The BCA regularly makes submissions to federal and state government committees and inquiries that have relevance to BCA policy positions and priorities.
Obtain copies of submissions released by the BCA prior to 2008 here.
Calls for one Anti-Discrimination Act with which everyone in Australia must comply.[more]
The proposed reform of Australia’s coastal shipping sector may lead to higher costs and lower-quality services for domestic shipping users. [more]
Retrospective tax law changes are inconsistent with long-standing principles of sound tax design and do little to enhance Australia’s reputation as a destination for foreign investment. [more]
The current system of GST distribution involves an overwhelming level of effort and complexity for a relatively low national return. [more]
Examples of the difficulty business has in dealing with local government, and specific recommendations for improvement. [more]
Prepared in response to the discussion paper released by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians as part of its consultation process. [more]
Why the clean energy future package lacks essential and responsible safeguards[more]
Calls for an examination of how governments can best bring forward their priority infrastructure projects for implementation.[more]
Calls for additional safeguards to help address the risks associated with global and domestic economic cycles and the limited progress in international negotiations. [more]
Outlines a number of issues of concern to BCA members that warrant legislative amendment to the Act.[more]
Providing the ACCC with additional powers to deal with so called ‘price signalling’ would represent an unwarranted regulatory overreach with potentially adverse consequences for the rest of the economy. [more]
Supports the establishment of a National Disability Insurance Scheme as proposed by the Productivity Commission’s draft report on disability care and support.[more]
A continuing focus on an efficient and effective energy market is needed to meet the substantial investment task ahead. [more]
There has been a proliferation of national partnership agreements, which in many cases is reintroducing Commonwealth direction over funding. [more]
Calls for funding to be reallocated to ‘follow the student’, better support disadvantaged students, and improve student transitions to post-compulsory education. [more]
The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in its final form at the end of 2009 is not an appropriate scheme to come into operation in 2012. [more]
Reinforces the need for a funding model that promotes better outcomes for students, business, industry and the community as a whole by driving the productivity growth Australia needs.[more]
Calls on the government to create new, faster, less expensive and less onerous visa categories linked to study at high-quality Australian education and training institutions.[more]
The submission outlines a number of high-level issues including the importance of efforts to develop a harmonised national occupational health and safety framework to apply across Australia. [more]
We do not believe a case has been made as to why the present provisions of the law are not adequate. [more]
A properly constituted oversight board could play a very important role in helping the Australian Taxation Office meet the community’s legitimate expectations for the operation and administration of the country’s tax laws. [more]
Realising potential benefits from fixed and wireless broadband services requires a competitive and efficient communications sector that provides accessible and high-quality broadband products at least cost to consumers.[more]
The submission highlights the importance of integrated strategic cities planning systems, effective federal–state relations and rigorous assessment of projects for successfully managing the growth of our cities. [more]
Comments on the overall system governance design, who the authority reports to, and its degree of independence, focus and objectives and coverage. [more]
At this stage, a compelling case for the need for an energy efficiency obligation has not been made. [more]
A national population strategy should chart a course towards Australia’s future that reflects the shared goals and aspirations of the Australian people. [more]
A call for the Productivity Commission to assess the economic and productivity impacts of the proposed shipping reforms and the implications for the cost and availability of domestic shipping services. [more]
This submission outlines a number of suggestions relating to the government’s review of the employment services.[more]
This submission argues that in practice we do not believe the approach taken or the legislation as presently drafted will necessarily enhance the functioning of markets or achieve these outcomes. [more]
We oppose the “two-strikes test” and the “no vacancy” rule, and we have also raised a number of concerns with the new provisions relating to the accountability of remuneration consultants. [more]
Uses the principles put forward by the federal government to analyse the lessons learnt by BCA members in supporting Indigenous economic development, and suggest our top tips for success. [more]
Some progress has been made towards improving policy frameworks in the urban water sector in recent times. The commission’s study can make an important contribution by assessing progress to date and setting out the next steps in the reform process. [more]
Australia’s economy has become more open, connected and integrated with the world economy. While our economy has strengthened, our markets have become more dynamic, we have many new products and services, and also new competitors. [more]
Suggestions on how the Business Impact Assessment process could be improved. [more]
Our planning systems and development assessment processes will play a crucial role in ensuring that Australia has the right economic infrastructure in place to support productivity and growth while also delivering better outcomes for liveability and sustainability. [more]
The range and level of services available to meet the needs of older Australians is inadequate, and the current means of financing them is unsustainable. Action can no longer be delayed. [more]
