Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

Published by Chamber of Commerce and Industry Level 2, 24 Brisbane Avenue, Barton ACT 2600 P: 026270 8000 www.australianchamber.com.au ISBN 9780646534091

Editors Tracy Rieger Senior Manager - Membership, Marketing & Events [email protected]

Marie Hogg Senior Adviser, Media [email protected]

Design Australian Graphic Design www.australiangraphicdesign.com.au

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. CONTENTS

President’s Message 1 CEO’s Message 2 Membership Network 3 National Secretariat 9 Financial Snapshot 10 Our Board 11 Strategic Plan 2019-2022 12 Governance 13 2019 Year in Numbers 15 Media 16 Economics, Industry and Sustainability 17 Australian Chamber - Tourism 19 Workplace Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation 21 Workplace Relations 23 Trade and International Affairs 24 Education, Employment and Training 27 Submissions 29 ‘Small Business is A Big Deal’ Campaign 30 2018 Export Awards 31 2018 Business Leaders Annual Dinner & Cocktail Reception 32 Business Leaders Council Events 33 2019 Business Leaders Summit 40 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dr. Jeremy Johnson AM President

What an extraordinary difference a year makes. Last year the country was plagued by political instability and a Shorten Gov- ernment seemed a very real possibility.

Instead, we have now entered into a period of relative political calm after a definitive election outcome for the Coalition, to work with the Minister, Attorney-Gener- with Prime Minister and his al , and is supporting prac- Cabinet introducing measures to strength- tical and sensible improvements to make it en the economy and invest in the nation’s easier for people in business to hire and future. manage their workforce successfully.

ACCI now finds all its core policy areas at the Meanwhile, ACCI’s secretariat has gone forefront of the country’s political agenda. from strength to strength, welcoming Chief Trade and the US-China dispute continue Economist Ross Lambie on board to bolster to drive debate and the Chamber has made our advocacy efforts, and the media team bold efforts to encourage trade diversifica- has had an injection of new talent. tion while recognising the importance of our ongoing economic engagement with China. Our policy teams are enjoying a reinvigo- One example is the ongoing work of our rated relationship with their counterparts team in helping to bring about the Indone- on the hill and we look forward to a steady

2019 sia- Comprehensive Economic Part- three years of advocating on behalf of busi- nership. ness.

The skills shortage is now being scrutinised This will be my last message as President by the Coalition of Australian Governments of ACCI. I’d like to thank my colleagues and (COAG), with ACCI playing a key role as

Business Review members for the pleasure of leading the part of the new Vocational Education and chamber and look forward to my new role Training Stakeholder (VETS) Committee, as as Immediate Past President. To our CEO well as continuing to highlight the need for James Pearson: thank you for your unwav- increased numbers of skilled migrants. ering commitment to the chamber, you continue to lead the secretariat with great Industrial relations reform has been high- success. lighted by Mr Morrison’s government. ACCI’s industrial relations team continues Australian Chamber Annual Report and

1 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

CEO’S MESSAGE

James Pearson Chief Executive Officer

As the country’s peak business network, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has never been stronger.

Our membership now totals more than 80 chambers of commerce and industry associations, and around 150 Business Leaders Council and International Chamber of Commerce Australia members. This year this new term of government. And the impact alone, our numbers have swelled by nearly 30. of drought on regional business needs to be recognised and addressed. This speaks volumes about the latent power of ACCI and our capacity as a business We are rebooting our “Small Business is a policy powerhouse and an influential voice for Big Deal” election campaign, with a focus on business. mobilising members and effective use of digital and social media. The rollout will build Our events continue to be a drawcard for in momentum over the coming years to businesses and political leaders. We clocked ensure ACCI’s members are well placed in the up more than 60 over the year. lead up to the next Federal election.

After years of uncertainty in political We are promoting a practical approach to leadership, we are in a cycle where sensible, economic policy to help steer Australia evidence-based reform is possible. And in the through global economic and political tur- wake of a Coalition win, we have the clear air bulence as well as domestic challenges. That to advocate positively and work with govern- means close engagement between policy- ment and parliament on ways to make Australia makers and business, so that government a better place to do business to the benefit of decisions make it easier for Australian firms all Australians. to do business at home and with the world.

Our Business Leaders’ Summit went off I would like to thank my colleagues in the with a bang when called out big Secretariat for their inspired and tireless business for spending too much time on social work; our members for their generous causes and not enough on arguing for support and Jeremy Johnson and the Board economic reform that will benefit “middle for their counsel and leadership. Australians”. Together we amplify the voice of business. ACCI is focused on four policy pillars – economic reform, trade, skills and workplace relations - all of which are in the spotlight in

2 AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER NETWORK

The Australian Chamber is Australia’s of people. We focus on issues that impact on largest and most representative business business, including economic reform, energy, network. industry policy, trade and investment, work- place relations, work health and safety, and Our membership includes all state and employment, migration, education and train- territory chambers of commerce and over ing. 70 industry associations. Together we represent hundreds of thousands of We give Australian businesses a platform to businesses in every state and territory and advocate for free trade and open markets across all industries. Ranging from small and and influence policy decisions affecting busi- medium enterprises to the largest ness in national and global forums. companies, our network employs millions

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY MEMBERS

The combined power and influence of the peak business group in every Australian state and territory – the chamber network – gives Australian Chamber unrivalled geographic representation and reach. We aim to complement at the national level the work they do in their own jurisdictions. 2019

Business SA Canberra Chamber of Commerce and

Business Review Business Chamber Industry of

Victorian Chamber of Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce and Industry Northern Territory Commerce Queensland

NSW Tasmanian Chamber of Business Chamber Commerce and Industry Australian Chamber Annual Report and

3 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019 INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS As at September 2019

Industry associations bring sectoral horsepower and expertise at national, state and territory level, through their own networks, to boost our national policy and advocacy. Together with our chamber members, they represent the breadth and depth of the Australian economy and the businesses that drive it.

