FWA Full Bench accepts Ai Group's arguments and overturns three cashing out of leave decisions
"Today’s decision by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) to overturn three decisions of Commissioner John Ryan relating to the cashing out of annual leave and dispute settlement terms in agreements is a victory for common sense.
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Ai Group welcomes new waste fund for QLD business
"There is strong enthusiasm from industry to drive down the amount of waste sent to landfill and the new fund announced today by the Queensland government will help business reduce waste and recycle more," Ai Group Queensland Director, Matthew Martyn-Jones, said today.
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FWA adopts sensible approach in terminating old awards
"Today’s decision of a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) to adopt Ai Group’s interpretation of the Fair Work laws, rather than the unions’, will ensure that Australia’s modern award system is not undermined by the retention of a large number of old, outdated awards," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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New Department Secretaries
"Dr Ken Henry AC has been a great custodian of the Treasury and all it stands for. He has combined intellect, professionalism, integrity and compassion in making an enduring contribution to Australia," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Ai Group comment on NBN business plan
"The release of the NBN Business Plan today is an important step in giving business a better understanding of the scope and implications of the NBN.
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Setting up Australia for the future: Release of Sustainable Population Issues Paper
"Australia needs to accommodate a growing population and we need to do it well. How we manage sustainable population growth is the challenge and the focus of our report," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive and Chair of the Productivity and Prosperity Advisory Panel, Heather Ridout, said today.
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Comment on Cancun Climate Change Talks
"The best way of ensuring that Australia's trade exposed businesses do not suffer a loss of competitiveness from domestic climate policies, is for similar actions to be taken by other countries as part of an international agreement," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Three Full Bench appeals being heard today - an important test of the Fair Work bargaining laws
"Three appeals being heard today by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) will be an important test of the bargaining laws in the Fair Work Act. The three decisions of Commissioner John Ryan that are being appealed would in Ai Group's view impede employers in bargaining and unfairly disadvantage employees in their rights at work," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Comment on women on boards
Australian Industry Group, Chief Executive Heather Ridout, said: "We certainly have a problem here in Australia with women's representation on boards, and it is proving to be much harder to solve than it should be. But quotas have to be seen as a last resort."
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Industry welcomes release of draft WHS regulations
"The release of the draft national model workplace safety regulations for public comment is a major milestone on the road to consistent workplace safety laws from 1 January 2012," Ai Group NSW Director, Mark Goodsell said today.
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Comment by Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, on today's interest rate decision
The decision to leave rates unchanged is not surprising given the extent to which market rates rose in November and the continued strength of the Aussie dollar. Both of these are dampening domestic activity which Ai Group's measures of performance are suggesting is sluggish across the manufacturing, services and construction sectors.
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PCI®: Construction industry declines again
Ongoing weakness in new orders and activity kept the national construction industry in negative territory for the sixth consecutive month in November, according to the latest Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) in conjunction with the Housing Industry Association.
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Ai Group outlines risks of union claims which restrict the engagement of contractors
"The Australian Industry Group has today released a fact sheet which outlines the risks for construction industry employers in agreeing to union claims which restrict the engagement of contractors.
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Australian PSI®: Services sector slows in November
After returning to growth last month, the services sector slipped backwards again in November. The latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®) fell 4.5 points to 46.2 in the month, continuing the softness that has characterised the sector for all but two months of 2010.
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Industry responds to skill shortages
"The increase in apprenticeship commencements announced today by the Federal Government is a positive sign that industry is responding to skill shortages by investing in the training of young people," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Regrettable FWA decision increases employers' public holiday costs
"Today's decision by Fair Work Australia (FWA) to remove a contested public holiday clause from the Manufacturing Modern Award is regrettable," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Industry welcomes business focus of new cabinet
"The business focus of the new Victorian Cabinet is warmly welcomed. Giving extra prominence to business issues will help address some of the important business concerns and broader issues affecting Victoria," Ai Group Victorian Director Tim Piper said today.
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Disappointingly weak GDP result highlights poor productivity performance
Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today, "At first glance today's GDP result is disappointing but when you scratch the surface it looks very ordinary indeed.
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing softens in November
Manufacturing activity softened in November under the ongoing impact of the strong Australian dollar, rising interest rates and skill shortages, with the latest Australian Industry Group - PwC Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) falling 1.8 points to 47.6 (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity).