The BCA does not consider that any amendments are required to the merger provisions of the competition laws. [more]
The establishment of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care must be seen as a first step in putting a national system of governance in place for the health sector. [more]
The proposed COAG health and hospital reforms appear to be a good first step. But big-picture health sector reform is needed. [more]
Principles the BCA judges are important in energy efficiency policy design and development. [more]
Policy responses regarding executive remuneration must pay proper regard to the central role that boards play in determining executive remuneration within individual companies. [more]
There are substantial new proposals introduced in the Bill that have not been previously consulted on, and the possible impacts on business and the community have not been fully assessed. [more]
An integrated e-health system offers perhaps the greatest potential for improving the productivity of the system than any other reform available at present. [more]
The proposed refinements generally strike the right balance between promoting better corporate governance practices and maintaining the flexibility for companies to operate competitively.[more]
The findings of the National Broadband Network Implementation Study confirm the need for a cost–benefit analysis of the project to demonstrate it is in the national interest. [more]
An effective set of teacher standards will help create the foundation for a national framework to improve student learning outcomes. [more]
Both employers and governments should be seeking to ensure that both work and family is possible. [more]
Are free trade agreements achieving the desired outcomes for the future of trade liberalisation?[more]
How can the NBN Company legislation provide a more certain business environment for other investors and lay a stronger foundation for realising the productivity benefits from high-speed broadband?[more]
The BCA strongly endorses efforts to enhance the effectiveness of occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and policy and its operation around Australia. [more]
Accelerating a nationally integrated e-health system is essential to the future productivity – and economic and social value – of the healthcare sector. [more]
The determination of executive remuneration is best left to boards who are, in turn, answerable to shareholders. [more]
This submission argues that amendments to the existing merger control regime contained in the TPA are not warranted.[more]
Market supervision and professional governance are the keys to better health care services for patients and by providers.[more]
E-health – using communication technology means to improve the flow of health information – is a key driver of future productivity gains in health.[more]
The health governance merits of establishing an independent national health commission. [more]
Letters to the government, the Opposition and two independent senators calling for amendments to the compensation for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries in the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. [more]
One set of OHS requirements will not only improve efficiency for both businesses and regulators, but also promote a better understanding of the requirements of the system.[more]
This submission addresses a number of matters related to the draft regulations for the emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) industries elements of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.[more]
The government’s legislative framework for the National Broadband Network raises competition policy issues, including issues of competitive neutrality between government-owned and private businesses.[more]
Considering the issue of termination payments in isolation runs the risk of poor and inefficient regulations being imposed which will be detrimental to Australia’s economy and growth prospects.[more]
The BCA is generally supportive of a national system for consumer credit – but the additional costs and regulatory burdens of the new laws are of concern. [more]
There is a need to promote a wider understanding of the drivers of executive remuneration and company performance. [more]
The BCA is concerned to ensure that recent improvements in the industrial climate and stability of the building and construction industries are maintained, especially at a time of general economic downturn.[more]
The energy white paper is a perfectly timed opportunity to ensure that Australia’s energy policies support the growth of the economy in the period to 2030 and beyond.[more]
No compelling case has been made for new laws on creeping acquisitions and no economy-wide ‘problem’ of creeping acquisitions has been identified.[more]
The government’s National Broadband Network proposal sets a laudable objective to increase broadband provision and offers a roadmap for the ICT sector, but a cost–benefit analysis of the planned rollout is needed.[more]
Joint Business Council of Australia and Corporate Tax Association submission to the federal government on the taxation of employee share schemes.[more]
This submission calls for the government to undertake a cost–benefit analysis of the NBN and to urgently complete the NBN implementation study, to provide clarity on the proposal and its likely impact on the market. [more]
As currently drafted, the proposals represent a substantial change to the fundamental underlying principles of contract law and present a significant risk to businesses across all sectors.[more]
If the agreement is ratified and comes into force, it will provide some significant new commercial opportunities for businesses, and generate additional economic benefits for the people of the nations involved.[more]
The risks are substantial both if we take no action on global warming, and if we take the wrong action.[more]
Through a government–business consultation process, a number of issues within the Fair Work Bill appear to have been addressed, but there are some concerns about the content of the Transitional Provisions Bill. [more]
Any amendment to the Trade Practices Act should be considered with caution, taking into account the costs and benefits of such a change.[more]