ACCORD Air Conditioning and Animal APRA Association of Australasia Mechanical Contractors’ Medicines AMCOS Financial Limited Association Australia Advisers

Association of Australia Arab Australian Australian Australian Cabinet Independent Chamber of Commerce Automotive Beverages and Furniture Schools of NSW & Industry Dealer Association Council Limited Association

Australian Australian Australian Australian Federation Australian Chiropractors Dental Dental Industry of Employers and Federation of Association Association Association Industries Travel Agents

Australian Australian Gift Australian Australian Australian Made Finance Industry & Homewares Hotels Institute of Credit Campaign Association Association Association Management Limited

Australian Australian Australian Mobile Australian Australian Meat Processor Mines & Metals Telecommunications Recording Industry Regional Corporation Association Association Association Tourism

4 Industry Association Members

Australian Restructuring Australian Australian Australian Australian Insolvency & Turnaround Retailers Roofing Tile Steel Institute Tourism Export Association Association Association Council

Australian Australian Boating Bus Industry Business Council of Trucking Tyre Industry Industry Confederation Co-operatives and Association Council Association Mutuals

Caravan Industry Cement Concrete Chemistry Concrete Masonry Consult Association & Aggregates Australia Association Australia of Australia Australia of Australia

Consulting Consumer CPA Cruise Lines Customer Surveyors Healthcare Products Australia International Owned Banking National Australia Association Association 2019 Business Review

Direct Exhibition & Event Fitness Gaming Governance Selling Association of Australia Technologies Institute of Australia Australasia Association Australia

Housing Independent Higher Independent International Large Format Industry Education Tertiary Education Education Association Retail Association Australia Council Australia of Australia Association Australian Chamber Annual Report and

5 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

Industry Association Members

Live Master Master Plumbers’ Medical Technology Medicines Performance Builders and Mechanical Association Australia Australia Australia Services of Australia

National Automotive National National Electrical National National Fire Leasing and Salary Disability & Communication Employment Industry Packaging Association Services Association Services Association Association

National NSW NSW Taxi Outdoor Pharmacy Retail Hire Car Council Media Guild Association Association Association of Australia

Print and Visual Recruitment, Consulting Restaurant Screen The Australian Communications and Staffing Association & Catering Producers Veterinary Association of Australia Australia & New Zealand Australia Australia Association

The National Think Brick Tourism Victorian Roads and Australia Training Automobile Motorists Association Australia Chamber of Commerce

6 BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL MEMBERS As at September 2019

The Australian Chamber Business Leaders Council was launched four years ago and has grown rapidly. The Council provides a platform for individual enterprises to directly engage with Australian Chamber activities through a busy calendar of events that facilitate networking between the corporate sector and political leaders.

British American Tobacco Australasia A2B Angus Knight City Tattersalls Eftpos Australia Group Club Australia

Academies Archerfield Brown & Commonwealth Bank Employers Mutual Australasia Group Partners Chase of Australia Management

Airbnb Arthur Campbell Page Corrs Chambers Energy Industries Australia J. Gallagher Westgarth Superannuation Scheme 2019

Allianz Bank of Certica Crown Google Australia Australia China Resorts and New Zealand Business Review

Allied Express Bendigo and Adelaide Chubb DXC Gow-Gates Transport Bank Technology Insurance Brokers

American BRI Citrus Dymocks Franchise National Heart

Australian Chamber Annual Report and Express Ferrier Group Systems Foundation (NSW) 7 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

Business Leaders Council Members

HCF (The Hospitals Mastercard Primary Communication Star Entertainment Ticketmaster Contribution Fund of Partners Group Australia)

Hearing Moneytech Procurement Stratium Tyre Stewardship Australia Australia Global Australia

Imperial Tobacco Australia

NBN Co Red Suncorp Uber Energy Australia

Intralot Netlinkz Resmed Sydney Visa AP Australia Airport (Australia)

iQ Group Paintback Samsung Electronics Sydney Flying Club Vodafone Global Australia trading as Sydney Hutchison Flight College

JLL Pfizer Sanofi Telstra Woolworths (Jones Lang LaSalle) Australia Group

Philip Morris Limited

Kingsway Southern Thales Australia Cross Group Australia

Laureate International PremierNational SPAR The University Universities ANZ / Australia of Notre Dame Torrens University Australia 8 NATIONAL SECRETARIAT As at September 2019

The Australian Chamber’s national secretariat delivers the Chamber’s activities on behalf of Members. Team members are based in Canberra, , Sydney and Perth.

CEO Office Corporate

James Pearson Lee-Anne Dean Stephen Schmidt Kathryn Lee Kelly Wu Michelle Straight Steve Hatzis Chief Executive Officer Executive Assistant to Company Secretary Financial Controller Finance Officer Executive Support Administration the CEO and Office Manager Officer Support

Membership, Marketing and Events Economics and Industry; Sustainability

Paul Nicolaou Tracy Rieger Nerida Pearson Jasmine Jiang Ross Lambie Peter Grist Daniel Popovski Director, Business Senior Manager, Executive Communications Chief Economist, Senior Economist, Senior Policy Adviser, Leaders Council, Membership and Support Officer and Events Economic & Industry Economic & Industry Economic & Industry Membership Marketing Coordinator Policy Policy Policy and Events

Employment, Education Workplace Relations and Training; Tourism 2019

Scott Barklamb Tamsin Lawrence Ingrid Fraser

Business Review Jenny Lambert Krithika Gururaj Director, Workplace Deputy Director, Senior Adviser, Director, Employment Senior Policy Adviser, Relations Workplace Relations Workplace Relations Education and Training Employment Education Director, Tourism and Training Policy Advisor, Tourism

Workplace Media and Trade and International Affairs Health and Safety Campaigns

Bryan Clark Andrew Willcocks Jennifer Low Marie Hogg Director, Trade and Associate Director, Director, Workplace Senior Adviser, International Affairs Trade and International Affairs Health and Safety Media Australian Chamber Annual Report and

9 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019 FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

2017/18 2018/19 Revenue & Expenditure $’000 $’000

Total revenue & other income 8,067 6,682

Total expenditure 8,134 6,505

Operating surplus/(deficit) (67) 177

Total comprehensive income 42 315

Assets & Liabilities Total assets 7,740 8,037

Total liabilities 1,497 1,478

Net assets 6,243 6,558

Strategic investment into improved systems and services In 2018/19 the Australian Chamber continued to invest in the website for campaign purposes, the customer relationship manage- ment system, outsourced its internal travel services and was an early adopter of the single touch payroll system to improve efficiencies and reduce administration.

