Ai Group addresses Minimum Wage Panel
"Today, at the first day of hearings in the Annual Wage Review, the Australian Industry Group urged the Minimum Wage Panel to take great care in determining this year's minimum wage increase," Australian Industry Group, Chief Executive, Innes Willox said.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
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Ai Group Budget Comment - Tough Calls Avoided as Reality Bites
"The 2013-14 Budget confirms industry concerns about a slowing economy but risks being too optimistic about Australia?s growth prospects, our terms of trade, corporate tax receipts and the recovery of housing construction. Further, the Budget fails to introduce much-needed new measures to boost investment, innovation, competitiveness and productivity," said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox.
Tuesday 14 May 2013
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Ai Group Comment on new Migration Council 457 survey, 457 Visas - more than temporary
"This new survey amounts to a sound debunking of the weak and misleading arguments put forward against the very valuable 457 visa program," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Monday 13 May 2013
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Comment by Ai Group Chief Executive: "Opposition's IR Policy sensible but overly cautious"
"The Opposition has proposed some sensible but overly cautious changes to the Fair Work Act that most employers and employees would support. There are many other key issues that need to be addressed without delay," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Thursday 09 May 2013
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Victorian 2013-14 Budget: Infrastructure dollars vital to economic development
"The 2013-14 Victorian Budget gives a much needed focus on boosting productivity through significant infrastructure investment," said Ai Group Victorian Director, Tim Piper.
Tuesday 07 May 2013
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Comment by Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, on today's RBA decision
"The RBA's decision to reduce the cash rate is a timely move to stimulate the slowing economy and will be welcomed by industry, particularly in the residential construction sector and the manufacturers and service providers linked to home building. Alone this will not act as a silver bullet to boost demand, but it is a welcome step to stimulate economic activity.
Tuesday 07 May 2013
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Australian PCI®: Construction sector at seven month low in April
The national construction sector hit a seven month low in April as industry conditions continue to deteriorate. The latest Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) was down 3.8 points at 35.2 in the month (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in the industry with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decline).
Tuesday 07 May 2013
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Business favours boost to productivity and competitiveness ahead of balancing the Budget
"A new survey of Australian businesses shows a clear preference for stimulatory spending to build productivity rather than excessive budgetary constraint. The report shows that the top Budget priorities for business are reducing the company tax rate and increasing infrastructure spending. It shows that business believes that in this current economic environment balancing the Budget is not the main game," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Monday 06 May 2013
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Ai Group Comment: Defence White Paper
"The new Defence White Paper provides Australian defence industry with a degree of assurance about its long-term survival," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Friday 03 May 2013
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Australian PSI®: Services sector slips deeper into the red in April
In a further indication of a softening economy, the services sector moved deeper into the red in April according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®). The Australian PSI® was down 5.5 points to 44.1 in April (readings below 50 represent a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).
Friday 03 May 2013
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Comment on changes to Victorian Fire Services Property Levy
"The changes to the Victorian Fire Services Property Levy announced by the State Government today are important to the state economy. Spreading the funding responsibility for these important services to all residents, not just those who properly insure, is very sensible and will help create a much fairer system," Ai Group Victorian Director, said Tim Pipier.
Thursday 02 May 2013
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Ai Group makes final submissions in Apprentice Case
"Today Ai Group made its final submissions in the long-running Fair Work Commission Apprentice Case. Ai Group is taking the leading role in representing the interests of industry in the case. Today, Ai Group argued that if the unions' claims are granted, employers would be deterred from hiring new apprentices and many existing apprentices could lose their jobs, affecting the careers of many young people," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Wednesday 01 May 2013
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Ai Group Comment - Victorian Pre-Budget submission
"With many businesses in Victoria facing increasingly tough conditions, industry is looking to the coming State Budget to deliver significant investment in critical infrastructure to help create jobs and boost the State's economy overall. A sensible increase in investment could be achieved without jeopardising the State's AAA credit rating," Ai Group Victorian Director, Tim Piper, said in publicly releasing the Group's Pre-Budget submission.
Wednesday 01 May 2013
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Ai Group Comment: NSW Workers Compensation Cut Important and Timely
"The reduction in NSW workers compensation premiums for many industry classifications ? announced this morning by the State Government ? is strongly supported by business. In this current economic environment, it is a welcome boost for NSW businesses," said Ai Group NSW Director, Mark Goodsell.
Wednesday 01 May 2013
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing contraction deepens in April
The performance of the Australian manufacturing sector worsened significantly in April amid weakening economic conditions. The latest Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) recorded 36.7 in the month down 7.7 points on March (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).
Wednesday 01 May 2013
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Ai Group Comment: Queensland Commission of Audit Report
"Ai Group welcomes the release of the full Queensland Commission of Audit Final Report. It is an important and very timely contribution to discussions about the size and role of government in Queensland. This is also a discussion that is very relevant to other states and territories and for the national Government", said Ai Group's Acting Queensland Director, Mark Goodsell.