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Productivity-boosting policies should be the focus of new Victorian Government
"Ai Group congratulates Premier-elect Ted Baillieu and the Coalition on the election of the new Victorian Government. Ai Group looks forward to working with the Baillieu Government on behalf of Victorian business as it develops policies to promote business interests and initiatives in the State," Australian Industry Group Victorian Director Tim Piper said today.
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Ai Group on R&D bill delay
With the Senate now not considering the Government's proposed Research and Development tax incentive changes until Parliament resumes next year, there is now an opportunity for the Government to ask the Board of Taxation to investigate the impacts of the proposed arrangements before they are legislated.
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Ai Group presents case on Christmas Holiday penalties
Ai Group today made detailed submissions before a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia in Melbourne in support of our application to clarify public holiday penalties over the Christmas / New Year period.
After a hearing which continued all day the Full Bench reserved its decision. Ai Group took a leading role in today’s hearing and also opposed a series of union applications to increase public holiday penalties this Christmas.
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R&D Tax incentive plan should be referred to Board of Taxation
"The Government's proposals to reshape the business research and development tax incentive remain of serious concern to industry and need further consideration before being passed by the Senate," said Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout.
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Ai Group puts the case to FWA to avoid Christmas holiday chaos
"The Australian Industry Group today lodged a submission in support of our application to Fair Work Australia to clarify public holiday penalties over the Christmas / New Year period and to avoid unnecessary cost and confusion," said Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout.
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Ai Group lodges three Fair Work appeals to preserve workplace flexibility
"Three appeals lodged today by the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) with Fair Work Australia will be an important test of the Fair Work Act. It is vital that the three decisions are overturned to ensure that Australian employers and employees remain free to decide what lawful workplace arrangements suit their needs," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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New Immigration Points Test
The changes to the immigration points test are in response to the need for the immigration program to attract higher skilled migrants to Australia.
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Ai Group takes action to avoid Christmas / New Year public holiday chaos
"Employers are facing public holiday chaos with six states adopting five different approaches to proclaiming Christmas / New Year public holidays. The way that public holidays are proclaimed is vitally important, given that it impacts upon the penalty rates payable for days worked," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PCI®: Construction declines at slower rate in October
The national construction industry remained soft in October largely due to ongoing weakness in activity and new orders, although the rate of contraction was less than the previous month.
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Australian PSI®: Services sector lifts in October
A boost in new orders and sales just nudged the services sector back into positive territory in October. The latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®) rose 5.1 points to 50.7 in October, with activity expanding for only the second time this year (readings above 50 indicate an expansion in activity).
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Comment by Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout on today's rate rise
"Today's rise gives a contractionary tilt to the stance of monetary policy and its impact will be felt disproportionately by industries already under intense pressure from the strong dollar and skill shortages driven by the mining boom.
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Productivity-boosting investment should be Victorian government priority
"The challenge for the incoming Victorian government will be to rebalance the state's drivers of economic growth by investing more on productivity improvements to increase competitiveness and sustain economic growth," Ai Group Victorian Director Timothy Piper said in releasing the organisation's pre-election statement today.
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing subdued in October
The manufacturing sector was subdued in October, although the pace of decline slowed during the month, according to the latest Australian Industry Group - PwC Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®).
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Ai Group and QLD Government 'Big Idea' program
Announcement by the Queensland Government on the 'Big Idea' innovation voucher program which will be jointly run with Ai Group.
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Lucio Di Bartolomeo elected as new Ai Group National President
Lucio Di Bartolomeo, a Non Executive Director of Downer EDI, was elected today as the Australian Industry Group’s (Ai Group) new National President. Mr Di Bartolomeo was elected to the key role representing Australian industry at Ai Group's 138th Annual General Meeting held in Canberra.
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Ai Group welcomes Industry Innovation Report
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) today welcomed the New Thinking, New Directions Report by the National Innovation Review Steering Group (the Steering Group).
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Approval of Gladstone LNG Projects 'sensible' but local industries must also benefit
"The Federal Government's approval of the development of two major energy projects in Gladstone and the dredging of the western basin of the port, is a sensible step forward," Ai Group Queensland Director Matthew Martyn-Jones said today.
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Competitiveness of Australian industry key to climate policy debate
"As a member of the Government’s newly-formed Business Roundtable on Climate Change, I look forward to ensuring that the international competitiveness of Australian industry is at the forefront of considerations," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said today.
