Media Releases January 2017

"We are reassured that the Federal Government does not intend to alter the existing Renewable Energy Target, which was settled in a bipartisan decision less than two years ago," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox and Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said today.

The Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) has expanded for a fourth consecutive month with a reading of 51.2 points in January, which is down by 4.2 points on December (readings above 50 indicate expansion in activity, with the distance from 50 indicating the strength of the increase).

"Ai Group has worked closely with Mr Oliver for more than 25 years, first during his time with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and then at the ACTU,"  Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today

"The Federal Opposition Leader's focus in his National Press Club address today on delivering a high quality, adequately funded and seamless tertiary and Vocational Education and Training (VET) system as well as a renewed focus on apprenticeships is most welcome," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

Thales Australia CEO, Chris Jenkins, has been elected as the new National President of the Australian Industry Group.

"The resignation of Vice President Graeme Watson will be a big loss to the Fair Work Commission, and to employers and employees who are widely impacted by the Commission's decisions," Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), said today.

"Ai Group welcomes the election of Gladys Berejiklian as State leader of the Liberal Party and Premier of NSW," Ai Group NSW Branch Head, Mark Goodsell, said today.

"Bega's acquisition of Kraft-branded food product businesses from Mondelēz International is a positive development for which both companies should be congratulated," Ai Group Victorian Director, Tim Piper, said today.

"Mike Baird should be congratulated on a career of significant achievement, despite the relatively brief time he spent as Premier and indeed in Parliament," Ai Group NSW Director, Mark Goodsell said today.

"Ai Group welcomes the appointment of Arthur Sinodinos as the new Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox said today.