourne.
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Supplementary Submission to the Review of the Fair Work Act
March 2012
An examination of the drivers and consequences of growth in alternative working arrangements in Australia over recent decades.
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Submission to the New South Wales Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs
March 2012
Some key themes that have emerged in feedback provided by BCA member companies through surveys and other forums.
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Submission to the Review of the Fair Work Act
February 2012
The Fair Work Act is not supporting Australian businesses to stay competitive in a particularly challenging economic environment.
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Job Flexibility Tops the List for Staff and Bosses
11 February 2012
Far from being a source of insecurity, our changing labour market has provided the foundation for the nation’s wealth to be shared more broadly.
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Submission to the Minister for Workplace Relations Seeking Amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009
July 2011
Outlines a number of issues of concern to BCA members that warrant legislative amendment to the Act.
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Essential Skills in Short Supply
6 May 2011
With the right leadership and workforce and population policies we can become a stronger, better society.
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Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee Inquiry into the Paid Parental Leave Exposure Draft
May 2010
Both employers and governments should be seeking to ensure that both work and family is possible.
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CEOs Step up to Take Direct Action on Women in Top Jobs
31 March 2010
New mentoring initiative to help high-achieving women rise to the top of the corporate ladder.
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Submission to the Productivity Commission on the ‘Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety’ Draft Research Report
February 2010
The BCA strongly endorses efforts to enhance the effectiveness of occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and policy and its operation around Australia.
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Embedding Workplace Collaboration: Good Faith Bargaining
January 2010
A call for greater clarity on good faith bargaining requirements.
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Australia Must Learn from the Crisis
28 January 2010
Our challenge is to learn from the economic crisis – and to make our prosperity more sustainable and accessible to more Australians, Graham Bradley writes in The Australian Financial Review.
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Engaging our Potential: The Economic and Social Necessity of Increasing Workforce Participation
14 January 2010
New policy thinking and concerted action is needed if Australia is to reduce the unacceptable number of Australians who are jobless or on the margins of the workforce at a time of record employment.
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Embedding Workplace Collaboration: Preventing Disputes
11 August 2009
Australia risks slower economic growth in the years ahead unless the new IR system can focus more strongly on preventing disputes.
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Submission to the Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee Inquiry into the Fair Work Bill 2008
January 2009
This submission reviews the draft legislation against policies on workplace relations previously published by the BCA, and incorporates feedback from BCA members about their expectations of the impact of the legislation.
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BCA Supports Productivity Commission Parental Leave Proposal
29 September 2008
The BCA welcomes the Productivity Commission’s draft report recommending 18 weeks of paid parental leave.
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Submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave
May 2008
Work–family issues are integral to Australia’s future economic and social prosperity, and as a society we must find ways to make workforce participation easier for women of child-bearing age.
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Executive Remuneration Position Paper
29 April 2008
The Business Council of Australia has released a position paper in response to the continuing debate over pay for CEOs and other senior business managers.
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Assessment of the Australian Labor Party Workplace Relations Policy Platform
29 April 2008
Australia’s leading companies have released a report on the potential outcomes and impacts on Australia’s economy of the ALP’s workplace relations platform.
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Offshoring, Global Outsourcing and the Australian Economy
29 April 2008
The Business Council of Australia has released a position paper on offshoring, predicting the trend to outsource information, IT and other services to offshore companies would have largely positive implications for Australia’s economy and jobs.
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The Community of Business
5 February 2004
The Business Council of Australia has surveyed its Members on their contribution to the community and on factors that have driven recent performance and will drive future opportunities.
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Engaging our Potential: A Checklist to Reduce Barriers to Workforce Participation
04 April 2008
A checklist of ways to address barriers to the recruitment and retention of individuals not currently in the workforce.
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The Economic Benefit of Increased Participation in Education and Training
21 November 2007
Boosting the proportion of young people completing school or an apprenticeship to 90 per cent by the end of the decade would increase workforce numbers by 65,000, boost economic productivity, and expand the economy by nearly $10 billion by 2040.
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A Time to Improve Social Prosperity
3 November 2007
In a real sense, Australia’s hardest economic challenges are just beginning, Katie Lahey writes in the Herald Sun.
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New Thinking Needed to Find Jobs for Those Who Want Them
22 October 2007
New policy thinking and concerted action are needed if Australia is to reduce the unacceptable number of individuals who are jobless or on the margins of the workforce at a time of record employment.
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A Commodity Just Too Valuable to Miss the Export Boat
3 August 2007
Australia’s prosperity depends on providing services to the world, writes IBM’s Glen Boreham.
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BCA Workforce Participation Roundtable Discussion Paper
19 June 2007
The Business Council of Australia will lead a major new initiative on workforce participation with the aim of increasing participation including among Australians who are marginalised.
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General Meetings: Code of Conduct
17 November 2006
Code of conduct to help increase the value of AGMs for shareholders, boards and management.