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NSW should not back-track on national OHS laws and national IR laws need to apply to Barangaroo
"Today’s reported announcement by the NSW Premier about stepping away from national OHS laws and comments regarding the Barangaroo development are extremely retrograde and out of step with the community’s interests," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Smart Growth Strategies needed to address business pressures
The latest Australian Industry Group/Deloitte Private CEO survey Growth Strategies for Business has identified strategies that businesses are adopting to ensure growth at a time when many business sectors are coming under increasing pressures from the higher dollar, skill shortages, wage rises and the expectation of hikes in interest rates.
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Ai Group comment on FWA
“We have a very new piece of legislation (the Fair Work Act) full of very big changes to workplace laws and inevitably there will need to be some amendments. To rule out changes that would ensure the workability of the Act is unrealistic and we have urged the Government and the Opposition to be open to such amendments. The question of further workplace relations reform (as opposed to amendments to ensure that the intent of the Act is realised) is a different question. Further workplace relations reform should not be ruled out depending on economic circumstances as well as the need to improve productivity.” Heather Ridout said.
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Australian PCI®: Construction industry deeper in the red as house building weakens
The national construction industry contracted for the fourth consecutive month in September with activity continuing to fall across all major sectors according to the latest Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) in conjunction with the Housing Industry Association.
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Ai Group comment on interest rates
"The RBA's decision to leave interest rates on hold is a sensible move that gives the Bank more time," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PSI®: Services sector weakens further in September
A drop in activity across communications and finance & insurance contributed to a further weakening in the services sector in September. The latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®) fell 1.9 points in the month to 45.6 (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity).
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing dips in September
The strong Australian dollar, increased raw material costs and weaker demand contributed to a dip in the manufacturing sector in September with the Australian Industry Group - PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) falling 4.4 points to 47.3 to be below the critical 50 point level for the first time this year (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity).
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Ai Group welcomes appointment of Queensland Gas Commissioner
"Ai Group welcomes the appointment of Ms Kay Gardiner as Queensland Gas Commissioner," Ai Group Queensland Director Matthew Martyn-Jones said today.
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Comment on climate change policy announcement
In relation to today's climate change policy announcement by the Prime Minister, and expected further policy announcements by opposition parties, the following comments are below.
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Climate Change Policy: Government and industry need to continue the dialogue and a principles-based approach should form the basis of action
"As Australia heads towards the election on 21 August, climate policy remains a crucial issue for Australian industry. Government and industry need to continue the dialogue on climate change and a principles-based approach should form the basis of action," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Comment on potential changes to Fair Work Act
"There are areas in the Fair Work Act where it has been demonstrably shown that amendments are required.
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Business looks to election policies that will deliver a robust, balanced and sustainable economy
"The government to be elected on 21 August will have to deal with a domestic and world economy facing renewed economic uncertainty, while meeting the demands of a booming resources sector and all the pressures that entails, such as skill shortages, a high dollar and further pressure on interest rates," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Some sensible changes needed to Fair Work transfer of business laws
"A detailed submission released today by the Australian Industry Group shows that some sensible changes are needed to the Fair Work transfer of business laws. As the laws currently stand they are operating against the interests of both employers and employees," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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The Fair Work Bargaining Laws - Analysis of the first 12 months
"A detailed analysis released today by the Australian Industry Group of the first 12 months of operation of the Fair Work bargaining laws shows that the laws are still far from settled," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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New Australian Industry Group Queensland Director
"I am delighted to announce that Matthew Martyn-Jones has been appointed as the new Director of the Australian Industry Group's Queensland Branch," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Skills shortages loom large as a risk to growth
According to a new Australian Industry Group/ Deloitte CEO survey, skills shortages are again looming large as a major risk for business and pose real problems for companies in terms of production and service delivery.
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Australian PCI®: Dip in housing drags down construction
The national construction industry contracted in June following three consecutive months of growth. A fall in new orders, employment and deliveries, largely due to a dip in house building, saw the Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) fall 6.8 points to 46.4 (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity).
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Australian PSI®: Services sector remains subdued in June
Another fall in new orders together with a drop in inventories and selling prices kept the services sector in negative territory in June.
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Further action on company tax required
The Minerals Resource Rent Tax deal announced today appears to be a reasonable compromise.
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Ai Group congratulates Ged Kearney on today taking up the position of ACTU President
We will continue to work constructively with the union movement as we deal with what is an increasingly tricky economic landscape.
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Ai Group marks successful first year in SA
"Following the successful merger between the Engineering Employers Association South Australia (EEASA) and Ai Group 12 months ago, it's been a year of growth and development for local industry," Ai Group Director South Australia, Stephen Myatt, said.
