Media Releases August 2019

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) today announced the establishment of a Construction Supply Chain Council to assist governments and industry to more efficiently and effectively develop and deliver infrastructure projects for the benefit of the community.

"The Treasurer's focus on productivity as critical to the economic and social well-being of Australians is a welcome development," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

"On 26 August, the final hearings will commence in the Fair Work Commission’s Hair and Beauty Industry Penalty Rates Case. Ai Group Workplace Lawyers is representing Hair and Beauty Australia (HABA) in the case." Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

"The latest projections from the Australian Energy Market Operator reinforce the unsatisfactory state of the electricity market and the need for greater policy certainty and coherence if we are to secure ongoing investment in energy supply and in energy-intensive industries," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox said today.

"The class action claim against WorkPac, filed in the Federal Court yesterday on behalf of CFMMEU members, demonstrates the need for legislative change to define a 'casual employee' in the Fair Work Act. It is blatantly unfair for an employee who has been engaged as a casual and paid as a casual to claim years of backpay for annual leave entitlements. Everyone knows that casual loadings are paid in lieu of annual leave," Australian Industry Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

"Today's results announcement from BlueScope is a reminder of the strength and resilience of Australian industry," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox said today.

The Australian Industry Group has welcomed today's announcement by the State Government that it will be providing funding to local municipal councils to support recycling within the State.

"Infrastructure Australia's audit points both to successes and shortcomings in the approaches to Australia's economic and social infrastructure. Notwithstanding the impressive current pipeline of projects, the Audit points to the need for further investment, more farsighted planning and better coordination," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

"Ai Group is encouraged that COAG has agreed to a Vision for Skills in Australia," Ai Group Chief Executive, Innes Willox, said today.

Ai Group has urged the Prime Minister and State and Territory leaders to use tomorrow's COAG meeting in Cairns to genuinely tackle the reform of Australia's training system.