Media Releases April 2016

"VET FEE-HELP is the most urgent area in the training sector in need of reform and it is encouraging that the Government has moved to address this through the release today of a comprehensive Discussion paper, Redesigning VET FEE-HELP," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

"The initial steps announced today in the Federal Government Smart Cities Plan have the potential to make a real difference in lifting Australia's standard of living and quality of life.  We should strive to make Australia's cities less congested, more amenable, more affordable and more productive," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

Prime Minister announces special taskforce to connect Australian Industry to German and US industrial leaders

"The Federal Opposition's targets to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and to net zero by 2050 are very challenging and would require major changes across the economy. The policy announcement raises big questions including around electricity sector transition, electricity prices and the scale of the task should not be underestimated," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.

Cutting the company tax rate in next week's Federal Budget is the leading priority for Australian businesses - according to an Australian Industry Group survey released today.

"The announcement to build 12 new submarines in Adelaide at a cost of $50 billion is the most important naval acquisition decision for Australia's defence industry in the past 30 years," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

"Victorian business are looking for a State Budget that focuses squarely on productivity to build on the positivity already emerging in the local economy," Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) Head - Victoria, Tim Piper said today.

The ACCC's inquiry has confirmed that gas users are right to be worried about the Eastern Australian gas market, and has laid out sensible directions for reform, Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.

"The National Cyber Security Strategy released by the Australian Government today encourages cooperation between government, industry and research institutions both to address cyber security threats and promote innovation," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.
 

Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox comment on abolition of RSRT:

"The Senate's decision to abolish the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal is very welcome.

"Ai Group opposed the establishment of the Tribunal, and ever since we have called for its abolition.

"The Tribunal should never have been established in the first place. It was set up in response to a TWU industrial campaign. The idea that paying drivers more or differently will improve road safety has been rightly rejected by Parliament. It threatened the livelihood of owner drivers and would have pushed up transport costs for all.