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AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ANNUAL REPORT AND BUSINESS REVIEW 2017

Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2017Published by the Australian Commerce of Commerce and Industry 24 Brisbane Avenue BARTON ACT 2600P: 02 6270 8000 www.acci.asn.auISBN 9780646534091

EditorsSarah Hope Manager, Membership & MarketingE: [email protected] KeenanManager, Media & Campaigns E: [email protected]

Design3 Degrees Marketing 3dm.com.auNo part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission from the Australian Chamber.

CONTENTSPRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3

CEO’S MESSAGE 5

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP NETWORK 8

NATIONAL SECRETARIAT 13

GOVERNANCE 15

OUR BOARD 17

STRATEGIC PLAN 2017–2020 18

GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS 19

POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIRS 20

TOP 10 IN 10 22

SUBMISSIONS 23

MEDIA AND CAMPAIGNS 25

ECONOMICS, INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY 27

WORKPLACE RELATIONS 29

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY 30

EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 31

TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 32

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER - TOURISM 34

BIZ BETTER TOGETHER 35

2016 EXPORT AWARDS 37

MEMBER BENEFITS 38

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER EVENTS 39

THIS HAS BEEN AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR, BOTH NATIONALLY AND GLOBALLY AS WE SEE WHAT WE ONCE REGARDED AS NORMAL ECONOMIC PRACTICE UNDERGO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE.

There was a time when the word “disruption” was used

fleetingly, but now it impacts upon us daily. Our entire

membership is affected by this turbulence.

As our nation’s leading business organisation, we

increasingly need to accept the challenges that come with

this pace of change. Our task is made the more difficult

by the political uncertainties that impact on our policy

positioning.

Within this changing scenario, it is the responsibility of

the Chamber movement to remain relevant and credible.

We continue to achieve this through our robust policy

development processes and approaches to all political

representatives.

It is our role to continually emphasise the concerns of our

membership and reinforce policy issues that we regard as

essential to the economic wellbeing of our members and

our nation.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

In a recent address to a member lunch with the Leader of

the Opposition, we acknowledged that there were a number

of issues on which we currently stand apart including:

• the reduction of penalty rates in several awards;

• allowing employers and employees to negotiate

workplace arrangements;

• reducing the company tax rate to 25 per cent for

all businesses; and

• the reintroduction of the Australian Building

& Construction Commission.

However there are issues upon which we must all agree.

We need an environment that encourages job creation and

we need policies that sustain and grow Australian business.

There is an absolute need for governments, current and

future, to acknowledge that four out of five jobs are

created by the private sector. We maintain that business

is the engine room of the economy and we will continue

to advocate for governments to involve business in policy

development.

3

Prior to the 2016 Federal election, we launched our Top 10

in 10, promoting 10 steps for a more competitive Australia.

We acknowledge that a number of the recommendations

have been implemented by government.

However, we are now being overtaken by an issue of great

significance that was not on the agenda in 2016.

Energy pricing and reliability has come to the forefront

of our concerns with a number of members issuing dire

warnings of job losses and business relocation off shore.

We have been reminded by Rod Sims of the ACCC that this

is a critical and urgent matter requiring cooperation from all

political parties and governments of all levels.

We can assure our members that the strength of our

advocacy will grow. Our membership network increases

through growing state chambers, our increasing association

membership and the growing Business Leaders Council.

Our secretariat has a number of new recruits and is now at

full strength. We are also seeking to increase our influence

through a national offering of membership and services.

As my Presidency closes I would like to thank all of you for

the support you have shown the Australian Chamber.

It has not always been an easy journey but we have

attempted to provide a structure which encourages robust

participation.

To my fellow directors, I offer my appreciation for the

encouragement that you have provided.

To James Pearson and the staff at Australian Chamber,

your commitment and professionalism is the reason for our

growing success.

There are many who need be acknowledged but I would

like to single out Rozanne Crawford, our outgoing company

secretary for her loyalty and contribution over her 35 years

of service.

I leave this role with the knowledge that our members, board

and staff will continue to build and sustain cohesive and

efficient advocacy that amplifies the voice of business and

ensures a thriving economy for the good of all Australians.

Terry Wetherall President

“It is our role to continually emphasise the concerns of our membership and reinforce policy issues that we regard as essential

to the economic wellbeing of our members and our nation.”

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THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER CONTINUES TO GROW AS A STRONG AND INFLUENTIAL VOICE AT HOME AND ABROAD.

Domestically, we scored important wins in the first 12 months of the 45th Parliament. Company tax cuts have been legislated for businesses with turnovers of up to $50 million, the Australian Building and Construction Commission was reinstated, the 2017 Federal Budget allocated $1.5 billion for 300,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships over the next four years and the government planned to reduce its spend to less than 25 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

We recommended these moves in our Top 10 in 10 manifesto at the 2016 federal election.

Over the past decade, Australia has slipped to 21st on the Global Competitiveness Index, a measure of a nation’s ability to deliver prosperity to its citizens. Our manifesto sets out the path for how we are going to regain a top 10 position in 10 years and the delivery of high levels of prosperity to all Australians. International competitiveness remains the key to success.

Internationally, it has been a big year as well. Our new Workplace Relations Director, Scott Barklamb, was elected to the Governing Body of the International Labour

Organisation and I was appointed to the Management Board of the International Organisation of Employers. We continued to make the case at home and abroad for free trade and workplace flexibility, including working with the International Chamber of Commerce and other global business and policy groups, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to remove regulatory burdens and accelerate cross-border trade.

Businesses—small, medium and large—continue to join the Australian Chamber. In the past 12 months, there has been 36 per cent growth in the membership of our Business Leaders Council, with the number of member companies increasing from 36 to 49. The number of national industry association members of the Australian Chamber has also grown.

We held 43 networking events giving members exclusive access to federal politicians, department officials and other policy makers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The events remain one of our most important and popular member services.

Our General Council met three times over the past year in Canberra, Hobart and Brisbane. I thank our Chamber hosts for making us welcome and sharing local business insights.

CEO’S MESSAGE

5

In its first year, Australian Chamber - Tourism reaped significant benefits for business. In late 2016, the government announced changes to tax rates for people on working holiday visas. Australian Chamber - Tourism commissioned research by Lateral Economics was influential in resolving the matter in a way that minimised harm to tourism businesses.

In April, the government announced changes to the skilled migration program, including reducing the number of eligible occupations, which had a negative impact on business. The Australian Chamber has been working with the government to correct the balance and, as a result, a number of occupations were relisted.

At the Fair Work Commission, we supported the case for a reduction in Sunday penalty rates and represented employers during the annual wage review process. The Commission invited the Australian Chamber to make submissions on a number of key areas, including cases looking at unfair dismissal laws and the ‘better off overall test’ underpinning enterprise agreement making.

This is just a sample of our advocacy work and results over the past 12 months.

We continue to build our presence in traditional and social media and have strengthened this area significantly over the past year.

There have been some key changes in our national team. We farewelled friends and colleagues and welcomed new ones. In response to increasing demand from members, we’ve rebuilt our policy and advocacy capabilities and strengthened our membership and business development arms.

I thank the Board and our members for their continued support and guidance and look forward to growing our voice and influence over the coming 12 months.

James Pearson Chief Executive Officer

“In the past 12 months, there has been 36 per cent growth in the membership of our Business Leaders Council.”

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“Our members are

essential to our success.