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Australian PMI®: Pace of manufacturing growth eases in June
The pace of growth in the manufacturing sector eased in June reflecting slower growth in production, new orders, employment and supplier deliveries. The seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group-PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) dropped 3.4 points to 52.9 in June, still above the 50 point level indicating an expansion in activity.
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A year on - The Fair Work system is still evolving and is far from settled
"Today marks the first year of operation of the Fair Work Act and, a year on, the law is still evolving and far from settled. Many employers are uneasy about the law and ongoing union attempts to stretch its boundaries, while they are also finding compliance very challenging,” Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Business Needs Urgent Clarification of R&D Tax Arrangements
"Clearly the R&D tax incentive Bill didn’t pass muster with its failure to pass through the Senate before the winter recess. The delay is a chance to get core concerns resolved and the sooner we start working through this the better. Australian industry also needs urgent clarification of the tax arrangements for industrial R&D undertaken during the coming financial year," Mrs Ridout said today.
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Another victory for common sense - Full Bench clarifies Modern Award Transitional Provisions
"Today’s decision by a five Member Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) clarifying that employers are generally entitled to absorb modern award entitlements into over-award payments is another victory for common sense", Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Defence Industry Policy Statement delivers in key areas
"The Defence Industry Policy Statement industry released today demonstrates an understanding of what is essential to good defence industry policy," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Ai Group congratulates new Prime Minister
"Ai Group congratulates Julia Gillard on her appointment today as Prime Minister of Australia," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Industry Skills Councils have strong business support
"The Senate Inquiry into Industry Skills Councils, announced this week, will be an opportunity to highlight the critical role these groups play in identifying and developing the skills needs for the Australian economy, now and into the future," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Common sense prevails - Full Bench approves McDonald's enterprise agreement
“Today’s decision by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) to quash the decision of Commissioner McKenna and to approve the McDonald’s enterprise agreement, will be widely applauded by employers, unions and employees,” Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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More flexible yuan a positive development for Australian industry
"The visit to Australia by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and the decision by China to move to a more flexible yuan are positive developments for Australian industry and Australia's relations with China," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Business Innovation will fall if Government R&D Bill Proceeds
"The Australian Industry Group has today released a survey that demonstrates that without a doubt the Government’s proposed changes to the R&D tax concession will lead to a significant fall in business research and development in Australia," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said.
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Paid parental leave is a major reform that will benefit Australia
"The final passage through the Parliament today of the Federal Government's paid parental leave legislation marks the achievement of a hard won and important reform which will work well for families and work well for business," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Ai Group's intervention succeeds - contractor flexibility preserved
"The Reasons for Decision issued today by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) in the Airport Fuel Services case confirm that the Tribunal has outlawed agreement clauses which require that contractors or labour hire providers have an agreement with the relevant union.
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Full Bench of Fair Work Australia urged to clarify the absorption clause in modern awards
Today a five member Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) heard an Australian Industry Group application to clarify the absorption clause in modern awards.
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Flaws identified in Government’s Proposed R&D Changes
"The Senate Economics Committee Report into the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the R&D tax incentive has failed to allay industry's concerns about key weaknesses in the R&D Bill," Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout said today.
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Appointment of Ai Group Director as Queensland Trade Commissioner to the Americas
Ai Group welcomes the appointment of Chris Rodwell, currently Ai Group's Queensland Director, as the State's new Trade Commissioner to the Americas.
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Ai Group's appeal succeeds in right of entry case
“Today’s decision by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia to overturn Commissioner John Ryan’s decision in the Dunlop Foams case is sensible and very welcome”, Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Welcome return to surplus but opportunities missed
"The NSW Budget has delivered a welcome return to surplus but has missed opportunities to make greater inroads into boosting the State's competitiveness," Ai Group NSW Director Mark Goodsell said today.
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Queensland Budget a platform for stronger growth
"The Queensland Budget delivered today shows the State's economy and finances have improved solidly, giving Queensland a platform for stronger growth over the next few years," Ai Group Queensland Director Chris Rodwell said today.
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Australian PCI®: Construction maintains growth in May
The construction industry remained in the black for the third consecutive month in May, although the pace of growth eased slightly as operating conditions become more difficult. The latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) was 53.2 in May, down 2.6 points but still above the 50 point level indicating an expansion in activity.
