Global Engagement Task Force

WORD FROM THE TASK FORCE CHAIRMAN

We are inspired that in the last eight years, foreign investment coming into Australia has grown by an average of 8.5 per cent each year, and that more than 85 per cent of BCA members now operate in global markets, accounting for one-third of Australia’s total exports. We won’t accept that in 2008–09, 17 countries, all members of the G-20, introduced 47 separate trade restricting measures. – JOHN W.H. DENTON, PARTNER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CORRS CHAMBERS WESTGARTH, AND CHAIRMAN, BCA GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT TASK FORCE

Joining John on the task force are the following BCA members:

Gordon Davis – AWB Limited
Graeme Liebelt – Orica Limited
Ross Love – The Boston Consulting Group
Didier Mahout – BNP Paribas
Andrew Michelmore – Minerals and Metals Group
Robert Milliner – Mallesons Stephen Jaques
Tom Park – PaperlinX Limited
Ian Thomas – Boeing Australia and South Pacific

There are clear benefits for all countries from stronger global economic ties. Much of the improvement in Australians’ living standards over the last two decades has been possible because we opened up our economy and put in place reforms that supported global engagement. The BCA recognises that if Australia is to continue improving standards of living, we need to adopt policies that promote free trade and investment, and build more and deeper relationships internationally.

Our Global Engagement Task Force promotes a combination of international ties and domestic policy reform to maximise the potential benefits of global engagement to Australia. This involves advocating policies that attract foreign investment and encourage Australian business to invest in overseas markets. We also work to ensure that where business has expertise and relationships, these are used to promote Australia’s interests around the world.

Priorities for 2010

• Inform and influence policy reform and planning that attracts foreign investment into Australia, and outward investment by Australian businesses.
  
• Build understanding in the community of the importance of global engagement and the benefits it brings to Australia, including the role of the G-20 in coordinating international economic policy.
  
• Contribute to international efforts by business to identify and support policies that promote greater economic integration between nations, and sustained economic growth for all.
  
• Research and promote the role of the business community in building relationships around the world that enhance Australia’s prosperity.