Legislation for an emissions trading scheme and its implementation – especially in the early years – will require a tailored approach aligned to global and national economic conditions and designed to ensure Australia’s industry and employment opportunities are not adversely impacted.[more]
The NHHRC review must identify the features of a national healthcare system that is capable of meeting the needs of Australians in the 21st century, and addressing the current and emerging patterns of disease.[more]
This submission outlines the key foundation strategies that should underpin transport reforms in Australia. [more]
Regulatory intervention in markets should only occur where there is a clearly identifiable problem to be addressed, and the costs of the regulation do not outweigh its benefits to the community and business. [more]
The government should reconsider whether there are other, more appropriate policy tools to bring forward both renewable and low-emissions technologies without undermining the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.[more]
The drafting of legislation and the development of an implementation framework for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is occurring at a time of a sudden and severe downturn in the global economy.[more]
This submission reviews the draft legislation against policies on workplace relations previously published by the BCA, and incorporates feedback from BCA members about their expectations of the impact of the legislation.[more]
The BCA has only recently sought to contribute to the health reform debate. Despite its comparatively short review of the issues facing Australian healthcare, it is clear that tackling the growing burden of chronic disease is a key priority. [more]
The BCA supports appropriate and proportionate laws to promote competition and protect Australian consumers, but it views the existing legislation provides such protection while ensuring that business is also provided with a regime that is workable and certain. [more]
Why tax policy must be oriented towards long-term strategic growth and flexibility. [more]
Australia has $20 billion a year to gain from smarter spending on new infrastructure investments, and from making more efficient use of existing investments.[more]
Proposals to amend competition laws for creeping acquisitions may directly contradict commitments to achieve significant deregulation.[more]
Australia should take a long-term and risk management approach to climate change policy which incorporates both mitigation and adaptation elements, is calibrated to international responses and builds on our skills, resources and regional location. [more]
Business is looking to higher education to contribute to meeting the challenges and making the most of the opportunities that Australia will confront over the next decade and beyond. [more]
While the federal government’s renewable energy target may stimulate the development of renewable energy sources, it is unclear whether this will be done in the most economically efficient manner, and whether it will bias the options for renewable energy expansion. [more]
Any proposals to amend or reform the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) (TPA) require proper economic analysis and consideration of both the policy objectives and practical effect of the proposals. [more]
The BCA supports robust and effective competition law, because it is an important element of business regulation in Australia. Effective competition is important to maintain adequate consumer choice and to keep prices low. [more]
Australia has been at the forefront of global market liberalisation in recent years. Market liberalisation has provided Australian enterprises with the opportunity to enter new markets, grow their businesses and contribute to higher levels of domestic growth and higher living standards. [more]
Employers operating nationally face a myriad of different legislative and regulatory requirements, which compromises the efficiency, equity and potential effectiveness of occupational health and safety laws. [more]
Innovation by Australia’s businesses, governments and research institutions has delivered many economic and social achievements. But we need to continually improve and adapt to a fast-changing global environment.[more]
As we face new possibilities and difficult choices about the allocation of scarce resources, we all need to take responsibility for understanding the challenges and participating in the health debate.[more]
Work–family issues are integral to Australia’s future economic and social prosperity, and as a society we must find ways to make workforce participation easier for women of child-bearing age.[more]
There is a renewed focus on national and international responses to climate change and in particular, the design of a national emissions trading scheme.[more]
April 2008: This submission follows previous submissions on section 53C of the TPA, in which the BCA did not support the proposed amendments. [more]
Climate change policy must not disadvantage Australia’s competiveness and must ensure a smooth, long-term transition to a low-emissions economy in line with global action.[more]
March 2008: This submission argues that major barriers to reform in areas such as special purpose payments, state government financial management and infrastructure, are associated with poor cooperation between governments. [more]
March 2008: Cartel conduct is inconsistent with the efficient operation of markets, and the BCA has always supported the criminalisation of serious cartel conduct.[more]
The Australian corporate governance environment is overregulated, which creates major impediments to effective shareholder engagement. [more]
Those who are implementing and administering the workplace relations legislation must minimise risks to productivity, employment opportunities and inflation. [more]
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Creating a sustainable system of aged care services for Australia.
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The board proposes the BCA policy agenda and oversees the work of the BCA Secretariat and task forces.
All governments will need to substantially lift their game if COAG’s increasingly ambitious timetable is to be met.
Our membership is made up of the CEOs of 100 of Australia’s top companies, representing a range of industry sectors.