Meeting of the Council of Australian Governments: Response by Greig Gailey

3 July 2008: Australia’s political leaders have today taken major steps to progress important national reforms that will bring Australia into the 21st century, BCA President Greig Gailey said.
[more]

COAG Action Can Deliver 2020 Vision

BCA President Greig Gailey has published an open letter to the Council of Australian Governments regarding the importance of tomorrow’s meeting to progress the national reform agenda.
[more]

• Open letter to the Council of Australian Governments (2 July 2008)

Lopping the Root and Branch Tax Review Cuts Opportunity

Limiting the scope of the federal government’s tax reform process reduces the opportunity for Australia to become the world’s top place to live and do business.
[more]

• A Better Tax Return: Reconsidering the Role of Australia’s Tax System

BCA Welcomes New South Wales Teacher Quality Plan but National Approach Needed

The BCA has welcomed the announcement by the New South Wales Government of new arrangements to recognise and reward excellent teachers.
[more]

Chile Free Trade Agreement Warms Business Opportunities

The BCA has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, that the Australian Government has concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement with Chile.
[more]

Attention Class: Time to Do Our Sums on Better Teaching

Improving the learning outcomes of all students requires a commitment from governments, schools, local communities and the business sector to lift the quality of the school system.
[more]

• Teaching Talent: The Best Teachers for Australia’s Classrooms
• Listen to BCA Chief Executive Katie Lahey's interview on ABC Radio National AM

Solid First Budget Makes Down Payment on Prosperity

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan’s first budget has made significant progress towards realigning fiscal policy with the needs of a capacity-constrained economy.
[more]

BCA Welcomes Details of a Review of Australia’s Tax System

The BCA welcomes the commitment by the Treasurer to a comprehensive review of the taxation system.
[more]

Water Reform: Announcement by the Minister for Climate Change and Water

Response by BCA Chief Executive Katie Lahey to an announcement regarding water reform by the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, in a speech today to the 4th Annual Australian Water Summit.
[more]

BCA Welcomes Joint Statement on Skills Priorities

The BCA has expressed support for the joint statement ‘Facing up to Australia’s Skills Challenge’.
[more]

Roadmap for Skills Charts the Right Course for Australia

The BCA welcomes the release of the federal government’s discussion paper on reform directions for vocational education and training.
[more]

Revitalised COAG Agenda Lays Foundation for Success

Commitments by federal, state and territory leaders at the March COAG meeting represent significant progress towards a reinvigorated national reform agenda.
[more]

Opportunity for Australia to Budget for Future Prosperity

Major fiscal reforms in the 2008–09 federal Budget are required to pave the way for greater future prosperity.
[more]

• BCA Budget Submission 2008–09: Budgeting for Prosperity
• Appendix 1: ‘The bang for our buck – is our federal budget doing the job?’
• Appendix 2: ‘How at risk is the budget to the economy?’
• Appendix 3: ‘Are we prepared for the intergenerational challenges ahead?’
• Appendix 4: ‘How are the states faring?’

Trade Review an Important Chance to Assess Australia’s Global Priorities

The BCA welcomes the whole-of-government review of trade policies and programs announced by Trade Minister Simon Crean.
[more]