The Business Council of Australia strives for a stronger Australia.
We work to ensure Australia is economically strong to support a fair, free and inclusive society for all Australians.
Formed with the overarching purpose of strengthening our economy to the benefit of all Australians
Our beginnings:
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In 1983 – with our economy in serious decline – Prime Minister Bob Hawke called on the business community to come together and to better organise.
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The Business Council of Australia (BCA) was formed in August/September 1983 by the merger of the Australian Industry Development Association (AIDA) and the Business Round Table. The BCA brought together the best features of these two organisations including a strong tradition of research-based advocacy and a forum for chief executive involvement in the details of policy development.
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On September 2, the BCA was officially launched by Prime Minister Bob Hawke and the Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Peacock at the gathering of national leaders.
Our role in Australia’s success story
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Since the BCA’s inception, Australia has undergone a fundamental shift in thinking about its place in the world and the structural adjustments necessary to the economy for us to compete and maintain our standards of living.
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A powerful lesson from the first 10 years was that good ideas will prevail if champions of them are well organised, patient and determined. The rise of the idea of national competitiveness as an imperative — championed by the BCA over the period — illustrates the point.
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We pride ourselves on being member-led, today representing over 120 Australia’s leading companies. Since 1983, chief executives from across the economy have steered and chaired our policy committees, ensuring our work is evidence-based, credible and impactful.
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We have continued to play a key role in articulating the need for reform, advocating and advancing policy and public debate on national interest issues as diverse as workplace, tax and productivity reform, sustainable development, energy and climate, immigration, national interest and training and innovation — over the years, we have played a major role in Australia’s overall success story.
Our vision is for a strong Australia that is globally competitive, productive, fair and inclusive — now and for future generations.
The BCA is ambitious for Australia. We aspire to drive increased prosperity and lift living standards for all Australians, leveraging our collective expertise and influence to shape a bright and innovative future for businesses, industries and communities.
As the nation’s pre-eminent voice for business, we bring together the expertise and insights of our members to develop and advocate for policies and practical solutions that move the country forward.
Three core pillars which guide our efforts.
Globally Competitive
Australia must remain globally competitive, fostering a business environment that drives investment at home and attracts international investment to our shores.
Productive
Australia must prioritise productivity, creating an environment that supports education and entrepreneurship, fosters technological advancement, and ensures a dynamic, sustainable and resilient economy for future generations.
Fair and inclusive
Australia must strive towards equality of opportunity, lifting economic participation and delivering improved living standards for all. Australia’s policy settings must be intergenerationally fair.
Our approach
The Business Council of Australia represents Australia’s largest employers. We develop and advocate for policy that raises living standards for all Australians. Explore how we make a difference.
Leaders shaping
Australia’s future
The Business Council of Australia brings together the experience and capability of chief executives and their teams from across a diverse range of industries to develop common-sense, trusted and evidence-based policies. Our members collaborate on new ways of thinking and mobilise for significant impact.
As the voice of the nation’s largest employers, we lead the way on constructively contributing their ideas, feedback and issues directly with governments and key decision-makers.