Prudent financial stewardship A total of $315,000 was returned to equity comprising a surplus and growth in investments.

Strategic revenue growth Revenue in 2018/19 grew $205,000 from increased member subscriptions and Business Leaders’ Council subscriptions.

10 OUR BOARD

Dr Jeremy Johnson AM Ray Sputore Terry Wetherall James Pearson President Deputy President; Immediate Past President Chief Executive Officer President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia

Nola Watson Stephen Cartwright Nicolle Jenkins Chris Rodwell President, CEO, NSW Business Chamber Deputy President, CEO, Chamber of Commerce NSW Business Chamber Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia and Industry of Western Australia 2019

Don Rankin Mark Stone AM Tony Schiffmann Steve Knott AM

Business Review President, Victorian Chamber of CEO, Victorian Chamber President, Chamber of Commerce CEO, Australian Mines Commerce and Industry of Commerce and Industry and Industry Queensland and Metals Association

Nikki Govan External Business Director Australian Chamber Annual Report and

11 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

STRATEGIC PLAN 2019-2022

Our Vision Our Purpose Our Values To make Australia the Mobilise the ideas, in- Unity of purpose, best place in the world fluence and passion commitment to excel- to do business—so that of people in business lence, independence in Australians have the to achieve policy out- advocacy, respect for jobs, living standards comes in the national our stakeholders and and opportunities to interest. integrity in all that we which they aspire. do for our members.

Strategic priorities and initiatives that underpin them: To be the most influential voice of business: • Strengthen our networks of influence; • Leverage the political and news cycles; • Design and deliver advocacy campaigns and events with members;

To be a business policy powerhouse: • Provide thought leadership in; - Workplace relations; - Skills; - Trade; - Economic reform; • Leverage our members’ knowledge • Use international linkages effectively

To secure long-term financial sustainability: • Ensure membership model delivers compelling value; • Enhance efficiency and cost effectiveness of our operations; • Increase investment and sponsorship from business partners.

12 GOVERNANCE

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (the Australian Chamber) is a member based, not-for-profit company, which is limited by guarantee with a Board of Directors governed by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and Memorandum and Articles of Association. Membership comprises State and Territory Chambers of Commerce and Industry and National and State Industry Associations.

General Council General Council is a council of members In July 2019 the Chamber of Commerce and that oversights governance and determines Industry Queensland, nominated its policy on current issues, which provides a President Tony Schiffmann, to the Board of mandate for advocacy on matters of im- Directors. portance to the business community. It is advised by the Board, policy committees In October 2019, Nikki Govan was appointed and working parties that meet between to the Board position of External Business Council meetings. Senior office-bearers, Director. executives from the Australian Chamber’s member organisations, Australian Cham- The Board is supported by a number of Com- ber Board members, and senior members mittees including a Board Executive Commit- of staff attend General Council. Gener- tee, an Executive Management Group, and al Council usually meets three times each Board Subcommittee – Governance Review. year, in Canberra for one meeting and in These Committees operate under Charters other State and Territory jurisdictions on or Terms of Reference approved by the a national rotating basis. During the past Board. year, General Council met in Canberra in November 2018, Perth in March 2019 and Board Executive Committee Melbourne in July 2019. The President, The Board Executive Committee assists the Jeremy Johnson is Chair of General Council. Board in discharging its responsibilities by

2019 dealing with certain matters which arise Board between Board meetings. The Commit- The Board of Directors is responsible for tee monitors strategic risks, advises the corporate governance, performance mon- Board on corporate governance, oversights itoring, and the strategic direction of the financial activity, and reviews the effec- company. The Board is also responsible tiveness of the external audit and internal Business Review for ensuring that appropriate manage- controls. The Committee consists of the three ment structures are in place and operate office-bearers of the ACCI Board and the CEO. efficiently and transparently. Members at Jeremy Johnson is Chair. the Annual General Meeting elect Office Bearers and note the Eligible Chamber- Executive Management Group appointed Board members. At the 2018 Executive Management Group (EMG) Annual General Meeting, Jeremy Johnson provides support to the Board in achieving from the Victorian Chamber of Commerce objectives identified in the Strategic Plan and and Industry was re-elected President building a strong national chamber move- and Ray Sputore, from the Chamber of ment. The EMG consists of the CEOs of State Commerce and Industry of Western Australia and Territory Chambers of Commerce and was re-elected Deputy President. Industry. ACCI CEO, James Pearson is Chair. Australian Chamber Annual Report and

13 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

Governance Activities Key governance documents include the strategic issues, governance, and perfor- Strategic Plan, Risk Management Register, mance management. and Board agendas and support materials. These documents are used by the Board to KPMG provides independent audit services oversight administration and financial and has verified that the annual financial accountability. Underpinning business sys- statements provide a true and fair vie of tems and processes allow the Board to our finances and operations for the last play an appropriate and central role for financial year. The external auditor makes an ethical and responsible decision-making, annual declaration of independence. A and building capacity within the Austra- policy of rotation of audit partners is in place. lian Chamber. The Strategic Plan is a roll- KPMG attends relevant Board meetings and ing three year plan and was updated in July the Annual General Meeting to address any 2019 to cover the 2019-2022 period. The Risk member questions. Management Register is focused on strategic issues, which are reviewed regularly. Board meeting processes are structured to address

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Australian Chamber Annual Report and 69

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MEDIA

Senior Adviser: Marie Hogg

The Australian Chamber’s media and campaign effort is under new stewardship following the significant contribution made by Duncan Bremner and Emily Kennelly in the run up to and through the Federal Election.