The Australian Chamber

is the largest and most

representative business

network in the country. It is

our members who make us

strong, credible and heard.”

James Pearson

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AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERSHIPNETWORK

THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER IS AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST AND MOST REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, COMPRISING STATE AND TERRITORY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND NATIONAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS. WE SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY AT HOME AND ABROAD.

Australian Chamber member Boards, CEOs and staff use

their organisation’s membership to better inform themselves

on policy matters and shape economic and social policy.

Our Business Leaders Council provides a platform for

individual businesses to get involved in our activities.

Business SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland

Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Canberra BusinessChamber

Chamber of Commece and Industry Western Australia

NSW Business Chamber Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY MEMBERS

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Accord - Hygiene, Cosmetic &

Specialty Products Industry

Australia Arab Chamber of

Commerce & Industry

Australian Federation of

Employers & Industries

Australian Hotels

Association

Australian Retailers

Association

Australian

Beverages Council

Air Conditioning & Mechanical

Contractors’ Association

Association of Financial

Advisors

Australian Dental

Association

Association of Independent

Schools of NSW

Australian Dental Industry

Association

Australian Gift & Homewares

Association

Australian Made Campaign

Limited

Australian Self

Medication Industry

Boating Industry

Association

The Australian Veterinary

Association

Australian Mines & Metals

Association

Australian Steel

Institute

Bus Industry

Confederation

Australian Paint Manufacturers’

Federation

Business Council of

Co-operatives and Mutuals

Australian Recording Industry

Association Ltd

Caravan Industry

Association

Animal Medicines Australia

Australian Automotive

Dealer Association

Australian Institute of Credit

Management

Australian Meat Processor

Corporation

Australian Mobile

Telecommunications Association

Australian Restructuring

Insolvency & Turnaround

Association

Australian Tourism Industry

Council

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERSHIPNETWORK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

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Cement Concrete &

Aggregates Australia

Chemistry Australia Chiropractors’ Association

of Australia

Concrete Masonry

Association of Australia

Consult Australia

Council of Private Higher

Education

Cruise Lines International

Association

Customer Owned Banking

Association

Direct Selling Australia Exhibition & Event

Association of Australasia

Financial Planning


Housing Industry

Association

Franchisee Federation

Australia

Large Format Retail

Association

Live Performance Australia Master Builders Australia Master Plumbers

&Mechanical Services


Medical Technology


Medicines Australia

National Automotive

Leasing & Salary Packaging

Association

National Disability Services National Electrical

and Communications

Association

National Employment

Service Association

National Fire Industry

Association

National Retail Association National Roads and

Motorists’ Association

NORA NSW Hire Car Association Outdoor Media AssociationNSW Taxi

Council

Fitness Australia

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (cont.)

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AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER MEMBERSHIPNETWORK INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS (cont.)

The Pharmacy Guild of

Australia

Phonographic Performance

Company of Australia

Printing Industries


Recruitment & Consulting

Services Association

Restaurant & Catering

Australia

Roofi ng Tile Association of

Australia

Screen Producers Australia The Tax Institute Think Brick Australia Victorian Automobile

Chamber of Commerce

Airbnb Allied Express American Express Archerfi eld Capital Partners Argus TrueID

Australian Hearing BRI Ferrier Brown & Chase Campbell Page Certica

Citrus Group City Tattersalls Club Commonwealth Bank Corrs Chambers

Westgarth Lawyers

Crown Resorts Limited

BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL MEMBERS

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BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL MEMBERS (cont.)

Sanofi Sensis Southern Cross Group

Services

SPAR Australia Sydney Airport

Telstra Thales Australia The GEO Group The Star Entertainment

Group

Thorn Group

Designer Rugs DXC Technology Dymocks Employers Mutual Football Federation Australia

Google Heart Foundation Interact Injury Management Investec Isentia

IVE Group Australia Laureate International

Universities

Kingsway Australia MasterCard

NetLinkz Pfi zer PremierState ResMed Samsung

JLL

Uber Universal Business School

Sydney

Visa Vodafone

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NATIONAL SECRETARIAT(AS AT SEPTEMBER 2017)

CEO Offi ce

James PearsonChief Execuitve Offi cer

Lee-Anne DeanExecutive Assistant to the CEO & Offi ce Manager

Rozanne CrawfordCompany Secretary, Director of Corporate Services

Kathryn LeeFinancial Controller

Kaisi ChenFinance Offi cer

Corporate Affairs

Administrative Support

Steve HatzisAdministration Assistant

Buisness Leaders Council

Paul NicolaouDirector, Australian Chamber Business Leaders Council

Nerida PearsonConsultant

Sarah HopeManager, Membership and Marketing

Zoe CallaghanCommunications and Events Coordinator

Business Development, Membership, Marketing and Communications

Jamie CrainDirector, Business Development

Tom StoboInternational Business Support Offi cer

Amanda OgilvieSenior Content Coordinator

Liz WheatleyAdministration and Events Coordinator

Productivity

Sarah McGregorSenior Manager,BusinessEngagement

Haidee WhiteleyContract Manager, Biz Better Together

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THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER’S NATIONAL SECRETARIAT DELIVERS THE CHAMBER’S DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS. TEAM MEMBERS ARE BASED IN CANBERRA, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY AND PERTH.

Economics and Industry

Jenny LambertDirector, Employment Education and Training Director, Tourism

Dargan PearsonPolicy Adviser

Employment, Education and Training

Adam CarrDirector, Economics and Industry Policy

Daniel PopovskiNational Adviser, Economics and Industry Policy

Bryan ClarkDirector, Trade and International Affairs

Trade and International Affairs

Jennifer LowAssociate Director, Workplace Health and Safety

Workplace Health and Safety

Scott BarklambDirector, Workplace Relations

Workplace Relations

Alana MathesonDeputy Director, Workplace Relations

Dick GrozierAssociate Director, Workplace Relations

Sustainability

Ari SharpSenior Manager Media

Media and Campaigns

Joe Doleschal-RidnellNational Policy Adviser

Michael SmithDirector, Media and Campaigns (incoming)

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THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT MEMBERSHIP-BASED ORGANISATION. MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES STATE AND TERRITORY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AND NATIONAL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS.

Our Vision

Our vision is to make Australia the best place in the world

to do business—so that Australians have the jobs, living

standards and opportunities to which they aspire.

General Council

General Council determines policy on current issues,

which provides a mandate for advocacy on matters of

importance to the business community. It is advised by

policy committees and working parties that meet between

Council meetings.

Senior office-bearers and executives from the Australian

Chamber’s member organisations, the Australian Chamber

Board and senior members of staff attend General Council.

General Council usually meets three times each year, on a

national rotating basis. During the past year General Council

met in Canberra in November 2016, Hobart in March 2017

and in Brisbane in July 2017.

Terry Wetherall is Chair of General Council.

Business Leaders Council

The Business Leaders Council offers a platform for individual

businesses to participate in Australian Chamber activities. It

offers a forum to network, share ideas and engage with

political and business decision makers, influencers and

regulators.

Board

The Board is responsible for corporate governance,

monitoring performance and strategic direction.

An Executive Management Group, an Audit and Risk

Committee, a Remuneration Committee and a Service

Awards Committee are in place. These Committees operate

under Charters approved by the Board.

