Our work
2023 - 2024 policy platform
The Business Council will anchor its advocacy priorities in the following key policy platforms:
- Australia remains an open, competitive, trading nation that supports private enterprise, free markets and innovation and entrepreneurship through efficient supply chains and access to talent.
- A modern, diversified and resilient economy underpinned by stronger productivity, research, innovation and competitiveness, a tax system that drives investment and a regulatory environment that makes it easier to do business and meets community expectations.
- Australia pursues a national goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, including working on a 2035 target, through a coordinated and well managed transition that drives investment in new technologies, develops new export industries, preserves energy security and affordability and actively supports regions and communities.
- A simplified workplace relations framework that supports productive, inclusive, flexible and diverse workplaces that maximise the potential of employees and businesses, supports innovation and competitiveness, and includes policy settings to encourage equity through greater economic participation.
- Australia should lead the world in talent, skills and capabilities, driven by a world class modern education, research and training system and complemented by an effective, targeted skilled migration program that tackles immediate workforce shortages and resets skilled migration to drive innovation and productivity.
- Empowerment of Indigenous Australians through full participation in the Australian economy and constitutional recognition of a Voice to the parliament.
Paid parental leave changes to better support female workforce participation and economic growth
18 March 2024
The Business Council of Australia says bringing paid parental leave up to 26 weeks by 2026 will better support female participation in the workforce and grow the economy. BCA Chief...
The Government’s decision to remove “nuisance” tariffs is a win for businesses and consumers
11 March 2024
The Business Council welcomes the Government’s proposal to remove almost 500 “nuisance” tariffs as a win for businesses and consumers. Business Council Chief Executive Bran Black said the move shows...
Treasurer’s Productivity Commission review is a step in the right direction
15 March 2024
The Business Council says the plan, by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, to develop more reform options to lift Australia’s productivity, particularly with the states and territories, is a good first step....
BCA President Geoff Culbert AFR Business Summit Speech
12 March 2024
***Check against delivery*** This is my first speech as President of the BCA, and I’m going to make some pretty direct comments. But before I start, I want to make it absolutely clear that what I’m about to say is not a criticism of the Government, the...