Marie Hogg, who has run communications at both State and Federal Elections has come on board to expand media engagement and take ACCI’s national ‘Small Business is a Big Deal’ (SBIABD) campaign forward. The campaign will be geared to suit the needs of Australian SMEs with our members at heart of the campaign. A strong focus on digital and social media, with engaging and diverse content, will drive the campaign in its next phase.

We have been the leading business voice in policy areas critical to business success, including reform to workplace relations, red tape reduction, the country’s skills shortage, trade diversification shortage, energy policy and trade diversification.

We speak in a constructive voice backed by strong evidence and with the credibility of being Australia’s largest and most representative business network.

We advocate sound and practical reform to encourage private sector investment, business growth and job creation.

Paul Kelly, Editor-at-Large at The Australian, Treasurer and Australian Chamber CEO James Pearson in a panel discussion on the economy during the Federal Election Campaign

16 Chief Economist, Ross Lambie, with Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, at the 2019 Business Leaders Summit Opening Cocktails.

ECONOMICS, INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Director: Ross Lambie Committee Chair: Don Rankin, President, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

We renewed and expanded our team this Business is a Big Deal, placed small business year. Jenny Lambert led the team as Direc- front and centre leading up to the Federal tor for much of the period, Peter Grist joined election. We advocated on behalf of members as Senior Economist in January, and Daniel on matters affecting small business including Popovski returned as Senior Policy Adviser in the ACCC Digital Platform Inquiry, Intellectual March. The transition was completed with the Property Laws, the Payment Times Reporting 2019 appointment of Ross Lambie as Chief Econo- Framework, and Unfair Contract Terms. mist in September. The election year was an opportunity to The first half of the year was focused on the review our key policy priorities on energy, Federal Budget and the annual wage review. productivity, red tape reduction and tax

Business Review Our Pre-Budget submission encouraged the reform. We backed the need to integrate Government to continue its effort of -bud energy policy, emphasising cost reduction get repair, maintain its focus on achieving a and increased reliability as well as emissions Budget surplus in 2019-20 and reduce net reductions, and raised concerns about the public debt. unquantified economic impact of Labor’s 45% emissions reduction target. We prepared We made a number of submissions and submissions on the Collective Bargaining appeared alongside our workplace relations Class Exemption, the Prohibiting Energy team to encourage the Fair Work Commis- Market Misconduct Bill, the Australian sion to decide a moderate increase in mini- Domestic Gas Security Mechanism and mum and award wages, and reject the ACTU’s the Paris Agreement Commitments. We call to “change the rules” and implement a successfully lobbied for cuts in taxes for small, “living wage”. Our successful campaign, Small medium and family enterprises and an Australian Chamber Annual Report and

17 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

Environment Minister speaking at the Economics and Industry Policy Committee ECONOMICS, INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY

extension of the instant asset write off for industry strategy, Jenny Lambert on the Small SMEs. Business Stewardship Group and Daniel Popovski on the ATO Single Touch Payroll Taxation was another issue that split the Committee and the Standard’s Australia major parties. We welcomed the Artificial Intelligence Committee. Government’s personal income tax cuts and argued against Labor policies that would have The coming year will be a challenging time penalised aspiration and made it harder for for our economy as we continue to face businesses to succeed. domestic and international headwinds. Geopolitical and trade tensions are Other major submissions included the likely to remain while we contend with review of Illegal Phoenixing, Treasury Amend- lagging productivity growth, weaker ment Laws and penalties to abate the Black consumer confidence and faltering business Market Economy — we firmly opposed investment. proposed amendments to restrict the use of cash. Our knowledge and effective work With the support of the ACCI network, we in deregulation was acknowledged with ACCI aim to work effectively with Government to Trade lead, Bryan Clark being seconded as an identify and deliver sound reforms to support expert adviser to the Treasury Deregulation business to drive the economy. We thank our Taskforce to reduce obstacles for food and members for their work with us throughout agricultural exporting businesses. the year and will build on our collaborative efforts with members next year. We have been active in representing industry on Government working groups and commit- tees, with James Pearson joining the Manufac- turing Roundtable to shape the Government’s

18 Tourism Breakfast panel to discuss the importance of visitation and growth prospects with John Hart, Phillipa Harrison, Senator the Hon , Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Peter Shelley.

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER - TOURISM

Director: Jenny Lambert Executive Chair: John Hart

The Australian Chamber – Tourism’s work for Anthony Albanese MP and ongoing meet- the year was focused on the Federal Election ings with Austrade and Tourism Australia. Campaign in the lead up to the May Federal Member priorities included skills and labour elections. Our advocacy centered on ensuring issues facing tourism, airline and airport that campaigns from the Government and capacity constraints, the necessity to support the Opposition included significant commit- business events growth and tourism product

2019 ments to tourism and the release of a tourism development. In addition funding for Tourism policy platform. This objective was achieved, Australia, passenger movement infrastruc- with the Government committing $50 ture and visa regulations have been the million to develop and improve iconic tourism subject of strong advocacy through key infrastructure, a visa benchmarking review industry forums including the Tourism Access and the launch of the Beyond 2020 Strategy, Working Group. Business Review which Australian Chamber-Tourism has been heavily involved in developing. The Opposi- The Tourism Works for Australia mini- tion also released a comprehensive tourism campaign, which promoted the number of policy platform in the lead up to the Federal people employed in tourism and hospi- Election. tality by electorate, helped to stress the importance of tourism in the lead up to the Our pre-election policy position was Federal Election. We reinforced this message informed by policy roundtables with the at the local, state and national level through- Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, out 2018-2019. Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, the then Shadow Minister for Tourism, the Hon Australian Chamber Annual Report and

19 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

John Hart, Executive Chair of the Australian Chamber – Tourism, was appointed to the Board of Tourism Australia. This appoint- ment recognised his contribution and our work in support of tourism development, including the Beyond 2020 Strategy. Tourism Australia presented to the committee meetings throughout the year on changes in the positioning of Australian tourism in key markets.