Office Bearers are elected by members at the Annual

General Meeting. At the 2016 Annual General Meeting,

Terry Wetherall from NSW Business Chamber was re-

elected President and Jeremy Johnson from the Victorian

Chamber of Commerce and Industry was re-elected Deputy

President.

Executive Management Group

The Executive Management Group (EMG) provides support

to the Board in achieving objectives identified in the

Strategic Plan and developing a strong national chamber

movement. The EMG consists of the CEOs of state and

territory chambers of commerce and industry.

James Pearson is Chair.

GOVERNANCE

“Our vision is to make Australia the best place in the world to do business—so that Australians have the jobs, living standards and opportunities to which they aspire.”

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Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee monitors the management

of operational and business risks and advises the Board on

corporate governance.

The Committee ensures the reliability of financial reports,

reviews the effectiveness of the external audit and internal

controls, and oversees our investments.

Committee members are drawn from the Board, with a

Chair selected from among the committee members.

Jeremy Johnson is Chair, and Terry Wetherall, Peter Hood,

James Pearson and Steve Knott are members of the

Committee.

KPMG provides independent audit services and has verified

that the annual accounts provide a true and fair picture of

our finances and operations for the last financial year.

The external auditor makes an annual declaration of

independence.

A policy of rotation of audit partners is in place. This is

the second year that the current audit partner has been

responsible for the audit.

The Committee met with KPMG during the annual review

process, without management present. KPMG attends the

Annual General Meeting to address any member questions.

Company Secretary Rozanne Crawford acts as Committee

Secretary.

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee ensures remuneration

arrangements for senior executives support our achievement

of our strategic objectives and the recruitment, motivation

and retention of senior executives.

Terry Wetherall is Chair. Rozanne Crawford acts as

Committee Secretary.

Service Awards Committee

The Service Awards Committee considers potential

candidates for an Award to formally recognise exceptional

service to the Australian Chamber and its members.

Peter Hood is Chair. Rozanne Crawford acts as Committee

Secretary.

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OURBOARD

Terry WetherallPresident, Board Chair and Chair of General Council, Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Jeremy JohnsonDeputy President, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

Peter HoodImmediate Past President,Chair of the ICC Australia National Policy Committee,Chair of the Service Award Committee

James PearsonChief Executive Offi cer, Chair of the Executive Management Group

Prof Trevor Cairney OAMPresident of the NSW Business Chamber, Chair of the Employment, Education and Training Policy Committee

Stephen CartwrightCEO of the NSW Business Chamber, Chair of the Workplace Relations Policy Committee

Dr Agu KantslerPresident of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia, Chair of the Work Health and Safety and Workers Compensation Committee

Steve Knott AMCEO of the Australian Mines and Metals Association

Theresa Moltoni OAMPresident of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland

Don RankinPresident of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Mark Stone AMCEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chair of the Economics and Industry Policy Committee

Deidre WillmottCEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, Chair of the Sustainability Policy Committee

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STRATEGIC PLAN 2017 - 2020

S T R AT E G I C P R I O R I T I E S

M E A S U R E S O F S U C C E S S

To make Australia the best place in the world to do

business—so that Australians have the jobs, living

standards and opportunities to which they aspire.

O U R V I S I O N

National policy leadership for all Australian businesses

• Win public support for our priorities and persuade

the Government & Parliament to adopt them

• Develop strong, evidence-based policy priorities in

consultation with our members

• Empower and motivate members and

businesspeople to speak out with our messages

• Harness the resources of our member organisations

• Implementation of Australian Chamber policy by

Government

• Staff and member access to government,

parliamentarians and influencers

• Member satisfaction survey results

To be Australia’s most influential and respected

business leadership organisation.

O U R M I S S I O N

Resources to meet the mission

• Grow the Business Leaders Council and Industry

Association membership

• Develop national packages for membership and

services

• Grow our services offering for members

• Powerful responsive team empowered by better back

office systems

• Member and Business Leaders Council retention and

recruitment

• Surplus 2018–19 and beyond

• Secretariat demonstrating values of the Chamber

Unity of purpose, commitment to excellence,

independence in advocacy, respect for our stakeholders and integrity

in all that we do.

O U R VA L U E S

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GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS

THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER HOSTS THREE GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS A YEAR. MEMBERS DEBATE AND COORDINATE THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER’S POLICY POSITION ON A RANGE OF MATTERS AFFECTING BUSINESS. INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS AND POLICY LEADERS, JOURNALISTS AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK TO INFORM THE GROUP.

November 2016

The Hon Bob Carr, former Premier of NSW and Minister

for Foreign Affairs, addressed this meeting Canberra. With

General Council two days after the US Presidential Election,

Mr Carr spoke about the implications of the election result

for Australia’s economic, political and security interests.

Committee Chairs provided policy updates, which were

followed by extensive discussions. Some of the key issues

addressed included Federal budget submission, AgVet

chemical labelling requirements and apprenticeships.

The economic update was provided by Treasury Secretary

John Fraser.

March 2017

Hosted by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (TCCI) in Hobart, much discussion and debate

was held on a number of current policy matters, including

penalty rates. Urbis Chief Economist Nikki Hutley provided

an economic update.

Members joined local business leaders and politicians at

a gala dinner at MONA followed the next morning by a

Tourism breakfast, both also organised by TCCI.

July 2017

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland

(CCIQ) hosted the meeting in Brisbane.

The General Council heard from the Minister for Tourism,

Trade and Investment, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, who

spoke about the importance of free trade. Members agreed

on the formation of an Advocacy Committee and held

robust discssion on a number of policy points including

energy.

CCIQ invited members to attend a gala dinner held at

GOMA, where they celebrated small business heroism

followed by a breakfast the next morning on the 2018

Commonwealth Games.

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POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Economics and Industry Chair: Mark Stone AM (CEO of the

Victorian Chamber of Commerce

and Industry)

Employment, Education and Training Chair: Professor Trevor Cairney

OAM (President of the NSW

Business Chamber)

Trade and International AffairsChair: Peter Hood

Work, Health and SafetyChair: Agu Kantsler (President of

the Chamber of Commerce and

Industry of Western Australia)

Australian Chamber – TourismExecutive Director: John Hart

SustainabilityChair: Deidre Willmott (CEO of

the Chamber of Commerce and

Industry of Western Australia)

Workplace RelationsChair: Stephen Cartwright (CEO of

the NSW Business Chamber)

OUR COMMITTEES AIM TO ENCOURAGE FREE ENTERPRISE, INVESTMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. OUR POLICIES ARE DEVELOPED THROUGH OUR SEVEN POLICY COMMITTEES.

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“Australia needs to ensure

we are on a trajectory

to regain and cement our

position as a leading

global economy.”

James Pearson

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OVER THE PAST DECADE AUSTRALIA HAS FALLEN FROM 10TH TO 22ND ON THE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS INDEX, WITH OUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS IN THE AREAS OF INNOVATION, TAX REFORM AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS.

The result is less investment, fewer jobs and missed

opportunities.

The Australian Chamber Top 10 in 10 is our program

to return to the ranks of the ten most competitive

nations in the world within ten years.

We developed it for the July 2016 Federal Election as

an agenda for the 45th Parliament.

Already, in the first year of the parliament:

• Company tax cuts have been legislated for

businesses with turnovers up to $50 million.

• The Australian Building and Construction

Commission (ABCC) has been reinstated.

• We have seen strong commitments to

infrastructure investment.