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Fair Work Australia Minimum Wage Decision "out of sync"
"Fair Work Australia's large minimum wage increase is out of sync with an economy that has seen the balance of risk and sentiment shift downwards in recent times," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PSI®: Services falls amid weakening consumer confidence
Weakening consumer confidence saw the services sector fall in May, according to the latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®) which fell 4.8 points to 47.5 (below the 50.0 point level separating expansion from contraction).
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Ai Group comment on interest rates
"The decision to leave the cash rate unchanged was a wise move in uncertain circumstances," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Industry alarmed about Fair Work Ombudsman interpretation on Modern Awards
"The Guidance Note released today by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) adopts an interpretation on the transitional provisions in modern awards which is alarming," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing growth continues in May
The manufacturing sector continued to grow in May although at a slower pace than the previous month, according to the latest Australian Industry Group - PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) which fell 3.5 points to 56.3 (readings above 50 indicate an expansion in activity).
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Ai Group opening comments at R&D Tax credit: Senate Economics Committee Hearing
The full statements made today at the R&D Tax credit: Senate Economics Committee Hearing by Innes Willox, Director International and Government Relations, and Dr Peter Burn Director Public Policy, Ai Group.
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Industry welcomes the Full Bench's decision in the TriMas individual flexibility arrangement Case
"Today's decision by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia to overturn Commissioner John Ryan's decision in the TriMas Case is logical and welcome," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Restrictions on R&D tax incentive will undermine productivity
“The Research & Development tax credit legislation introduced by the Federal Government into Parliament today, is deeply flawed. If implemented in its current form, it would significantly reduce the innovation efforts of Australian industry and undermine future productivity gains,” Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Budget is cautious and credible - Government plays to its strengths of economic management and health
"This year's Federal Budget, while appropriately cautious, lays out a credible strategy for rebuilding the nation's balance sheet and ensures that fiscal policy does its share of the heavy lifting in easing pressure on inflation and monetary policy as the recovery gathers pace," Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Fine print all important for waste levy
"While there is no doubt that action needs to be taken to improve Queensland industry’s recycling effort, the Queensland Government needs to demonstrate that a waste levy won’t simply be a new tax on business,” Ai Group Queensland Director, Chris Rodwell, said today.
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Smart and considered spending critical to build a balanced future
"An opportunity exists in this week's Budget for the Federal Government to responsibly manage the winding down of the fiscal stimulus, while at the same time investing in future growth and prosperity. The Budget should have a particular emphasis on those sectors under sustained structural pressures in the two-speed economy," Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Chief Executive Heather Ridout, said today.
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Australian PCI®: Construction strengthens further in April
A lift in activity across the construction sector together with a rise in new orders and employment saw further improvement in the sector in April. The latest Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) was up 4.8 points to 55.8 in the month, above the 50 point level indicating an expansion in activity.
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Australian PSI®: Services expands as business conditions improve
Improved business conditions led to services growth and an expansion in activity in the services sector in April, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®). The seasonally adjusted index rose 3.4 points to 52.3 following a soft first quarter (readings above 50 indicate an expansion in activity).
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Business welcomes tax reductions
"The concessions for business in today's budget are a substantial appetiser but not quite the main course and we'll be looking for further business tax relief down the track," Australian Industry Group Victorian Director, Timothy Piper, said.
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Ai Group comment on today's interest rate rise
"While we are encouraged by the Bank's confidence in the economic outlook, conditions globally remain fragile and the high dollar and the impact of interest rate rises constitute strong headwinds for much of the local economy," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Paid parental leave scheme a sensible approach
"The Government's paid parental leave scheme, as further detailed today in the exposure draft Paid Parental Leave Bill, is a sensible approach to an issue which has remained unresolved for too long," Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said today.
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing picks up pace in April
Manufacturing picked up pace in April with the latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group – PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) rising 9.3 points to 59.8, well above the 50 point level separating expansion from contraction.
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Ai Group comment on release of Henry Tax Review and Government's Response
“The release today of the Australia’s Future Tax System (AFTS) Report and the Government’s response marks the beginning of what business hopes will be a longer-term process of significant tax reform," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said.
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Autoliv announcement highlights intense pressures on manufacturing in Australia
"The announcement by car components manufacturer Autoliv that it is to cease a significant amount of local production highlights the intense pressures on the manufacturing industry in Australia," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Trade missions have critical role in developing Queensland business
"Ill-informed opposition to government support for trade missions underestimates the importance of global engagement to Queensland business," Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Queensland Director Chris Rodwell said today.