A Coalition Friends of Tourism Lunch debated the issues of regional tourism with AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER a panel that included the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, the Assistant Minister - TOURISM for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Hon MP, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, and Mr Damian Robinson from Turalla Truffles. The focus of the discussion was on delivering for the regions particularly through Agri-tourism initiatives, supported by new Australian Chamber - Tourism member, the Australian Regional Tourism Ltd. In the first Parliamen- tary sitting week of the New Year, we hosted a Labor Friends of Tourism Cocktail Recep- tion featuring a panel discussion on the role of business events in generating tourism growth. A lively panel discussion between the now Opposition Leader, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Mr MP (Convenor of Labor Friends of Tourism), Ms Joyce DiMas- cio (CEO of the Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia) and Mr Steven Woods (from the National Convention Centre, Canber- ra) canvassed the business events bid fund, infrastructure issues and regional develop- ment. The year rounded out with strength- ened membership of Australian Chamber – Tourism, the release of the Beyond 2020 Working Group Report and a commitment by the reappointed Minister for Tourism to working with the Australian Chamber and the broader tourism industry.

20 WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Director: Jennifer Low Committee Chair: Nicolle Jenkins, Vice President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

WHS issues saw increasing Ministerial intervention and coverage by mainstream media. This was particularly evident for issues such as mental health, sexual harass- ment, silicosis (lung disease) and workplace fatalities. In January, we lodged a submission to the Department of Jobs and Small Business in response to the review of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) and contributed to the pre-budget submission calling for the re-establishment of Safe Work Australia (SWA) member grants to fund greater industry engagement and initia- tives in Work Health and Safety (WHS).

Our #PartandParcel campaign focusing on SMEs was extended, achieving considerable engagement with small business owners on social media, Small Business Commissioners and with SWA and the Independent 2019 Reviewer of the model WHS laws.

The first WHS&WC committee meeting for 2019- final ised the policy position statement on psychological risk and assisted ACCI’s Workplace Relations (WR) team in responding to the National Inquiry into Sexual Harass- Business Review ment in Australian Workplaces. The committee consol- idated our policy positions and arguments on key WHS recommendations from the report of the review into WHS laws in the lead up to submitting our response to the Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) in August.

ACCI continued as a member of the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance, to determine new governance arrangements and next steps in progressing the National Workplace Initiative following the Federal Budget announcement of $11 million in funding. Australian Chamber Annual Report and

21 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

We increased engagement with academ- A number of submissions were lodged ics, WHS and Mental Health Commission- including a submission to the Productivity ers, health and mental health agencies and Commission’s Inquiry into the Economic thought leaders internationally in prepara- Impacts of Mental Ill-Health and a response tion for increased dialogue around further to Safe Work Australia’sdraft evaluation regulation and prescription in psychological report for crystalline silica. health and health promotion. Our members helped to ramp up our efforts When responsibility for WHS moved to the with State WHS Ministers and the Federal Attorney-General’s Department after the May Government to caution against a significant 2019 election, we moved to foster strong reduction of the silica Workplace Exposure ties early with the WHS policy branch and Standard value based on widespread nega- Attorney General’s advisers. Reiterating our tive implications for the viability of businesses position advisers, we reiterated our position and employment in manufacturing, construc- on key issues such as the model WHS laws re- tion, mining and quarrying sectors. view, proposed industrial manslaughter provi- sions and the revised silica exposure standard Safe Work Australia launched the new Nation- standards, we also increased our engagement al Return To Work Strategy 2020-2030, which with the Office of Best Practice Regulation we worked on collaboratively with govern- (OBR), raising issues with the application of RIS ments, unions and business groups. processes to SWA reviews conducted this year. For National Safe Work Month we lever- aged our #smallbusinessbigdeal campaign ACCI took the lead on drafting new VET units platform with this year’s theme “to be a safety on Psychological Safety and Health and champion” to spotlight small business safety Return to work as a member of the working and innovation. group responsible for the overhaul of revised WHS VET qualifications.

22 WORKPLACE RELATIONS

Director: Scott Barklamb Committee Chair: Theresa Moltoni OAM

Workplace relations remained a central focus Attorney-General Christian Porter. We during 2018-19, with an active and unrelent- continued to engage and advocate for sen- ing debate in the lead up to and following the sible, practical and meaningful reform and election. The ACCI workplace relations team are playing a key role in the current consulta- worked hard to actively combat the ACTU’s tion process reviewing parts of the industrial “Change the Rules” campaign to amend the relations system. ACCI continues to facilitate Fair Work Act to the advantage of unions and and support our member network to bring the consequent damage to employment, ease evidence and influence to bear through our of doing business in Australia, and the econo- many submissions to government reviews. my. ACCI was the most robust business voice during the election campaign, challenging In the Federal Parliament, ACCI has lobbied union and opposition plans to change work- government, opposition and cross-bench place relations laws in damaging ways, and senators on workplace relations reform. advocating for changes to workplace relation We have represented businesses in a num- laws to better support job creation and doing ber of parliamentary inquiries including the business. Ensuring Integrity Bill and the Proper Use of Worker Benefits Bill. Significantly, a The ACCI workplace relations team disallowance motion seeking to overturn advanced employer interests with both of the the Casual Loading Offset Regulation, which Ministers who held the industrial relations seeks to protect employers from double- portfolio during 2018-19, Kelly O’Dwyer and dipping claims from casual workers (following 2019 Business Review

Tamsin Lawrence, Deputy Director - Workplace Relations, Scott Barklamb, Director - Workplace Relations, Ingrid Fraser, Senior Adviser – Workplace Relations joins Wes Lam- bert, CEO of Restaurant and Catering Australia at a panel workshop on “Wage Theft and Australian Chamber Annual Report and Non-Compliance in the Australian Labour Market: What Should Be Done?” 23 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

