Media Releases November 2016

The Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) increased by 3.3 points to 54.2 in November, indicating a more convincing expansion across the manufacturing sector after relatively stable conditions in recent months (readings above 50 indicate expansion in activity, with the distance from 50 indicating the strength of the increase).

"The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is relieved that the ABCC Bill has finally passed through the Senate after more than three years of torrid debate. Ai Group thanks and congratulates the Government and the Crossbench Senators who supported the Bill for their perseverance and hard work. Compromises were necessary to enable this important Bill to be passed. The final package will deliver vital reforms to the Australian construction industry and the broader community," Innes Willox, Ai Group Chief Executive, said today.

"The latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), in which Australia has dropped from 18th to 28th out of 49 countries in Year 4 mathematics, has confirmed Australia’s long-term trajectory into mediocrity in the key areas of maths and science," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

The Australian Industry Group has criticised the State Government's public holiday backflip in proclaiming an additional public holiday on Christmas Day this year.

Joint statement by the Australian Industry Group, Australian Beverages Council, Australian Food & Grocery Council, CANEGROWERS, Australasian Association of Convenience Stores, Australian Sugar Milling Council, Australian Sugar Industry Alliance and Australian Association of National Advertisers

"Ai Group welcomes the passage of the Registered Organisations Bill through Parliament. The findings of the Heydon Royal Commission into misconduct by some unions and some union officials demonstrated that the existing registered organisation laws needed to change," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

The latest Australian Industry Group/Australian Constructors Association Construction Outlook survey released today suggests that an upturn in transport infrastructure activity will drive a lift in major construction project work across the 2016-17 and 2017-18 financial years.

Joint statement by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Industry Group and Business Council of Australia

Australia's vocational education and training system was once the envy of the world. State and federal governments worked in partnership with industry to ensure the system delivered the skill outcomes sought by employers. The system as a whole was led by industry.

Hearings commence on Monday in the Fair Work Commission's Family and Domestic Violence Leave Case. The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is playing a leading role in representing employers in the Case in opposition to the unions' claim for 10 days of paid domestic violence leave, per employee, per year.

"The Victorian Government's announcement that it has accepted the recommendations of a Parliamentary Committee on the Introduction of Portable Long Service Leave in a number of sectors will cost jobs and endanger businesses in the state," according to the Victorian Head of the Australian Industry Group, Tim Piper.