ACCI calls for renewed generation of reform

As Australians, we have a duty to secure the prosperity of future generations, ensuring that we pass on improved social and economic outcomes compared to the ones we inherited.   With our economy facing significant headwinds, we must embrace opportunity and adopt an ambitious reform agenda to strengthen our place in the world.

Today, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry releases its own initiative to enhance our nation’s standing: Better Australia – Securing the foundations for a stronger and smarter future.

The strategy outlines ACCI’s five long-term visions for Australia in the coming decades, focusing on themes of innovation, fairness, sustainability, economic scale and resilience.  Further, 10 specific goals are proposed, providing a revitalised agenda that places our nation on the path to future prosperity.

“The challenges that confront Australia will necessitate a renewed generation of economic reform that will look very different from the prescriptions of the past,” ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.

“Better Australia is ACCI’s contribution to drive public debate, to propose an ambitious vision for this nation’s future, and to outline the specific proposals needed to get us there.

“There are no guarantees that the living standards we enjoy today will be assured for future generations.  While Australia has enjoyed remarkable economic growth and improvement in living standards, there is no question that Australia faces clear challenges.  We cannot afford to be complacent.

“As the country begins to emerge from the most challenging health and economic crisis in decades, we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pursue landmark reform.  With the world changing around us, these issues demand strong leadership, or we risk falling behind our competitors.

“Addressing long-delayed tax reform, implementing a plan to decarbonise the Australian economy, creating flexible and fair workplaces with secure jobs, and boosting productivity towards the next industrial revolution will be fundamental issues future governments must contend with.

“The realisation of these ambitions, or the failure to act, will not only determine the strength of our recovery from the pandemic, but will have immense consequences for generations to come.

“The choice is clear.  We can continue to do things the way we always have, at the risk of lowering our standard of living and future prosperity, or we can adopt an ambitious reform agenda, underpinning a stronger and smarter Australia.

Read ACCI’s strategy paper: Better Australia – Securing the foundations for a stronger and smarter future.

Read Andrew McKellar’s opinion piece in The Australian today: We need bold leadership to jolt Australia out of complacency.