Scott Barklamb, Director – Workplace Relations joins head of the International Labour Office Asia Pacific and colleagues from Asia to discuss future work and to support the role of the private sector in Australia

the Full Federal Court decision in Workplace v minimum and award wages by 3% from 1 Skene) was defeated in the Senate following July 2019, following ACCI arguing for a more successful advocacy by ACCI and members to measured 1.8% increase and the ACTU seeking cross-bench senators. a 6% increase. Whilst significant and again in excess of inflation, this was a more moderate ACCI prosecuted the concerns of employ- outcome than those of 2017 and 2018. ACCI ers in relation to another decision of the Full continues to represent Australian employers Federal Court, Mondelez v AMWU, relevant to internationally, working alongside the Inter- the interaction of paid personal leave for shift national Organisation of Employers (IOE) to and part-time workers. Both the Minister and respond to a complaint made by the ACTU Mondelez announced their intention to seek that the Australian Building and Construction leave to appeal the decision in the High Court. Commission contravenes Australia’s treaty obligations. The International Labor Organ- We participated in various non-parliamentary isation (ILO) found there was no evidence inquiries, including the National Inquiry into of breaches. ACCI also took the leading role Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces representing employers from more than where our Committee Chair represented ACCI 180 countries on the new ILO convention on members. We put forward ideas to equip “Violence and harassment in the world of employers to better prevent, and respond to, work”. sexual harassment in the workplace. Tamsin Lawrence joined ACCI’s workplace In the Fair Work Commission, ACCI addressed relations team in November 2018 as a Full Bench on how it should exercise its Deputy Director – Workplace Relations, bring- new discretion in approving enterprise agree- ing to the Chamber experience working in ments containing ‘minor procedural or tech- government and in legal practice with some nical errors’, following the passage of amend- of Australia’s largest companies. Ingrid Fraser, ments to the Fair Work Act at the end of 2018, ACCI’s Senior Adviser on Workplace Relations, with the Full Bench substantially accepting the joined the Chamber from the policy team of arguments advanced by ACCI on how the new member organisation AMMA in September law should be applied. Following its major 2018. Ingrid has experience working with the annual review, and significant engagement Fair Work Commission, and in legal practice. and advocacy from ACCI, the Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel increased

24 TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Director: Bryan Clark ICC Australia National Committee Chair: Nola Watson, President, NSW Business Chamber

The International Chamber of Commerce Australia (ICC Australia) is a part of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is the conduit for Australian business to access international representation and take a seat at the global table, through the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the Business and Industry Advisory Com- mittee (BIAC) to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the United Nations (via ICC). We advocate on global policy positions affecting Australian business, includ- ing cross border trade and investment, information exchanges, foreign and strategic policy, transport, e-commerce and climate change.

One of our most significant achievements was- in volvement in organising and then presenting at the Indian Ocean Rim Trade Modernisation Conference in Durban, South Africa. Nola Watson, Chair of ICC Aus- 2019 tralia, and Bryan Clark, Director of ICC Australia, also participated in the Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum. This conference brought together a wide range of international groups and speakers and was attended by over 200 delegates. The Department of Foreign

Business Review Affairs and Trade (DFAT) acknowledged the valuable contribution made by ACCI in assisting to advance the trade agenda for the region.

Our direct engagement with ICC Australia’s global network was maintained with Bryan Clark attend- ing the ICC Centenary Knowledge Sharing Session in Paris, and James Pearson, Nola Watson and ICC Australia team member Andrew Willcocks partici- pating in the ICC World Chambers Congress in Rio De Janeiro, the NSW Business Chamber and Cham- Australian Chamber Annual Report and

25 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

ber of Commerce Northern Territory. Engagement reduction from a holistic economy-wide position, with ICC in Rio produced new opportunities for supporting Australian businesses, in particular small Australian chambers with ICC’s policy drive towards to medium enterprises. block chain-related disciplines in the trade and trade facilitation space. We had great success promoting our global trade policy products in 2019, with the rollout of the We have made numerous policy submissions on Official ICC Incoterms 2020 workshops across Austra- trade and investment issues across the year. These lia. The ICC Incoterms rules are standard ‘trade terms’ include submissions for the Biosecurity Levy Steering used in international and domestic sale contracts to Committee relating to the impacts of the proposed allocate certain obligations, costs and risks between levy on vital Australian business and an influen- the seller and the buyer. Over 180 people attend- tial submission to the Joint Standing Committee on ed the workshops, with more demand immediately Treaties to endorse the Indonesia-Australia Compre- following the events. hensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-A CEPA) and the Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA). We are receiving increasing support for our persistent advocacy for independent economic analysis of the benefits of Trade Agreements and for Australian business to be involved more closely, and at an earlier stage, in Trade Agreement regulation.

We made an important policy submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Trade & Investment Growth Inquiry into supporting Australia’s exports and attracting investment. We encouraged the Austra- lian Government to approach tariff and red-tape

Workshops were held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane, by international Incoterms 2020 expert Mr Bob Ronai and Mr Bill Cole of BDO

26 EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

Director - Employment Education and Training: Jenny Lambert Committee Chair: Denita Wawn, CEO, Master Builders Australia

Reform of the Vocational Education and makers. The Roundtable was followed by a Training (VET) sector has been centre Morning Tea Panel Discussion with Minis- stage for much of the year. A Review of ter Cash which was well attended by mem- Australia’s VET sector was announced by the bers keen to hear the Government’s plan for Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP the VET sector. The key message from the at the Australian Chamber’s Annual Dinner Minister was that industry would be at the in 2018. The Australian Chamber provided a heart of the VET system with announced comprehensive and considered submission reforms co-designed by industry. Minister to the review, led by the Hon Steven Joyce. Cash also established a VET Stakeholder The report, ‘Strengthening Skills’, on Austra- Committee to inform the reform process with lia’s VET sector coincided with the 2019-20 the Australian Chamber represented on the Federal Budget. The Budget included a Committee by Jenny Lambert. The Australian Skills Package, initiatives in response to the Chamber is heavily involved in the reform Report’s recommendations such as the agenda with submissions made to the review National Careers Institute, the National Skills of the Australian Apprenticeships Nation- Commission and the Skills Organisations al Skills Needs List and early input into the Pilots to name a few. The Australian Chamber Industry Training Hubs and Skills Organisa- has been actively engaged throughout the tions Pilots. Reform process with the re-appointed Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and 2019 Family Business, Senator the Hon Michae- lia Cash, Assistant Minister for VET and Apprenticeship, Hon Steve Irons MP, and the Department.

