More than 20 groups representing Australia's small, medium and large businesses, universities and the investment community met today in Sydney to discuss productivity solutions to improve living standards for all Australians.
This group welcomes the Government's commitment to putting productivity at the centre of this term's agenda, particularly through the Productivity Commission's 'five pillars' work.
Productivity growth over the past decade was the weakest in six decades, and we know that improving productivity is essential to attracting investment, lifting real wages, growing jobs, and ensuring more opportunity for more Australians.
This will require the collaboration of government, industry, education providers and workforces to help solve Australia's productivity challenge.
This group sees most immediate opportunity for reform in:
- Investment and innovation
- Red tape
- Planning and approvals
Reform in these areas is all about getting more productive investment into Australia, quicker, making Australia as competitive and resilient as possible, and reducing input costs that consumers ultimately pay - so all Australians end up better off.
These practical areas represent the first phase of the group's work, which focuses on achievable reforms that will be advanced through constructive engagement.
Looking ahead, this group is also committed to working collaboratively towards important reform in areas that have additional potential to boost productivity and prosperity - including comprehensive tax reform, trade, skills and employment settings and federal and state relations.
We are united by a shared goal: a more productive economy that lifts opportunity for all.
Joint statement from:
Australian Airports Association
Australian Banking Association
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association
Australian Energy Council
Australian Energy Producers
Australian Industry Group
Australian Investment Council
Australian Travel Industry Association
Australian Retailers Association
Business Council of Australia
Communications Alliance
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
CPA Australia
Energy Networks Australia
Insurance Council Australia
Minerals Council of Australia
National Farmers' Federation
National Retail Association
Property Council of Australia
Tech Council of Australia
Tourism and Transport Forum
Universities Australia