• The Federal Budget set aside funding for

apprenticeships in the Skilling Australians Fund.

• The 2017–18 Budget projects Government

spending will be 25 per cent of GDP from next

year.

Much of our advocacy agenda for this parliament has

been achieved in the past year.

1. Give young people a chance to succeed by making it easier for employers to take on apprentices and trainees

2. Ensure government spending is sustainable by reducing it to less than 25 per cent of GDP

3. Help industries grow through workplace regulation that better responds to their needs

4. Let entrepreneurs get on with growing their businesses by reducing government red tape each year

5. Create jobs by allowing employers and employees to negotiate workplace arrangements that best meet their needs

6. Boost incomes by cutting the company tax rate to 25 per cent within ten years through annual reductions

7. Build the transport, communications and energy facilities we need by backing the independent plan of Infrastructure Australia

8. Lower building costs by bringing back and retaining the Australian Building and Construction Commission

9. Encourage innovation and value for money by facilitating greater competition in government-funded education, health and aged care services

10. Welcome more international visitors by making visas cheaper and easier to obtain

Our 10 policy proposals are practical

and achievable and remain central to our

advocacy.

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1. Australian Chamber – Tourism submission to Working Holiday Maker Visa Review (September 2016)

2. Victorian Work Health and Safety Regulations Review (September 2016)

3. Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Bill 2014 (September 2016)

4. Competition and Consumer Amendment (Competition Policy Review) Bill 2016 – Exposure Draft (September 2016)

5. Enterprise Tax Plan – Senate Inquiry (September 2016)

6. Annual Wage Review 2016–17: Preliminary Issues (October 2016)

7. Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee TPP inquiry (October 2016)

8. Tourism - Senate Economics Legislation Committee, Inquiry into Working Holiday Maker Reform Package (October 2016)

9. Superannuation - Alternative Default Models - Response to the Commission’s Issues Paper (October 2016)

10. 5 Year Productivity Review (December 2016)

11. The Superannuation (Objective) Bill 2016 – Submissions to Senate Economics Legislation Committee (December 2016)

12. Proposed Industry Funding Model for ASIC (January 2017)

13. Fairer Paid Parental Leave Bill 2016 (December 2016)

14. Comments on the Discussion Paper on the new Disability Employment Service from 2018 (January 2017)

SUBMISSIONS

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15. Inquiry into the Incidence of, and Trends in, Corporate Avoidance of the Fair Work Act 2009 (November 2016)

16. Submission Regarding S 18E of the Racial Discrimination Act (January 2017)

17. Futureproofing Australia: 2017–18 Pre-Budget Submission (February 2017)

18. Tourism’s 2017–2018 Pre-Budget Submission to Treasury (February 2017)

19. Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Amendment Bill 2017 (February 2017)

20. Inquiry into the Non-Payment of the Superannuation Guarantee (March 2017)

21. Inquiry into Gender Segregation in the Workplace (March 2017)

22. PC Review into the Multi-Regulator Model of the Australian Consumer Law (March 2017)

23. Submission to the independent review into the future security of the national electricity market (March 2017)

24. Foreign Affairs White Paper (March 2017)

25. Annual Wage Review 2016–2017 (March 2017)

26. Payment Times and Practices Inquiry - A Submission to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (March 2017)

27. Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting Benefits) Bill 2017 (April 2017)

28. Fair Work Amendment (Repeal of 4 Yearly Reviews and Other Measures) Bill 2017 (April 2017)

29. Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017 (April 2017)

30. Superannuation: Alternative Default Models (April 2017)

31. Response to the Department of the Environment and Energy Discussion Paper on Review of Climate Change Policies (May 2017)

32. Inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment (Pay Protection) Bill 2017 (May 2017)

33. Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia: Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (May 2017)

34. Superannuation: Alternative Default Models - Submission to the Productivity Commission (May 2017)

35. Inquiry into retail electricity supply and pricing (June 2017)

36. Implementing reforms to the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS): Consultation Paper 5 (July 2017)

37. Response to Consultation Paper on reforms to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme (June 2017)

38. House Committee on Employment Education and Training: Inquiry into School to Work Transition (July 2017)

39. References Committee Inquiry on Penalty Rates (August 2017)

40. General Review of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) 2017 (August 2017)

41. Australian Chamber’s Response to the Interim Report of the Black Economy Taskforce (August 2017)

42. Submission to the Fair Work Commission re unfair dismissal application regarding fixed term contracts (August 2017)

43. Treasury Legislation Amendment (Improving Accountability and Member Outcomes in Superannuation) Bill 2017 (September 2017)

44. Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education (September 2017)

45. Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Ensuring Integrity) Bill 2017 (September 2017)

46. Submission to the Finance and Administration Committee (QLD) | Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 (September 2017)

47. Response to the proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard - Joint ACCS/ACMS meetings, November 2017 (Helium) (September 2017)

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ACROSS ALL TYPES OF MEDIA, OUR EFFORT FOCUSED ON EXPLAINING WHY WE NEED TO MAKE AUSTRALIA THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD IN WHICH TO DO BUSINESS. WE TOUCHED ON COMPANY TAX, APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLED MIGRATION, INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND THE REINTRODUCTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION (ABCC), THE FAIR WORK COMMISSION’S PENALTY RATES DECISION, THE IMPORTANCE OF FREE TRADE AND A LOT MORE BESIDES.

While our media effort looked across a broad range of issues affecting Australian business, our top tweet for the year reflects the biggest media and business issue of the year: energy prices.

When the Prime Minister heeded our calls for small business customers to be included in measures to help households with their energy costs, we reached some 50,000 people with a single tweet, such is the importance of this issue to Australian business.

Across print, broadcast, social media and other digital channels, the Australian Chamber’s senior team contributed to the national debate. We issued 103 media releases and were mentioned in some 450 print and digital articles and over 430 radio and television broadcasts. From Sabra Lane and Fran Kelly to Phil Coorey and Ewin Hannan, a cast of senior broadcasters and print journalists regularly referenced our work, helping us to achieve coverage equated to an advertising spend of $16.5 million.

James Pearson’s opinion pieces covered higher education, infrastructure, trade, penalty rates, award wage rises, the future of manufacturing, the Budget and unfair dismissal, and ran in publications from the Courier Mail to the Financial Review.

Over the twelve months, we doubled our Twitter followers to 4,450 and achieved more than 750,000 tweet

impressions. We doubled our LinkedIn page following to around 1,500 people. Our Facebook following across the Australian Chamber and Small Business Too Big to Ignore pages is steady at around 25,000. New initiatives this year included live streaming significant events, offering video messages on key issues such as penalty rates and using infographics on social media to explain things like the Australian Chamber-Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends.

We held our second Communicat ions Summit, bringing together media managers from across our member network to discuss our shared challenges and opportunities. The theme for this year’s event was ‘Advocacy in a time of populism’, which neatly captures the challenges we faced over the course of the year, and expect to face for some time to come.

MEDIA AND CAMPAIGNSMANAGER: AMY KEENAN

Adam Carr, Director of Economics and Industry Policy said:We have been concerned that small business customers are missing out on getting the best deal on their energy prices.

We want energy retailers to make it easier for small businesses, for everyone to compare offers and to switch if they are not getting the best deal.

Our members have told us that their energy costs are soaring and that a part of the problem is that it’s dificult to compare offers from retailers.