Business Review The Australian Chamber held a Tertiary Education Roundtable in June inviting our broad membership to discuss the future of Australia’s Tertiary Education landscape and the direction of future VET reforms. The Roundtable was a success with members contributing to the Australian Chamber’s formal response to the Joyce Review and guiding future discussions with policy Dr Jeremy Johnson AM, President, Australian Chamber with Senator the Hon , Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business and Don Rankin, President, Victorian Chamber at a Morning Tea Panel Discussion Australian Chamber Annual Report and

27 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

James Pearson and Jenny Lambert meeting Assistant Minister for VET and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP to discuss vocational education and skills

The Australian Chamber also engaged with Australian Chamber made submissions to the Minister Cash on the Employment Services Inquiry into the New Skilled Regional Reform agenda, stemming from the Report Visas Bill 2019 and the Inquiry into Migra- by the Employment Services Expert Advisory tion in Regional Australia. We also contin- Panel and is represented on the New Employ- ued to pursue a review of the occupation ment Services Trial Reference Group. We also classifications, ANZSCO, a critical piece of made submissions to the Inquiry into Jobs for statistical infrastructure in the employment, the Future in Regional Areas and are engaging education and migration landscape. Members with the Youth Jobs PaTH employer led pilots. have expressed the urgency in the need for a major review of ANZSCO, with the Australian Our advocacy was active on migration, Chamber exploring all avenues to advocate too. A major policy statement entitled including with the Minister for Immigration, Migration Works for All of Us was released in the Minister for Employment and Skills, the December 2018 to coincide with COAG Assistant Treasurer, various Departmental discussions on migration caps and popula- agencies who use the infrastructure as well tion policy. Engagement continued after the as the Australian Bureau of Statistics. election with a focus on practical steps that can be taken to improve access to the skilled migration program for employers, progressed through a series of meetings with the Minister for Immigration, the Hon David Coleman MP and the Department, as well as through our membership of the Global Talent Industry Advisory Group. Regional migration has been a specific focus of the Morrison government, and the

28 SUBMISSIONS

1. Office of Trade Negotiations, Depart- 18. Default Market Offer Price (March 2019) ment of Foreign Affairs and Trade Soft 19. Submission: Proposed Biosecurity Levy Power Review (October 2018) (April 2019) 2. Modernising Business Registers & Direc- 20. Productivity Commission Inquiry into the tor Identification Numbers legislation Economic Impacts of Mental Ill-Health (October 2018) (April 2019) 3. Free Trade Agreement between Australia 21. WES review – Release 1 (RCS) Safe Work and the Republic of Peru (Peru FTA) - Australia evaluation of Workplace ex- revisited (November 2018) posure standards for airborne contami- 4. Inquiry into the effectiveness of the nants (May 2019) current Temporary Skilled Visa System in 22. Submission: Border Permits Review (May targeting genuine skills shortages 2019) (December 2018) 23. Fair Work Laws Amendment (Proper Use 5. Submission to the Vocational Education of Worker Benefits) Bill 2019 [provisions] and Training Review (January 2019) (August 2019) 6. 2019-20 Pre-Budget Submission (January 24. Treasury Laws Amendment (2019 Tax 2019) Integrity and Other Measures No. 1) Bill 7. Australian Chamber-Tourism: 2019-20 2019 (August 2019) Pre-Budget Submission (February 2019) 25. Intellectual Property Laws Amendment 8. Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct (Productivity Commission Response Part (February 2019) 2 and Other Measures) Bill 2019 9. Digital Platforms Inquiry – Preliminary (August 2019) Report (February 2019) 26. 2019 Review of the Australian Domestic 10. Inquiry into the Victorian On-Demand Gas Security Mechanism (August 2019) Workforce (February 2019) 27. CCA Advice on Meeting the Paris Agree- 2019 11. National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment ment (August 2019) in Australian Workplaces (February 2019) 28. Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas: 12. Education and Employment Legislation Submission to the Senate Select Commit- Committee – Fair Work Amendment tee into Jobs for the Future in Regional (Right to Request Casual Conversion) Bill Areas (September 2019) Business Review 2019 (February 2019) 29. New Skilled Regional Visas (Consequen- 13. Payment Times Reporting Framework tial Amendments) Bill 2019 [Provisions] (March 2019) (September 2019) 14. Australian Business Securitisation Fund 30. Review of the Australian Apprenticeships Inquiry (March 2019) National Skills Needs List (September 15. Beyond 2020 Tourism (March 2019) 2019) 16. Review of Australian Qualifications 31. Migration in Regional Australia (Septem- Framework (March 2019) ber 2019) 17. 2018-19 Annual Wage Review (March 2019) Australian Chamber Annual Report and

29 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

‘SMALL BUSINESS IS A BIG DEAL’ CAMPAIGN

Media, Membership, Marketing and Events Teams

Building on the success of the 2013 Small Business Too Big To Ignore campaign, the Australian Chamber launched 2013 Small Business Too Big To Ignore campaign to coincide with the May 2019 Federal Election. The aim was to work with our members to create awareness in key electorates and with key political stakeholders about why small business is a big deal and to advocate for better work- place relations, to stop the collapse in skills and reduce energy costs.

Using in-depth research results, the campaign targeted specific electorates with tailored messaging alongside a broader national campaign. Using platforms and materials such as digital display ads on national, metro and other popular websites, we achieved 9.6 million online views. Social media adver- tising on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube reached 4.3 million views. Communications featured links to our campaign website where visitors were invited to show their support by signing up to the campaign or requesting supporter packs.