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Ai Group comment on emissions trading scheme delay
"Regardless of the continuing uncertainty around the Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the decision to push it back to a later date, industry remains committed to reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Business badly let down by workers comp decision
“Queensland industry has been badly let down by the Bligh Government’s decision to hit business with $150 million in extra workers compensation premiums without making the significant structural changes required to stop unnecessary abuse of the scheme,” Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Queensland Director Chris Rodwell said.
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Ai Group congratulates new ACTU President-Elect
Ai Group expresses its congratulations to Ms Ged Kearney on her election as President-Elect of the ACTU.
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Industry supports Premier Bligh's daylight saving re-think
“Ai Group strongly supports the moves to reconsider Queensland’s approach to daylight saving,” Queensland Ai Group Director, Chris Rodwell, said today.
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Ai Group reaffirms support for QR sale
"The Australian Industry Group today reaffirmed its support for the sale of QR on the basis that it is essential that QR National operate as a private entity if the company is to best contribute to the increased competitiveness of the Australian economy," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Industry welcomes Queensland Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme
“The recasting of the solar hot water heating program today is a decision that works for Queensland industry” Queensland Ai Group Director Chris Rodwell said today in response to Premier Bligh’s announcement of a new Solar Hot Water Rebate.
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Australian PCI®: Construction demand weakens
Following two months of growth, the national construction industry contracted slightly in March with demand weakening across the sector, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®). Falls in new orders and activity tipped the seasonally adjusted index below the critical 50.0 point level to 48.7 (readings below 50.0 indicate a contraction in activity).
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Australian PSI®: Soft consumer demand holding back services activity
Ongoing soft demand in the services sector has led to a third consecutive monthly decline in activity according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®). The seasonally adjusted index was essentially stable at 48.4 in March, shifting up by just 0.1 points from the previous month and still below the critical 50.0 level separating expansion from contraction.
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Ai Group comment on interest rate rise
"Today's rate rise will be difficult for business and particularly for smaller businesses, many of which are already paying rates that are higher than 'normal' [1], and it won't be easy for business to digest the further increase," said Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout.
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Industry Sceptical About New R&D Tax Offset Proposals
"While the Federal Government has made a number of important amendments to the proposed R&D tax incentive legislation due to take effect from July, at first blush the changes are not likely to go far enough in allying industry concerns that the new scheme will undermine business expenditure on research and development," Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said today.
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing activity lacklustre in March
The pace of recovery in the manufacturing sector eased in March with declines in production, employment and inventories restricting growth. The latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group-PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) fell 3.6 points to 50.2 in the month, just above the 50 point level separating expansion from contraction.
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Industrial land affordability a major issue for growth summit
“The Australian Industry Group will be putting the issue of the cost and availability of industrial land squarely on the agenda of the Queensland Growth Management Summit,” Ai Group Queensland Director, Chris Rodwell, said today.
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Government backs a winner with boost to Productivity Places Program
"The Deputy Prime Minister's announcement of an additional $25 million for the Enterprise Based Productivity Places Program (EBPPP) is a very good move. It is a welcome boost to a successful scheme," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Industry dissatisfaction with workers' compensation doubles
Dissatisfaction with Queensland's workers compensation scheme has doubled over the past year, according to survey results released by Ai Group today.
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Industry intervenes in support of Goverment Fair Work appeal on individual flexibility arrangements
"The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has applied to intervene in the Federal Government's appeal against Commissioner Ryan's decision in the TriMas case. Consistent with the Government, Ai Group will argue that Commissioner Ryan got it wrong in deciding that Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs) cannot vary the terms of an enterprise agreement.
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Government has a challenge in 'multi-tasking' to deliver a budget to strengthen recovery and build for the future
"The challenge for the Federal Budget this year is that the Government will have to be very good at multi-tasking. It needs to strengthen the recovery in the near-term, ensure a return to a strong fiscal position over the next few years while also raising the priority given to investment in the drivers of longer-term economic performance," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout, said today in releasing Ai Group’s submission to the Federal Budget.
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Industry in Recovery Mode in 2010
The latest Australian Industry Group/Deloitte CEO survey, Industry in Recovery Mode in 2010, suggests that growth in the ninety percent of the economy represented by the manufacturing, construction and services sectors is going to be reasonably solid, albeit uneven, in the year ahead.