The announcement from the Prime Minister that small business will be included in today’s measures agreed with the energy retailers is a win for small business and a good step forward.

We look forward to more information from the Government about how small businesses will access the benefits from these measures.

But more needs to be done to get prices down.

Australian Chamber @AusChamber . Aug 30.@TurnbullMalcolm says small business will benefit from the measures to help energy customers get a better deal.

51 12 3325

Daily Telegraph

MEDIA YEAR IN NUMBERSTRADITIONAL & DIGITAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

450PRINT & ONLINE

ARTICLES

750,000TWEET

IMPRESSIONS

430RADIO & TELEVISION

BROADCASTS

1500LINKEDIN

FOLLOWERS

103MEDIA

RELEASES

4450TWITTER

FOLLOWERS

16.5MILLION $

ASR

25,000 FACEBOOK

FOLLOWERS

0 20 40 60 80

The Australian

Australian Financial Review

ABC News

3AW VIC

2GB NSW

6PR WA

Sydney Morning Herald

Sky News Live

Radio National

NEWS.com.au

The Age

ABC Online

2CC ACT

ABC Radio Melbourne

4BC QLD

Herald Sun

5AA SA

Adelaide Advertiser

ABC Radio Perth

MEDIA HITS BY OUTLET

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AS PRIORITIES OUTLINED IN OUR TOP 10 IN 10, THE CHAMBER HAS ADVOCATED ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS TO SEE BUSINESS TAXES CUT TO 25 PER CENT AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RESTRAIN SPENDING TO 25 PER CENT OF GDP.

As a part of this effort and to build public support for the

Enterprise Tax Plan, the Australian Chamber conducted

an analysis of the impact of previous company tax cuts. It

found that—and following three cuts over the past three

decades—government revenue from company tax had

increased within two years. The Chamber then lobbied

extensively for the passage of the Tax Plan.

As part of our push to improve public finances, we

released a detailed Pre-Budget Submission that warned

of the dangers of prolonged budget deficits and offered

practical ideas to bring spending down to less than 25

per cent of GDP. Our submission also identified areas

suitable for investment of public funds to expand economic

opportunities. It was pleasing to see the government outline

a path to get spending down to 25 per cent of GDP in the

2017–18 Budget.

The Federal Budget itself drew a good deal of public

attention throughout April and May. The Chamber responded

to leaks in the lead up to the Budget and provided members

with in-depth coverage on Budget Night.

The Australian Chamber has been addressing red tape,

hosting several regulatory reform roundtables with Senator

the Hon James McGrath, Assistant Minister to the Prime

ECONOMICS AND INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABILITYDIRECTOR: ADAM CARR

27

Minister. CCIQ kindly hosted further discussions on

regulation, red tape, small business and energy with key

Queensland stakeholders.

We have been involved in discussions around the Australian

Government Competitiveness Council through which

stakeholders within business, government and academia

evaluate economic challenges and opportunities in relation to

competition and make policy recommendations where suitable.

We lodged submissions to the Productivity Commission

on the administration of the Australian Consumer Law

and on ideas for improving Australia’s productivity. We

made a submission to Treasury on the funding model for

Australia’s financial regulator and on business investment.

Other submissions included those into the Black Market

Economy, the ACCC’s Inquiry into retail electricity prices and

Environmental Assessments among others.

The Australian Chamber also made a Submission in Reply

and a Post Budget submission to the Annual Wage Review

and prosecuted the case for wage restraint alongside the

Workplace Relations Team, before the Fair Work Commission.

We liaised extensively with organisations including

Standards Australia, the Productivity Commission, Treasury,

the Department of Industry, the Australian Taxation Office,

the Small Business Ombudsman, and the Office of Best

Practice Regulation.

We were also pleased to see the recommendations

from the Finkel Review take up issues we raised in our

submission, and we have been reported extensively in the

media on the need to reduce power prices.

Finally, we produced our quarterly Australian Chamber-

Westpac Survey of Industrial Trends, Australia’s longest-

running business survey, with each survey launched at a

media conference at Parliament House.

“We released a detailed Pre-Budget

Submission that warned of the dangers of prolonged budget deficits and offered practical ideas to bring spending

down to less than 25 per cent of GDP.”

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WORKPLACE RELATIONS

WORKPLACE RELATIONS POLICY DEBATE IN AUSTRALIA REMAINED HIGHLY CONTENTIOUS THROUGHOUT 2017.

High profile cases of non-compliance and union misconduct

drove policy and legislative changes. The Fair Work

Commission’s decision to modestly reduce some penalty

rates generated divisive political debate.

The Australian Chamber advanced employer interests in

multiple inquiries including opposing legislation that would

neutralise the benefits of the penalty rates decision and

further damage enterprise bargaining.

Through our advocacy and participation in a major inquiry,

we secured improvements to legislation amending the Fair

Work Act to expand investigatory powers, increase penalties

and also introduce new liabilities for franchisors.

We represented members in a Senate inquiry into corporate

avoidance of the Fair Work Act and equipped the network

to respond to future legislation. Worrying proposals included

preventing employers from terminating expired enterprise

agreements, reintroducing compulsory arbitration, increased

union entry powers, and further regulation of independent

contracting and labour hire.

Other submissions addressed superannuation changes,

new governance and disclosure obligations for registered

union and employer organisations, penalties against giving

and receiving corrupting benefits and support for a public

interest test for union mergers.

A newer dimension of the Chamber’s work saw us join the

conversation around the role of business in human rights

matters. In consultations on a Modern Slavery Act in Australia, we

emphasised the need to minimise impacts on Australian small

business suppliers and for any new obligations to be phased in.

In the Fair Work Commission, we represented employers in

the annual wage review and successfully moderated damaging

union claims under the 4-yearly review process, including

claims to restrict casual and part time work and for 10 days

paid domestic violence leave. We are also opposing an ACTU

claim to effectively enable parents and carers to choose their

hours of work without any employer right of refusal.

The Fair Work Commission invited the Chamber to

address matters of general significance to the workplace

relations system, including access to unfair dismissal where

employment ceases at the end of a fixed term contract and

the proper application of the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT)

for enterprise agreement making.

We played a practical role in facilitating engagement between

members and regulators such as the new Registered

Organisations Commissioner, Australian Building and

Construction Commissioner and Fair Work Ombudsman.

Scott Barklamb joined the Chamber as Director, Workplace

Relations in early 2017. In June, Scott was elected to the

Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)

and our CEO James Pearson was appointed to the Management

Board of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). This

continues decades of global and regional leadership by the

Chamber network, which is increasingly relevant to current and

future challenges facing Australian business.

DIRECTOR: SCOTT BARKLAMB

29

THE WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS) AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION (WC) POLICY DIVISION IS DISTINCTIVE IN THAT THE ISSUES AND THE LEGISLATION REQUIRE COVERAGE AT BOTH FEDERAL AND STATE-BASED LEVELS.

As well as representing employers on national forums such as at Safe Work Australia (SWA), the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance (MHWA), Standards Australia and the National Industrial Chemicals and Notification Assessment Scheme Consultative Committee (NICNAS), the Australian Chamber provides support and assistance to members on State-based matters such as with the proposed industrial manslaughter legislation in Queensland and Western Australia.

WHS and WC continues to be an important area for our members and in the second half of 2016 we made the strategic decision to elevate our representation on the board of SWA to CEO level, with support provided by the WHS & WC Associate Director. James Pearson has also been nominated as the sole industry representative in a five-member reference group tasked with working with the independent reviewer for the 2018 review of the model WHS laws, which will provide the Chamber and our members unique insight and influence over the review process moving forward.