Tuesday 30 April 2013
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Comment on the deterioration of the Federal Government's tax revenue
"The substantial erosion of the Commonwealth Budget's bottom line should be seen in the context of declining business activity and a slowing economy and as such is very concerning. The major parties should avoid plans for tax increases or spending cuts that would worsen the outlook for this already-slowing economy," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Monday 29 April 2013
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NSW energy prices: electricity users get a breather, gas users should brace for more impacts
"The electricity and gas pricing recommendations for NSW released today by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) are mixed news for business and feed growing concerns about the availability and cost of energy in the future," said Ai Group NSW Director, Mark Goodsell.
Wednesday 24 April 2013
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ABS Report highlights that the Unions' insecure employment campaign is a furphy
"Today's release of the ABS annual 'Forms of Employment' survey report shows that the Unions' 'Insecure Work' campaign is a furphy. The survey shows that the level of casual employment in Australia is declining and the rate of casual employment peaked five years ago," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Friday 19 April 2013
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Comment on EU carbon price - time to abolish fixed price carbon tax:
"The EU Parliament's vote to keep carbon prices low highlights how far out of kilter Australia's high fixed carbon prices are. It shows how much Australia will gain by immediately abolishing the fixed carbon tax and moving straight away to emissions trading linked to low European prices.
Thursday 18 April 2013
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Fair Work Amendment Bill would hand even more power to unions
"In its submission to the Senate inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013, the Australian Industry Group has identified 157 areas[1] where union power has increased under the Fair Work Act. This is up from 120 areas in 2009 when the Act came into operation. The content of the Bill is extremely lopsided and does does not even attempt to strike a balance in addressing issues of real concern to industry," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Wednesday 17 April 2013
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FWC Full Bench Decision Is A Step In The Right Direction To Increase IFA Flexibility For Employees And Employers
"Today's decision of a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to amend the Award Flexibility Clause in modern awards will increase the utility of Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs) made under awards for employees and employers. While changes need to be made to the Fair Work Act to improve the framework for IFAs, today's decision is a step in the right direction," said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox.
Monday 15 April 2013
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Ai Group successfully defends industry's interests in Full Bench Fair Work public holiday case.
"Today, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission has upheld the arguments of the Australian Industry Group and rejected a series of costly and unproductive ACTU public holiday claims. The sensible decision of the Full Bench is very welcome as the unions? claims would have saddled industry with a big new cost at a time when many businesses are under pressure," Australian Industry Group, Chief Executive, Innes Willox said.
Friday 12 April 2013
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Australia Ranks 18th In Global Information Technology Survey
"In a week when broadband policy has been the focus of much needed debate, a new international survey has shown Australia slipping further behind key competitors in terms of our readiness to use and make the most of information technology," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Thursday 11 April 2013
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Release of Coalition Broadband Policy
"The rollout of ubiquitous high-speed broadband infrastructure is essential for Australia's economic development. The fact that a contest has developed to see who can offer the most credible high-speed broadband policy will ultimately be good for business and the economy," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Tuesday 09 April 2013
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Business needs clear and consistent vision on high speed broadband
"In this election year, businesses are looking to all sides of politics for policies that guarantee a ubiquitous high-speed broadband network alongside better mobile communications infrastructure, improve the certainty, governance and transparency of the rollout and ensure momentum in the build. They are also looking for policies that invest in the capabilities of businesses and communities to take advantage of the infrastructure," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Monday 08 April 2013
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Australian PCI®: Construction sector - one step forward two steps back
After the solid improvement in February the national construction sector slipped back in March with the Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) 6.6 points weaker at 39.0 (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in the industry with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decline).
Monday 08 April 2013
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Environmental process changes should reduce costs
Victorian businesses have welcomed the State Government's decision to streamline the EPA's approval process.
Friday 05 April 2013
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Virgin Australia To Sponsor National Construction Award
The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) today welcomed Virgin Australia as a sponsor of the Australian Construction Achievement Award for 2013. The prestigious Award, which is in its sixteenth year, is jointly hosted by the ACA and Engineers Australia and recognises the people who undertake the nation's major construction and infrastructure projects.
Friday 05 April 2013
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Australian PSI®: Services sector edges closer to growth in March
The services sector edged closer to positive territory in March according to the latest Australian Industry Group/Commonwealth Bank Australian Performance of Services Index (Australian PSI®). The Australian PSI® was up 1.1 points to 49.6 in March to record its highest level in 14 months (readings below 50 represent a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).
Thursday 04 April 2013
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Calm and balance needed on gas production
"The clamp down on gas production in New South Wales and the calls for similar steps in Queensland should ring alarm bells for both industry and the community alike," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.
Thursday 04 April 2013
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Australian PMI®: Manufacturing weakness continues in March
After moderating in February, Australian manufacturing performance was marginally weaker in March with production, exports and new orders falling further. The latest Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) recorded 44.4 in the month down 1.2 points on February (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in activity with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decrease).
Tuesday 02 April 2013
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Industry Urges The FWC To Take Great Care In This Year's Annual Wage Review
"The Minimum Wage Panel of the Fair Work Commission needs to take great care this year in determining minimum wage increases. Businesses are struggling to cope with high costs and the high Australian dollar which have reduced their competitiveness. The economic recovery is fragile with many global and local risks. Now is not the time for risky wage settings," said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox.