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Minimum wage review: Patchy recovery calls for cautious approach
"Fair Work Australia needs to take a cautious approach this year in adjusting minimum wages. While the economic recovery is underway and conditions are much improved on where they were at the time of the last minimum wage case, conditions are patchy and being too ambitious would risk the jobs of the very people that the Wage Review is intended to help," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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ACTU wage claim would put jobs at risk
"The ACTU is getting ahead of itself with its minimum wage claim and in doing so putting at risk the jobs of the very people it is trying to help," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Comment by Heather Ridout, Ai Group Chief Executive, on Cath Bowtell's resignation from the ACTU
"Cath Bowtell is a formidable adversary very smart, committed and hard working. She will be a loss to the trade union movement and I'm sure a number of employers will be expressing sighs of relief."
"I wish her well in her future endeavours," Mrs Ridout said.
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Ai Group appeal against the decision of Commissioner Ryan re. the approval of the Dunlop Foams (NSW) Collective Agreement 2009
Ai Group has lodged an appeal against the decision of Commissioner Ryan to approve the Dunlop Foams (NSW) Collective Agreement 2009 (AG2009/20543; [2010] FWAA 1401).
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Opposition paid maternity leave scheme unrealistic
"The Federal Opposition Leader's proposal on paid maternity leave appears to aim high but the costs would be too great, it is not well-designed and overall it is unrealistic.
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Consideration should be given to building on successful Apprentice Kickstart program
"Achieving the 21,000 target for new apprentices under the Federal Government's Kickstart program is a great result and consideration should be given to building on the program," Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PCI®: Construction expands again in February
The national construction industry expanded for a second consecutive month in February to maintain an improving trend in industry conditions, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®). the expansion or decline. Results are based on responses from over 120 companies.
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Ai Group comment on National Accounts
"Today's National Accounts make it clear that the Australian economy is performing well in comparison with expectations and in comparison with the rest of the world.
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Australian PSI®: Services sector remains soft in February
The services sector remained soft in February following a fall in sales and another drop in employment, new orders and supplier deliveries, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®).
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Rate rise on the one hand a vote of confidence - on the other a setback for many businesses
“While today’s interest rate decision is a vote of confidence in the economy it will be a setback for many businesses, particularly those experiencing the impact of the higher dollar and patchy demand. The simultaneous withdrawal of monetary and fiscal stimulus will certainly test, over the months ahead, whether the economic recovery will be self sustaining,” Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing records another positive result in February
The manufacturing sector recorded another positive result in February with the Australian Industry Group - PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) rising 2.8 points to 53.8 (readings above the 50.0 point level indicate an expansion in activity).
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Ai Group comment on opposition climate change policy
"The Federal Opposition's climate change policy in many respects represents a fundamentally different approach to that offered by an Emissions Trading Scheme. At first blush, it appears attractive for business with the suggestion that it would impose nominal cost on industry while providing incentives for investment in abatement measures," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said today.
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Cancellation of Sydney Metro - Contractors call for compensation for tender costs
The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) today called for the NSW Government to make a public commitment to reimburse 100% of tender costs for those consortia that bid for the Sydney Metro project.
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Commonsense prevails in Woolworths Arbitration Case
"Commonsense has prevailed in today's decision by a Full Bench of Fair Work Australia (FWA) to overturn the earlier damaging decision in the Woolworths Case," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Employers shouldn't pay for workers compensation scheme problems
“The Queensland Government’s proposed hike in WorkCover premiums will come at very bad time for the State’s employers” Ai Group Queensland Director Chris Rodwell said today following the release of a Government discussion paper on the future of the scheme.
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Government savings need to fund $3.6 billion business tax relief: Ai Group’s Queensland Budget Priorities
Ai Group has called on the Queensland Government to restrict growth in government spending, and redirect $3.6 billion savings over the next three years towards alleviating business taxes and other costs, as part of its pre-budget submission to the State Government released today.
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Industry argues against the return of compulsory arbitration in Woolworths Fair Work appeal this week
"The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has decided to seek leave to intervene in this Friday's Full Bench appeal against Fair Work Australia's decision in the Woolworths Case which will be an important test of the integrity of the bargaining provisions of the Fair Work Act," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Industry will look to new immigration rules to better target skill needs
"Industry will look to the changes to immigration rules announced today to better deliver the skills in genuine need in areas such as the trades, technical skills and engineering," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Intergenerational report: a challenge to raise productivity and maintain strong immigration
"The intergenerational report released today reinforces the importance of investing in productivity and workforce participation and highlights the critical role that strong immigration will have for our future well-being," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said.