The Australian Chamber made submissions to the Western Australian and Victorian reviews of the OHS/WHS Regulations and penned a joint industry letter with Ai Group to all respective WHS Ministers seeking their

support to progress nationally harmonised explosives legislation, which was endorsed. In a significant win at SWA, the Chamber successfully lobbied for an exemption for the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) of Schedule 4 & 8 veterinary medicines.

As a member of SWA and the MHWA, the Australian Chamber coordinated a panel discussion event on the “Facts and fallacies behind mentally healthy workplaces” for National Safe Work Month in October. The event attracted 502 online viewers in addition to the live audience (the video is available for download on the SWA Virtual Seminar Series website).

We conducted a WHS & WC survey with members which highlighted that the updates on key policy information and the opportunity to debate and provide specific input into policy positions is of most value comparative to other activities. In response to this member feedback we overhauled the WHS & WC monthly newsletter, reviewed and restructured the technical reference groups in order to streamline information and provided a number of opportunities for members to debate policy matters in forums such as committee meetings and technical or topic specific teleconferences.

Utilising the restructured reference groups, the Australian Chamber’s feedback to SWA resulted in significant technical edits to three model codes, two new draft guides and the new Best Practice Framework for the Management of Psychological Injury Claims.

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATIONASSOCIATE DIRECTOR: JENNIFER LOW

“In a significant win at SWA, the Chamber successfully lobbied for an exemption for GHS chemical labelling of Schedule 4 & 8 veterinary medicines.”

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OVER THE PAST YEAR, THERE HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANT EFFORT AND ADVOCACY IN AREAS INCLUDING YOUTH TRANSITIONS, APPRENTICESHIPS AND MIGRATION.

An area of challenge has been skilled migration, with a major change announced in April. The Australian Chamber hosted a breakfast with the Prime Minister, where he emphasized that the change was in response to community concern. The impact on business has been negative due to increased fees and new training levies, and the removal or restriction of eligible occupations.

The Chamber’s engagement with the Department, the Minister and his office on behalf of business contributed to the relisting of more occupations than anticipated in the July review, and a softening on the refund policy for training levies. There is a long way to go and the Chamber will continue putting the case forward for businesses needing skilled migration to grow.

The Chamber ’s ongoing engagement with the Government’s Youth Jobs PaTH program has meant that we have been in regular communication with the Minister for Employment’s office and the Department, with Minister Cash attending our October EET committee meeting with members, and discussing the program in more detail.

Apprenticeship has been a focus area, where we worked with other business groups resulting in the establishment of a new Skilling Australians Fund to replace the previous vocational training partnership agreement with the States and Territories. The fund is aimed at boosting

the number of apprenticeships and traineeships by 300,000 over four years. In addition to hosting Assistant Minister Andrews at a Chamber event, the Chamber has maintained regular engagement with the Minister, the Department and state ministers to ensure the $1.5 billion fund best achieves its outcomes through strong industry engagement and national reform.

The Chamber hosted a roundtable in Sydney on higher education and what the business community expects and needs from graduates entering the workplace. Given the Government’s revised higher education policy and with Minister Birmingham in attendance, views of the business community were directly heard.

The Chamber made substantial submissions to the School to Work Transition Inquiry and the Independent Review into Rural, Regional and Remote Education. We are involved in a working group providing input into a National Career Education Strategy. This provided an opportunity for the Chamber to highlight the importance of job seekers and students being fully informed about the job market, including the various choices available such as apprenticeships and possible financial outcomes.

EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

“The Chamber has maintained regular engagement with the Minister, the Department and State Ministers to ensure that the $1.5 billion fund best achieves its outcomes through strong industry engagement and national reform.”

DIRECTOR: JENNY LAMBERT

31

MITIGATING PUBLIC ANXIETIES OVER GLOBALISATION AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION HAVE CONTINUED TO DOMINATE OUR EFFORTS.

In the 200th year of David Ricardo’s theory of comparative

advantage, the Australian Chamber has continued to

make the case for free trade, including highlighting that

global markets benefit people in their everyday lives

and improve their quality of life.

Once again we have worked closely with the Department

of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in its trade negotiations

with Indonesia and in the Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership.

To deliver trade facilitation services for Australian trading

businesses we worked with DFAT and with Australian

Border Force through the National Trade Facilitation

Committee and the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission.

We have also worked with the International Chamber

of Commerce to harmonise the regional requirements

for documents (including certificates of origin and rules of

origin), to remove regulatory burdens and to accelerate

cross-border trade.

We delivered the inaugural Asia-Pacific Mediation

Competition to develop the skills of young mediators, held in

Melbourne in July 2017 with 14 teams from Australia, New

Zealand, India and Singapore competing. The competition

was eventually won by the team of the Singapore National

University and the event was a great success and will now

form part of our annual calendar of events.

We continued our DFAT-supported projects on

Women’s Economic Empowerment in Indian Ocean

Rim Association nations. Two events were held in South

Africa in 2017 in Pietermaritzburg and Middelburg

and supported by the local Chambers of Commerce in

both locations. The two events highlighted the unmet

demand for further information about international trade

opportunities and the physical process of international

business engagement.

We also finalised our Women Mean Business Digital

Toolbox and associated publication. DFAT has continued

to engage with us on this topic and we will be assisting

with further events in 2017–18.

TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

“The Australian Chamber has continued to make the case for free trade, including highlighting that global markets benefit people in

their everyday lives and improve their quality of life.”

DIRECTOR: BRYAN CLARK

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“The Australian Chamber

believes regional tourism

has enormous potential for

future growth – if we get

the policy settings and the

investment right.”

John Hart

33

THE BENEFITS IN ESTABLISHING THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER – TOURISM BECAME VERY CLEAR IN LATE 2016 IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CHANGES TO THE TAX PAID BY WORKING HOLIDAY MAKERS.

The Chamber was able to commission research from Lateral Economics which added great value to the debate at the Senate inquiry. The Chair, John Hart, presented to the inquiry demonstrating the over-collection of the proposed Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) increase. We urged the Parliament to resolve this matter in a way that minimised the harm inflicted on businesses in tourism. This contributed to the ultimate settlement on a 15 per cent rate of tax and a significant campaign to promote Australia as a destination to the youth market.

Whilst continued advocacy is vital, domestic and international visitor numbers are at record levels, and overnight spend by visitors has cracked the $100 billion mark for the first time. Australian Chamber – Tourism constantly points out that in terms of job numbers and GDP contributions, tourism is the unsung hero of the Australian economy. However, the Chamber is acutely aware of the challenges facing the sector. The supply of trade-level workers has slowed dramatically to levels not seen since 1999; higher lever entrants have all but come to a stop and the supply of workers from off-shore has also slowed. Backpacker numbers are sliding after the tax change and skilled workers have been caught up in

the 457 changes; these are areas Australian Chamber – Tourism is continuing to resolve by advocating for policy changes that actually align with the needs of industry.

Next year Australian Chamber – Tourism will have a strong presence on the industry committee established by the Government to determine a tourism strategy beyond 2020. This is an achievement for the Chamber as we know that any future strategic direction must be industry-driven to truly succeed.