Wednesday 27 March 2013
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Comment on changes to federal ministry
"Today's Federal ministry reshuffle includes changes to some key industry portfolios. We welcome the appointments and look forward to working with the Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries in the development of policies that promote innovation and productivity," said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox.
Monday 25 March 2013
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Greater business opportunities with establishment of Australia-Saudi Business Council
Australian businesses will have greater opportunity to engage with one of the fastest growing international trade markets following the establishment of the Australia-Saudi Business Council.
Friday 22 March 2013
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Industry Supports NSW Construction Industry Industrial Relations Guidelines
"The Australian Industry Group welcomes the NSW Government's decision to implement construction industry industrial relations guidelines for State Government funded projects from 1 July. All Governments face major infrastructure challenges and it is vital that public funds are not wasted through restrictive and unproductive site practices and enterprise agreement provisions brought about by union claims," said Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox.
Friday 22 March 2013
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Fair Work Amendment Bill Lacks Balance And Needs Scrutiny
"The Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 fails to strike the right balance in achieving fairness for employees and employers, and ensuring a flexible and productive workplace relations system. The Bill includes a number of problematic provisions which should be scrutinised through a Parliamentary Committee inquiry before the Bill is considered by either House of Parliament," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Thursday 21 March 2013
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New report shows shortages of Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths skills are holding back business
A lack of critical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills among the current and emerging workforce is holding back Australian employers in their quest to be more innovative, productive and competitive, a report released today by the Australian Industry Group has found.
Thursday 21 March 2013
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Comment on anti-discrimination reforms
"We welcome the Government's decision to delay its consolidation of Anti-discrimination Acts and to engage in further consultation. While not opposed in principle to the consolidation of the five Acts , in its current form, the Government's draft Bill would cause more problems than it solves ," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
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IR Changes Damaging to Jobs and the National Interest
Groups representing small, medium and large businesses employing millions of people across all sectors of the Australian economy are calling on the federal government to abandon changes to industrial relations laws that will take the nation backwards and harm jobs.
Tuesday 19 March 2013
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Comment on 457 Visas and Fair Work Ombudsman
"The very small number of employers who abuse the 457 visa system should face the appropriate sanctions and as such the announcement today that Fair Work Ombudsman staff would monitor employers of 457 visa holders would, if made in isolation, appear reasonable," Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.
Monday 18 March 2013
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Comment by Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox on penalty rates decision:
"Today?s penalty rates decision is very disappointing. There are some unique factors in the fast food industry that we believe warrant special consideration. Penalty rates increased significantly in 2010 when the modern fast food award was implemented and this is having a big cost impact on fast food businesses. The higher penalty rates are still being phased in so the full effect has not yet been felt. The peak time for fast food is not during 9-5 business hours and award provisions should reflect this.
Monday 18 March 2013
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Ai Group comment on penalty rates
"The Federal Government?s proposals to enshrine penalty rates has significant and damaging implications for businesses across Australia," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Thursday 14 March 2013
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Don't play politics with Australia's energy future
Reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supplies are crucial to economic growth and prosperity. Without enough energy, we risk higher prices and shortages. We also risk losing the opportunity to increase employment and grow major new wealth creating export markets.
Thursday 14 March 2013
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Comment on Victorian ministerial reshuffle
"Those appointed to new portfolios in the Cabinet reshuffle announced by the Victorian Premier this morning are strong performers who recognise the importance of industry to the Victorian economy," said Ai Group Victorian Director, Tim Piper.
Wednesday 13 March 2013
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New skills strategy important roadmap for building our workforce
"The release today of the Futures Focus: 2013 National Workforce Development Strategy developed by the Australian Workforce Productivity Agency, is an important step in developing a path to the necessary skills of the future," said Ai Group Chief Execuitve, Innes Willox.
Friday 08 March 2013
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Welcome extension of apprenticeship support
"The extension of the Kickstart Employer Incentive for employers in the building, construction and engineering trades who take on a new apprentice, as announced by Minister Bowen today, is a sensible and welcome boost," Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.
Friday 08 March 2013
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Reported pro-union Fair Work package needs a major rethink
"Industry had hoped the long awaited second tranche Fair Work Act package would deliver changes that would lead to a more productive, flexible and fair workplace relations system. Unfortunately, today's reports suggest that the Government is planning to adopt an unbalanced, pro-union package. Some of the proposals are way out of step and require a major rethink by the Government," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.
Friday 08 March 2013
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Australian PCI®: Highest level in construction index since mid-2010
Expansions in house building and engineering construction in February contributed to the sector's strongest reading since June 2010. While still in contractionary territory, the latest Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association Australian Performance of Construction Index (Australian PCI®) increased by 9.4 points to 45.6 in the month (readings below 50 indicate a contraction in the industry with the distance from 50 indicative of the strength of the decline).
Thursday 07 March 2013
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The move to an emissions trading scheme needs to happen now
"The Australian Industry Group today called on all sides of politics to support the immediate removal of the fixed price carbon tax and move directly to an internationally linked emissions trading scheme," said Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox.
Thursday 07 March 2013
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Policy and Representation
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The Australian Industry Group.