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Executive Remuneration: Best Practice Principles and Guide
17 November 2006
Global best practice guidelines on executive remuneration to supplement existing regulatory and industry guidance.
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The Cost of Dropping Out: Research Reports
17 November 2006
Australia risks creating an underclass of people who face long-term unemployment and chronic poverty unless it curbs the number of young people dropping out of school early.
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Balancing Work and Family Survey
17 November 2006
Australia’s largest companies are leading the way in adopting strategies aimed at supporting working parents.
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Age Can Work: A Business Guide for Supporting Older Workers
17 November 2006
Guidelines to encourage big business to keep more older Australians in the workforce.
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Age Can Work: The Case for Older Australians Staying in the Workforce
17 November 2006
ACTU and BCA joint report highlights the potentially massive social and economic impact of Australia’s ageing population, and outlines some policy recommendations.
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Youth Education and Training Completions Provide Intergenerational Economic Benefit
2 June 2005
Boosting the proportion of young people completing school or an apprenticeship to 90 per cent by the end of the decade would increase workforce numbers by 65,000, boost economic productivity, and expand the economy by nearly $10 billion by 2040.
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BCA Backs New Call to Help Young People Plan for Work
20 March 2005
The Business Council of Australia has backed research calling on schools to provide more support for disadvantaged young people to make realistic plans that match their work aspirations.
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Executive Pay Position Paper
24 June 2004
The Business Council of Australia today released a position paper in response to the continuing debate over pay for CEOs and other senior business managers.
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Business Leaders Support Working Families
2 October 2003
A Business Council of Australia survey has revealed that Australia’s largest companies are leading the way in adopting strategies aimed at supporting working parents.
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The Business Case for Work/Life Strategies
6 August 2003
Speech by Katie Lahey, Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia at the Work Life Association Conference, Melbourne.
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The Cost of Dropping Out
29 January 2003
Australia risks creating an underclass of people who face long-term unemployment and chronic poverty unless it curbs the number of young people dropping out of school early.
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Unprecedented Industry and Community Coalition Issues Statement on Preventing and Reducing Unemployment
6 December 2000
An unprecedented new Industry-Community Coalition of major business, labour movement, education and community welfare organisations is taking to government proposals for a comprehensive national strategy to tackle long-term unemployment.
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The BCA’s Real Agenda: A Vigorous Economy with Jobs and Opportunity for All
10 October 2000
The Business Council of Australia has hit back at ACTU criticism of its recent report, Managerial Leadership in the Workplace.
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Statement by Australia’s Private Sector on Industrial Relations
6 August 2000
Statement by Australia’s Private Sector on industrial relations.
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Business Council Launches New Directions Discussion Paper on Long-Term Unemployment
13 April 2000
David Buckingham, Executive Director of the Business Council of Australia, today launched the third discussion paper from the BCA New Directions Taskforce, Pathways to Work: Tackling Long-Term Unemployment.
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It’s ACTU thinking in need of change, not the rules
21 March 2018
This opinion article originally appeared in The Australian on 21 March 2018.
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Submission to the Department of Employment on the Skilled Migration Occupation List Traffic Light Bulletin
December 2017
BCA submission to the Department of Employment consultation on the listing of occupations on the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Listing determines eligibility for temporary work visas.
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Submission to the Commonwealth Government on Revised Occupation Lists for Temporary Skill Shortage Visas
June 2017
Submission to the Commonwealth Government on Revised Occupation Lists for Temporary Skill Shortage Visas.
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Women in Leadership: Lessons from Australian companies leading the way
November 2017
Women in Leadership: Lessons from Australian companies leading the way
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FAQs Australian Supplier Payment Code
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Big and Small Business: "Stronger Together"
Businesses in Australia employ 10 million of the nation's 12 million workers, and trade between big and small business is valued at more than $550 billion annually. Here's how we are working together.
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Booking The Indigenous Success Dividend
This opinion article by Jennifer Westacott was published in The Deal Magazine on 19 May 2017.
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Australian Learning Lecture 2017
We’ve spent so much time tinkering at the margins of education policy because it’s seen to be easier, but we end up with no sense of purpose or end goal, says Jennifer Westacott.
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New Temporary Work Visas An Opportunity To Rebuild Public Confidence
The capacity for businesses to hire temporary workers to fill genuine skill shortages has been an overall boon for Australia, allowing the economy to ride out volatile economic cycles including in the mining industry, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Penalty Rates Ploy Puts Politics Before People
Labor and the Greens are putting political expediency ahead of good policy by walking away from new jobs, extra hours and fresh opportunities for small business, especially in regional Australia, says Jennifer Westacott.
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Business Council Statement on Australian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare
20 September 2016
The Business Council welcomes the Turnbull Government’s Australian Priority Investment Approach, noting that the best way to achieve social progress for all Australians is through economic opportunity.
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Catherine Livingstone's National Press Club Address
29 April 2015
Business Council of Australia President Catherine Livingstone delivers a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.
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