The Australian business community will play a stronger role in international debates over employment and workplace relations policy with the appointment of two senior staff of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to roles with international organisations.
James Pearson, CEO of the Australian Chamber, has been appointed to the Management Board of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).
Scott Barklamb, the Director of Workplace Relations Policy at the Australian Chamber, has been elected to the Governing Board of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Both appointments were formalised at the International Labour Conference in Geneva.
Mr Pearson said: “We are determined to use these positions to drive policies that encourage businesses to expand and create jobs, while resisting attempts to impose regulations that would restrict investment and choke back employment opportunities.
“Our domestic debates and employment laws are often influenced by developments overseas. If the business community sits back and waits for international discussion to play out, we lose our ability to shape that agenda. Instead we need to be on the front line.
“In both of these roles we represent the Australian business community and will work with employers from around the world. The IOE plays a valuable role in bringing together job-creators from many countries, so it is vital that Australia has a seat at the table.”
Mr Barklamb said: “The ILO has a busy agenda, covering issues including labour migration, workplace rights, training people for future work, and work health and safety. We look forward to bringing an Australian employers’ perspective to these discussions and working with employee representatives and governments to deliver practical and effective solutions.
“As a member of the ILO Governing Board, my priorities will be to empower employers to create jobs, to ensure that young people are not left behind and to make it easier for employers and employees to adapt to changes in the economy, such as new technologies.
“In securing these positions, the Australian Chamber is demonstrating once again the power and influence of our international affiliations. As the Australian employer representative at the ILO and IOE, the Australian Chamber connects Australian business with peers in more than 150 countries.”