Media Releases April 2017

The Australian manufacturing sector continued its recent recovery in April, with the Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) climbing 1.7 points to 59.2 (readings above 50 indicate expansion in activity, with the distance from 50 indicating the strength of the increase). This was the seventh consecutive month of expansion for the Australian PMI®.

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has called on the State Government not to impose new or increased taxes on Victorian businesses in Tuesday’s State Budget.

"The refinements to fiscal strategy proposed by the Treasurer this week could represent an important and welcome shift in Australia's approach to fiscal policy," Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) said today.

Ai Group's QLD State Director Jemina Dunn has today called for urgent State and Federal government collaboration to deliver Brisbane's long overdue $5.4 billion Cross River Rail project.

"The priority to be given to the domestic gas market over gas exports announced by the Turnbull Government overnight is an appropriate and welcome response to an extraordinary crisis," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said today.

Victorian industry and manufacturers have welcomed the boost of support announced by the Victorian Premier this morning.

"Yesterday's meeting between the Prime Minister and the gas producers represents little progress on a crisis that is damaging Australian businesses, and the Government needs to hold open the door to dramatic intervention," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said.

Stephen Smith, Head of National Workplace Relations: Ai Group welcomes the opportunity to appear at the hearing today. We have filed a detail written submission that addresses the various issues in the terms of reference for the inquiry.

This letter outlining a number of actions/solutions to the energy crisis including gas swaps was sent last week to the PM and Opposition Leader and relevant Ministers and Shadow Ministers. 

Ai Group welcomes the opportunity to appear at the hearing today. We have filed written submissions on each of the 3 Bills, setting out our views on the proposed legislative amendments.