|
Election Comment
While Ai Group has a practice of not commenting in detail on policies as they are announced during election campaigns, we made a number of general observations on key issues in recent days. Company Tax - "Ai Group is on the record as arguing hard for the adoption of the Henry Review recommendation to cut the company tax rate to 25% and for this to be part of pre-election commitments. We're very pleased to see there is now a contest in this area and that both parties are focusing on cutting the rate." Workplace Relations -"There are areas in the Fair Work Act where it has been demonstrably shown that amendments are required. "While we are not seeking wholesale changes, the next government will need to keep an open mind to amending the Act in a number of areas including: - Addressing the impact of the announced Superannuation Guarantee increases by implementing a systematic wage trade off within the Fair Work Act;
- Restoring the 'character of the business' test in the transfer of business laws; and
- Implementing a mandatory flexibility term for enterprise agreements to prevent unions blocking meaningful individual flexibility arrangements."
Climate Change - "We are looking for a position that's responsible, that protects the competitiveness of Australian industry and, in the absence of a more comprehensive policy, action that doesn't put unduly prescriptive regulatory burdens on industry."
Comments from Heather Ridout - Ai Group Chief Executive
Get in early
What do the Governor of the Reserve Bank, the CEO of McDonald's and a Professor of Economics from Peking University have in common? They are each among the confirmed speakers for Ai Group's premier annual event, the National Forum and Annual National Dinner, to be held on October 24-25 in Canberra.
Entitled What's Next - New Thinking, New Directions, this year's Forum will be a forward-looking discussion on the future directions for business and the economy in a post-election environment. Pending the election outcome, we look forward to the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader confirming their participation in the Dinner and Forum.
The program has been further developed and a full up-to-date list of speakers is available on the Forum website. The early bird rate has been extended to August 6, so there is still time to take advantage of this offer.
For more information, register online or download a registration form. In the news
TAPPING IN TO TECHNOLOGY
Technology is integral to innovation and productivity across manufacturing and services-based industries. Tell us your views on how government can work through the complex issues facing the ICT and Technology Industry and its pervasive nature into all areas of business.
To have your say: Contact Bill Petreski, Principal Adviser - Technology Industry.
|
Copyright © 2008
The Australian Industry Group.