News releases highlight announcements of new reports, submissions and policy positions as well as reaction to developments in areas of policy focus related to the BCA agenda.
Indigenous Commitments Welcome But Economic Reform Lags
The Business Council of Australia (BCA) welcomes the agreement by COAG today to step up efforts to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage, but concerns remain that progress in the vital business de-regulation agenda is slipping.
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Strong Support For Share Plans a Plus For Productivity
The BCA welcomes the release of the federal
government’s revised policy on the tax treatment of employee share plans.
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Greig Gailey talks to Business Spectator
Greig Gailey’s discusses tax reform, the Budget and the state of corporate Australia.
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Bold Tax Reform the Key to Unlock our Growth Potential
The BCA submission to the Henry tax review sets out options for tax reform that will better support economic growth in the years ahead.
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5th Australia–New Zealand Climate Change & Business Conference
Learn valuable strategies in the lead-up to the UN Copenhagen conference, how to prosper in the low-carbon economy, and much more.
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Presentation Accompanying an Address by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the June 2009 Meeting of the BCA
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sets out the government’s view of Australia’s situation in the global downturn, and the effect of the federal government’s responses.
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Tax Refund Email Scam
The Australian Taxation Office has issued an urgent warning regarding a tax refund email scam. Recipients of these emails should refer to the ATO warning.
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Australia Needs the Right Emissions Trading Scheme
If Australia is to achieve the targets that it has set itself, business will need to make significant new investments. It needs an ETS that both gets the detail right and continues over the longer term.
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Employee Share Ownership: Statement by BCA President Greig Gailey
The BCA welcomes the discussion paper on employee share ownership plans released today by the federal government.
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Common Sense Must Prevail on Employee Share Plan Changes
Consultation on tax changes relating to employee share plans must start from the position of not requiring tax payment until the shares or options vest or are exercised.
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Harmonisation of Occupational Health and Safety in Australia
An open letter calling all premiers and chief ministers to support the next tranche of OHS harmonisation.
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BCA Welcomes Opposition’s Pro-Transparency Budget Plans
The pro-transparency measures outlined in last night’s federal Opposition Budget reply could play an important role in ensuring better budget management.
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Deficit-Watch Must Become A 365-Day-A-Year Challenge
The 2009 federal Budget takes important steps toward repositioning Australia for strong and sustainable growth, BCA Chief Executive Katie Lahey says.
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Business Alliance for Asia Literacy
The BCA is a member of the Business Alliance for Asia Literacy, which is made up of a number of Australian businesses and industry organisations who together represent who represent over 400,000 Australian businesses.
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Changes to the Proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
Given Australia’s current economic circumstances, the BCA welcomes and supports the government’s responsible decision to delay the commencement of the CPRS by one year to 1 July 2011.
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COAG Steps Forward But Must Improve to Avoid Stumbling
Some positive steps were taken at yesterday’s COAG meeting but a risk remains that the pace of key national reforms is slowing, BCA Chief Executive Katie Lahey said.
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Teach for Australia Will Help Turn Around Disadvantage
The BCA has welcomed the announcement that ‘Teach for Australia’ will recruit high-achieving graduates to contribute to the community by teaching for two years.
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Broadband Rollout Holds Productivity Potential
Investment that raises the speed, quality and coverage of high-speed broadband provision in Australia has the potential to contribute to productivity and economic growth in the coming decades.
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Energy Efficiency One Part of the Bigger Climate Issue
The BCA and its members have strongly endorsed the development of an emissions trading scheme as part of a multifaceted response to climate change that includes research and development, adaptation and energy efficiency.
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Productivity Commission Review Will Allow Considered Analysis of Remuneration
The BCA welcomes the appointment of the Productivity Commission to conduct an inquiry into executive remuneration.
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Australia’s Healthcare Services Not Fit for the Job
An independent health body is needed to integrate Australia’s fragmented national health services so they can effectively respond to changing health needs.
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Diplomatic Capabilities Vital to Australia’s Interests
The BCA supports recommendations to reshape and invest in Australia’s international diplomatic services.
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2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal
The BCA encourages business and individuals to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
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Australia and New Zealand Agreement With ASEAN
The BCA has welcomed the signing of the free trade agreement between the Association of South East Asian Nations, Australia and New Zealand.
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Early Help for Unemployed Important to Lift Participation
Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Katie Lahey welcomes the announcement by the federal government of immediate assistance for workers facing unemployment as a result of the global economic downturn.
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Latest Jobs and Growth Package a Boost for Confidence
The BCA welcomes the focus on jobs and growth in the latest economic stimulus measures unveiled by the federal government today.
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Global Downturn a New Challenge for Our Federation
The current economic downturn demands a coordinated response by all levels of government.
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