A major focus during 2017 has been regional tourism. The Chamber has strongly advocated for Governments to increase regional infrastructure funding, gaining significant media attention, and has been vocal in its support of the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund to be centred around regional connectivity and access in order to better spread the economic benefit tourism provides.

In addition to our regular committee meetings, during 2017, Australian Chamber – Tourism has also hosted a Tourism Australian cocktail event with Chair John O’Sullivan, the breakfast before the July General Council meeting with Queensland Minister Kate Jones and Commonwealth Games Chairman Peter Beattie and a roundtable in Parliament House attended by Ministers Ciobo and Dutton, followed by a strongly attended Parliamentary Friends of Tourism cocktail event.

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER - TOURISM

“Australian Chamber – Tourism is continuing to resolve by advocating for policy changes that actually align with the needs of industry.”

EXECUTIVE CHAIR: JOHN HART

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BIZ BETTER TOGETHERSENIOR MANAGER: SARAH MCGREGOR

THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ‘BIZ BETTER TOGETHER’ INITIATIVE TO HELP IMPROVE WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY IN AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES WAS ESTABLISHED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT THROUGH THE PRODUCTIVITY AND EDUCATION TRAINING FUND.

In the last twelve months the Biz Better Together team has

continued to deliver events, training and content aimed at

improving productivity to Chamber members and business

people across the country.

Since its inception in October 2015, Biz Better Together

has hosted more than 100 events, built a database of

5,000 and engaged with nearly 10,000 people. The social

media channels have an audience of 2,000 plus, with

the social media event Twitter hashtag #MobileBizWomen

trending Australia-wide at events and reaching millions of

Twitter users, helping to raise the profile of the initiative.

In 2016–2017 we partnered with the Victorian Chamber

of Commerce and Industry, Business SA and the Canberra

Business Chamber to deliver more of our successful

Mobile-ising Women in Business events to hundreds of

people. Keynote speakers at the most recent instalments

of this series, as pictured, include CEO of Emergent Holly

Ransom (Canberra 2017); author and documentary

film maker Tara Moss (Adelaide 2017), and leadership

advisor Dr Jason Fox (Melbourne 2017). Other speakers

that struck a chord with our audiences included ‘Dame of

Drones’ Dr Catherine Ball (Adelaide 2017); 2012 Young

Australian of the Year and robotics expert Marita Cheng

(Melbourne 2017); and social media authority Laurel

Papworth (Canberra 2017). Digital platform Envato’s HR

manager Amber Johnson’s presentation at the Melbourne

2017 particularly well-received, highlighting the importance

of this topic for Australian business people.

Biz Better Together continued tits successful partnership

with digital business news publisher SmartCompany to

deliver more events in the Great Australian Workplace

Webinar series, with webinars on workplace regulation and

workplace diversity. We also partnered with SmartCompany

to hold an event for National Safe Work Month in October,

discussing some of the issues that arise with Workers’

Compensation. This event was recorded and made available

online.

Building on the success of the recently concluded Mobile-

ising Women in Business event series, the Biz Better

Together team is now turning its attention to its exciting new

major event series, to be launched in the first half of 2018.

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BIZ BETTER TOGETHER

MOBILE-ISING WOMEN IN BUSINESS (MWIB)

SOCIAL STATISTICS GROWTH

877GUESTS

48SPEAKERS

5CONFERENCES

ARTICLES PUBLISHED ABOUT BUSINESS OWNERS, ENTREPRENEURS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS

50

SUPPORTED OR PARTNERED WITH 49 SMALL BUSINESS EVENTS INCLUDING BREAKFASTS, ONLINE SEMINARS AND INDUSTRY FORUMS

49

167,900FACEBOOK

USERS REACHED

380TWITTER

FOLLOWERS

510FACEBOOK

FOLLOWERS

470,000TWEET

IMPRESSIONS

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2016 EXPORT AWARDS

Australian Exporter of the Year AwardEnvato (VIC)

54th Australian Export Awards category winners

Agribusiness Award Australian Honey Products Pty Ltd (TAS)

Business Services Award Incat Crowther (NSW)

Creative Industries Award Cutting Edge (QLD)

Digital Technologies Award Envato (VIC)

e-Commerce Award Freelancer.com (NSW)

Education and Training Award iSimulate (ACT)

Environmental Solutions Award Sentek Technologies (SA)

Health and Biotechnology Award Ego Pharmaceuticals (VIC)

Manufacturing Award Aim Lab Automation Technologies (QLD)

Minerals, Energy and Related Services Award Gekko Systems (VIC)

Regional Exporter Award Almondco Australia Ltd (SA)

Small Business Award Typefi Systems (QLD)

THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER CELEBRATED EXPORT SUCCESS AT THE 54TH AUSTRALIAN EXPORT AWARDS IN BRISBANE IN NOVEMBER 2016.

Co-presented by Austrade, the Australian Chamber and

CPA Australia, the program recognises and honours

Australian companies engaged in international business that

have achieved sustainable growth through innovation and

commitment. The Awards measure businesses against their

peers based on the strength of their international growth,

marketing and financial strategies.

Hosted by the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, Minister for Trade,

Tourism and Investment, the Awards covered 12 industry

categories recognising excellence in fields including

agribusiness, education, health, creative industries and

business services.

Digital technology company, Envato, was named Exporter

of the Year. Operating since 2006, Envato is a collection of

online marketplaces that connect people in need of digital

content with animators, designers, web developers and

musicians.

Australian Chamber CEO James Pearson presented the

award for Environmental Solutions to Sentek Technologies

from South Australia, it has developed world-class soil

moisture and irrigation technologies.

37

MEMBER BENEFITS

MEMBER BENEFITS DELIVERED OVER THE PAST YEAR INCLUDED COMMUNICATING THE AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER’S POLICY POSITION TO MEMBERS, GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA, AN EXTENSIVE EVENTS PROGRAM AND FOSTERING PARTNERSHIPS THAT ADDED VALUE TO OUR MEMBER OFFERING. Over the year we:

• Facilitated member input into Australian Chamber

policy positions and submissions through policy

committee meetings.

• Hosted General Council Meetings in November, April

and July to provide the platform for members to

debate Australian Chamber policy positions.

• Delivered weekly member-only communications,

AusChamber Insights, providing analysis from the

Australian Chamber CEO and policy directors on

issues impacting business.

• Enhanced the Australian Chamber’s social media

presence across four Facebook pages, three Twitter

accounts, LinkedIn and YouTube.

• Provided member access to timely economic data via

our quarterly economic surveys.

• Provided timely communications and information to

members on the Federal Budget.

• Offered Chamber and Industry Association Members

opportunities to partner on events with federal

politicians and regulatory representatives, including

the 2016 Small Business Minister Event Series with

the Hon Michael McCormack MP.

• Built on the success of the Business Leaders

Council, which allows businesses to become directly

involved in the Australian Chamber, and increased the

membership to 49.

• Increased the Australian Chamber’s industry

association membership to 70 giving a stronger

collective voice to our policy positions.

• Produced 43 networking events that allowed

members to obtain exclusive access to federal

politicians, bureaucrats, senior policy makers and

regulators.

• Produced quarterly Activities & Achievements

publications to communicate the Australian

Chamber’s successes on behalf of members.

• Maintained the Australian Chamber website to

facilitate internal and external communications across

a range of policy areas.

• Sought sponsorship and partnerships to cover the

costs of major activities and add to our membership

offering.