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Metro reimbursement should be 100% of costs incurred
"The commitment by the NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, that 'reasonable' compensation would be provided to bidders for the cancelled Sydney Metro project is encouraging. It is our strong view that it would be both reasonable and fair to compensate the consortia for the Sydney Metro project 100% of the costs they have incurred," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PCI®: Construction expands as demand strengthens
The national construction industry expanded in January due to a boost in house building and improved conditions in the apartment, engineering and commercial building sectors, according to the latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®).
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing ticks up despite fall in employment
The manufacturing sector opened the year in positive territory with the latest seasonally adjusted Australian Industry Group - PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) rising 2.5 points to 51.0 in January (readings above 50.0 indicate a rise in activity).
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Australian PSI®: Dip in services sector in January
A heavy fall in employment and further declines in new orders and supplier deliveries took the services sector below the critical 50.0 level in January for the first time in four months, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®).
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RBA interest rate decision prudent and sensible
"The decision by the RBA to take a rate rise pause is prudent and sensible," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said today.
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Remedies for the proposed R&D Tax Credit Scheme
Attached is The Australian Industry Group's Submission on the draft legislation for the Federal Government's new research & development (R&D) tax credit scheme.
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FWA Woolworths Appeal
Attached is the Australian Industry Group's submission to Fair Work Australia (FWA) in today's Full Bench appeal against Fair Work Australia's decision in the Woolworths Case.
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Way forward needed on climate change policy
"The Australian Industry Group's National Executive, the organisation's principal policy-making body, resolved today that given the fracturing of the domestic consensus on climate change policy and the failure of international negotiations, there is great uncertainty around how to progress this issue and no clear way forward," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Offer on carbon cuts challenging given global uncertainty
"Putting Australia's existing range of targets for emissions reduction on the table again is a very significant offer particularly given the uncertainty created in the wake of the failure of the Copenhagen conference," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout said today.
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Ai Group comment on benchmarking OHS regulation
Comment by Ai Group, NSW Director, Mark Goodsell on the Productivity Commission's report, Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety.
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CPI indicates economy is a long way from breaching speed limits
Today's CPI shows that while the economy is recovering we are a long way from breaching any speed limits, with the high dollar doing a lot of the heavy lifting to keep inflation in check," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout said today.
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Ai Group welcomes appointment of Peter Grey to head Austrade
"Ai Group congratulates Mr Peter Grey on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of Austrade and we look forward to working closely with him in developing Australia's export agenda," Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, Heather Ridout said today.
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Ai Group Comment on Auto and TCF tariffs
"Micro economic reform is already on foot in both these industries. From the first of January tariffs have been reduced and plans to facilitate restructuring are in place after extensive reviews. Given this, any reopening of the debate would create unnecessary uncertainty for the industries," Mrs Ridout said.
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Productivity Proposals - 2020 Summit
Mrs Ridout said today: "Raising productivity is not for the faint-hearted. It is easy to say and hard to do and involves taking tough decisions with often medium to long term payback. It will be a test of the maturity of the political debate in Australia as to whether we can make genuine progress."
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New Year re-start an opportunity for business to boost training
"With the Christmas/New Year shutdown over for many businesses this week, and with companies looking to the year ahead, Ai Group is encouraging employers to consider hiring new apprentices and accessing the extra Commonwealth funding available only until the end of February," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said.
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Australian PCI®: Construction industry decline eases as house building strengthens
The national construction industry contracted in December, although at a slower rate than the previous month following another lift in house building activity, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®).
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Business seeks better returns from Free Trade Agreements
Five years on from the implementation of the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), Australian exporters are still finding it tough to do business in the United States.
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Australian PSI®: Services sector flat in December
The services sector was flat in December characterised by a drop in new orders and modest sales growth, according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®) which fell 2.5 points to 50.0 (readings above the 50 point level indicate an expansion in activity).
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Executive pay recommendations 'heavy-handed'
"The Productivity Commission's report into executive remuneration is heavy-handed and potentially counter-productive for business," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing eases in December
Manufacturing activity fell slightly in December after four consecutive rises, reflecting drops in production, new orders and input deliveries, according to the latest Australian Industry Group - PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®).
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Employers need to ensure they understand new Workplace Rules
"Business will this week be operating in a whole new environment of workplace regulation with the introduction of so-called Modern Awards and the new National Employment Standards. With the massive regulatory change, employers can potentially get into a lot of trouble in a lot of new places unless they move quickly to understand the new rules and entitlements," Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said today.
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Media Release Archive Box
Browse previous media releases in our archives:
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Policy and Representation
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