Business leaders gather at Parliament House for Business Leaders Summit

Over 150 leaders from Australia’s largest and most representative business network, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will gather at Parliament house tonight to open the Australian Chamber’s fourth annual Business Leaders Summit.

“Over the course of the Summit we will bring together Australian Chamber members, political and business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and influencers to discuss the key challenges facing Australia’s business community,” Australian Chamber CEO, James Pearson, said.

“We have a record number of members in attendance this year. It’s a telling sign that business wants to come to grips with the impact of recent political turbulence; and for political leaders to understand the risk to confidence when politicking is put ahead of policymaking and policy certainty.

“The Federal Government’s decision to drop the National Energy Guarantee and the Parliament’s decision to deny tax cuts for larger businesses were disappointing to business.

“Parliament can boost business with positive short and long-term policies that will lift productivity, encourage investment and risk-taking, create more jobs, lead to stronger wages growth and create wealth.

This includes:

1.Energy
Put in place key proposals from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to cut energy costs now, and adopt key elements of the National Energy Guarantee to provide investment certainty that will support affordability and increased reliability in the longer term, and help to meet Australia’s emissions reduction commitments.

2. Tax
Fast track tax cuts for small, medium and family businesses, which have already been passed by Parliament, and provide greater incentives for investment and research and development.

3. Workplace Relations
Ensure the workplace relations system encourages and supports jobs creation, delivers job flexibility for both employers and employees, and is far simpler and more practical.

4. Skills and Education
Finalise projects under the Skilling Australians Fund with the signatory states and territories and mobilise the remaining states to sign and commit to increasing apprenticeships; increase investment and elevate the profile of Vocational Education and Training.

5. Migration
Tailor skilled migration to meet the needs of regional and urban communities and businesses, and collaborate with business to streamline the employer-sponsored migration process.

6. Infrastructure
Better plan – for growth and to relieve congestion. Build transport and communications facilities to connect people in regional and urban centres to jobs.

During the Business Leaders Summit, the Australian Chamber will address these key issues with Australia’s top decision makers, regulators and business leaders.

“We hope the discussions that take place will help bring us all a step closer to the political, economic and workplace reforms business needs,” Mr Pearson, said.

“We urge all members of Parliament to work together to agree to sound long-term policies that will help business deliver the jobs, living standards and opportunities to which Australians aspire.”

MEDIA DETAILS

Media are invited to attend the opening cocktail reception of the Australian Chamber’s Business Leaders Summit.

WHEN: Tuesday, 18 September 2018

WHERE: Parliament House, Queen’s Terrace Gallery

Speakers commence at 6:30 pm and include:

• Google Australia & New Zealand Director of Marketing, Aisling Finch
• Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Simon Birmingham
• Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science & Research, Kim Carr
• Canberra Business Chamber CEO, Robyn Hendry
• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, James Pearson.