• Launched ChamberEDGE, a digital platform for

Chambers issuing Certificates of Origin to Australian

exporters. It reduces costs for Chambers and

provides exporters with an automated solution. AU

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AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER EVENTS

STATISTICS AT A GLANCE

GUESTS

2976GUESTS

2SUMMITS

43EVENTS

338BOARD

MEMBERS

137POLITICIANS

709CEOs

20REGULATORS

39

2016 BUSINESS LEADERS ANNUAL DINNERPrime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP joined 350 guests at the Australian Chamber Business

Leaders Annual Dinner at the National Gallery in Canberra in November. The event was sponsored by

MYOB, CareSuper, The Australian Made Campaign and 3 Degrees Marketing.

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2017 BUSINESS LEADERS SUMMIT

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION AND BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTENDED A DAY OF IDEAS AND DISCUSSIONS ON THE FUTURE OF THE ECONOMY AND HOW BUSINESS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ACHIEVING POLICY SETTINGS THAT WILL MAKE AUSTRALIA THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO DO BUSINESS.

Opened by Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Julie Bishop

MP, the Summit explored issues of health, education and

skills, finance and workplace relations.

Luncheon keynote Edelman Australia CEO, Steve Spurr

considered how business can help build trust in institutions

and help influence public debate.

Jason Pellegrino, Managing Director of Google, Principal

Sponsor of the Summit and Cocktail Reception, also

discussed opportunities presented by the digital economy.

Exceptional panellists and speakers included Hon Karen

Andrews MP, Assistant Minister for Vocational education and

Skills, Senator the Hon Doug Cameron, Shadow Minister

for Skills and Apprenticeships, Natalie James, Fair Work

Ombudsman, Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, Shadow Minster

for Employment and Training and Mark Cormack, Deputy

Secretary, Department of Health.

MPs and Senators joined the Chamber at the pre-Summit

Cocktail Reception at Parliament House the evening prior.

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“We have been honoured

with exceptional panellists

and speakers from across

the political spectrum and

from both public

and private sectors.”

James Pearson

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BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL EVENTS

Luncheon with Mr Bob Katter MP, Federal Member for Kennedy - 14 October 2016, Sydney

2017 Australian Chamber Communications Summit, hosted by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry - 17 March 2017, Melbourne

Australian Chamber - Tourism Morning Tea and Tour of Flemington Racecourse with the Hon Keith Pitt MP, Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Co-hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC) and Victoria Racing Club - 28 October 2016, Melbourne

Lunch with Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann, Minister for Finance, hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth – 22 February 2017, Sydney

Cocktail Reception with Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and discussion with Samantha Read, Chemistry Australia, hosted by MYOB – 16 March 2017 , Melbourne

Cocktail Reception with Senator the Hon James McGrath, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister – 3 November 2016, Sydney

BLC Christmas end of Year Drinks with the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection - 6 December 2016, Sydney

Evolution of Cybercrime

in Australian Business

Luncheon with the

Hon Dan Tehan MP,

Minister Assisting the

Prime Minister for Cyber

Security; Detective

Superintendent Arthur

Katsogiannis, New South

Wales Police Force; Marta

Ganko, Deloitte and James

North, Corrs Chambers

Westgarth, hosted by

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

- 21 October 2016, Sydney

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Cocktail Reception with the Hon Jason Clare MP, Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment, Resources and Northern Australia, hosted by Hall & Wilcox Lawyers – 10 April 2017, Sydney

Business Briefing Breakfast with Prime Minister the Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP – 19 April 2017, Canberra

Cocktail Reception with Chris Richardson, Deloitte Access Economics, hosted by PremierState – 27 April 2017, Sydney

“Upfront and Personal” Luncheon with John Fraser, Secretary to the Treasury, interviewed by Ross Greenwood, Nine Network’s Business and Finance Editor, hosted in conjunction with NSW Business Chamber – 29 March 2017, Sydney

Social Media Luncheon: “Opportunities and Risks for a Hyper-Connected Marketplace”, with Greg Daniel, KPMG Social Media Intelligence Group; Mia Garlick, Facebook; Matt Tindale, LinkedIn and Suzy Nicoletti, Twitter Australia, hosted by KPMG – 31 March 2017, Sydney

Breakfast with Charles Ng, Associate Director-General of Promotion, Invest Hong Kong; Helen Sawczak, Australia China Business Council; James Laurenceson, Australia-China Relations Institute and the Hon Warwick Smith, Australia-China Council – 24 March 2017, Sydney

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Book Launch and Reception, “The Unlikely Entrepreneur” by Alan Manly, hosted at Dymocks – 11 May 2017, Sydney

Lunch with the Hon Bob Katter MP, Federal Member for Kennedy, hosted by the VACC – 26 May 2017, Melbourne

Budget Briefing with the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Minister for Small Business, hosted by Commonwealth Bank – 17 May 2017, Sydney

Luncheon and Business Briefing on the Internet of Things, hosted in conjunction with Vodafone and Nokia – 25 May 2017, Sydney

Budget Reply and Reception with the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Shadow Assistant Treasurer, hosted by EML – 18 May 2017, Sydney

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia and the Australian Chamber Breakfast with the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Urban Infrastructure – 5 May 2017, Perth

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Australian Chamber – Tourism reception with John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia and Kerrie Mather, Sydney Airport at the Cruise Bar – 30 May 2017, Sydney

Roundtable lunches with Senator the Hon James McGrath, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for Regulatory Reform – 18 & 19 July 2017, Sydney

Reception with Nigel Hadgkiss APM, Commissioner, Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC), hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth – 22 June 2017, Sydney

Luncheon in conjunction with Mastercard with the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security, hosted by PwC – 29 June 2017, Melbourne

Reception with Natalie James, Fair Work Ombudsman, hosted by Australian Business Lawyers & Advisers – 27 June 2017, Sydney

Australian-Greek Business & Wine Tourism Forum at The Establishment – 15 June 2017, Sydney

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Reception in conjunction with Senator Sam Dastyari’s book release “One Halal of a Story”, hosted by MinterEllison – 23 August 2017, Sydney

Roundtable with the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Minister for Small Business – 27 July 2017, Sydney

Reception with Senator David Leyonhjelm, Senator for NSW and Leader of the Liberal Democrats hosted by City Tattersalls Club – 31 July 2017, Sydney

Reception in conjunction with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry with Nigel Hadgkiss APM, Former Commissioner, Australian Building and Construction Commission – 19 July 2017, Melbourne

Reception with the Hon Michael Sukkar MP, Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, hosted by Corrs Chambers Westgarth – 24 August 2017, Sydney

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Forum with Linda Kromjong, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the Hon Chris Evans, Walk Free Foundation and Assoc Prof Sarah Kaine, UTS Business School – 22 September 2017, Sydney

Breakfast with the Hon John Barilaro MP, Deputy Premier, hosted in conjunction with Sydney Business Chamber, Western Sydney - 5 September 2017, Parramatta

Health Industry Forum and Reception with the Hon Dr David Gillespie MP, Assistant Minister for Health, hosted by PwC – 31 August 2017, Sydney

Hosted in conjunction with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Hong Kong 20: Developments and Opportunities Business Forum. Panellists included Arthur Au, HKETO; Nicholas W Yang Secretary for Innovation and Technology of HKSARG; Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and Maile Carnegie, ANZ and Board Member, Innovation and Science Australia – 8 September 2017, Sydney

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