In the media, the chamber was mentioned in 364 items. This coverage reached a cumulative audience of 42 million people, with the equivalent advertising space rate of $4.9 million.

Small Business is a Big Deal will continue as a platform for us to lobby on key issues, a forum for small business, and to provide the public and people in small business a way to ensure their voices are heard – and decision-makers in Canberra listen.

NSW Business Chamber Breakfast with the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, supported by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta

30 2018 EXPORT AWARDS

Senior Manager – Membership and Marketing: Tracy Rieger

The 56th Australian Export Awards ceremony was held in Canberra on the 27th November 2018 before an audience of 430 guests. Hosted by Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Export Awards saw 13 national category winners announced at the ceremony.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) partner to present this national program, one of the longest running business awards programs in Australia.

The Awards measure businesses against their peers based on the strength of their international growth, marketing and financial strategies. Recognising excellence in fields such as Agribusiness, Business Services, Creative Industries, Digital Technologies, e-Commerce, Education & Training and more, the Austrade Export awards is supported by many of Australia’s leading corporations, export facilitators and industry groups and is a high priority of the Federal Government.

Aspen Medical from ACT was named ‘Exporter of the Year’. Celebrating its 15th year of exporting quality health- care, the company has provided primary healthcare, emergency healthcare, training, consultancy, 2019 medical evacuations and clinics in 16 countries on three continents. The company was also awarded the Health and Biotechnology Award which James Pearson presented. Business Review

The Hon Simon Birmingham opens the 56th Australian Export Awards

James Pearson presents the Health and Biotechnology Award to Aspen Medical CEO, Bruce Armstrong Australian Chamber Annual Report and

31 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

2018 BUSINESS LEADERS ANNUAL DINNER & COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison joined 350 guests at the Australian Chamber Business Leaders annual Dinner at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra in November.

32 BUSINESS LEADERS COUNCIL EVENTS

October November

Cassandra Smith, Asia Pacific Public Policy Director at MasterCard, Chris Siorokos Asia and Andrew Leigh MP, Rebecca Kenny, Certica CEO, the Hon Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Shadow Minister for MP, Leader of the House and Minister for Defence and Competition and Productivity; Trade in Services; Adam Goodes, Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Charities and Not-For-Profits. 7 November - Reception Consortium (iDiC) CEO. 8 October- Sydney lunch at at MasterCard Ernst & Young Sydney 2019 The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education and Claire Rawlins, Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor – Training and Shadow Minister for Women speaks on APAC for Salesforce with the Hon Ed Husic MP, Shadow Education & Training policy to members in Sydney. Minister for Human Services and Shadow Minister for 15 November Luncheon at Clayton Utz, Sydney the Digital Economy. 30 October Reception at MinterEllison, Sydney Business Review

The Hon MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Nick Kaldas APM MAICD, Chairman Stratium Global, Karen Webb APM, NSW Police Force Assistant Commissioner and Former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh. 19 November Dinner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Sydney Australian Chamber Annual Report and

33 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

December February

Ben Lazzaro Australian Made Campaign CEO and ACCC Co-authors; Professor Natalie Stoianoff, Fred Chilton, Commissioner Roger Featherston. 5 December Professor Ann Monotti with Michael Schwager, Director Christmas Drinks with Australian Competition and General, IP Australia & facilitator Katherine Giles, from Consumer Commission (ACCC) at Red Energy, MinterEllison. 5 February “Commercialisation of Intellectual Melbourne Property” book launch at Glover Cottages in Sydney

Lou Jardin, CEO, SPAR Australia with Julie Owens MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business and the Australian Chamber President Jeremy Johnson with the Shadow Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Hon MP, Federal Member for Curtin at Corrs Multicultural Australia. 28 February - Reception at Westgarth Chambers. 17 December - Christmas Drinks MasterCard in St Leonards Reception in Sydney

Department of Health Secretary Glenys Beauchamp PSM with Josh Bihary Manager of Government Relations and External Affairs at Pfizer and Australian Chamber Health Group Chair Facilitator, Nigel Ward, ABLA with Sue Bussell AM, Martin Bowles PSM. 19 December - The Inaugural Australian KPMG, Denita Wawn, Master Builders Australia, Chamber Health Forum at PWC, Sydney Hon Justice Iain Ross AO President, Fair Work Commission & James Pearson. 19 February - Luncheon at KPMG in Melbourne

34 March

The Hon Jason Clare MP, Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment with Stephen Cartwright, CEO NSW Business Chamber. 26 March The Hon MP, Assistant Treasurer Australian Chamber’s 4th National Trade Survey with Helen Gordon, CEO, Australian Finance Results Launch & Lunch at the Sydney Business Industry Association. 12 March - Reception with Chamber, Sydney the Hon Stuart Robert MP, at Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Melbourne

18 & 20 March Cyber National Security Dinner James Pearson interviews small business owners; and Luncheon with Don Codling, Former Unit Nino, Restaurant Owner from Sydney, Peter, Electrical Chief of the FBI Cyber Division & Nick Kaldas, 2019 Contractor from Alexandria and John, Printing business Former Deputy NSW Police Commissioner at owner from Marrickville. 27 March’s SMALL BUSINESS PwC Melbourne IS A BIG DEAL Federal Election Campaign Launch at Doltone House, Sydney Business Review

The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP Minister for Jobs and Rebecca Mills, Director, Modern Slavery Business Engagement Industrial Relations, Minister for Women with Unit, Department of Home Affairs, Chris Kerrigan, Global Lama Tiavo, Victorian Chamber of Commerce Compact Network Australia, Facilitator - Joe Murphy, ABLA and Industry, 29 March - Industrial Relations and Professor Jennifer Burn, Interim Anti-slavery and the Economy – Australia at the Crossroads, Commissioner for NSW. 21 March - Modern Slavery morning tea at the Victorian Chamber of Reporting – A new obligation – How will it work?

Australian Chamber Annual Report and Commerce and Industry, Melbourne

35 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

April May

Samantha Read, CEO, Chemistry Australia, Elizabeth McIntyre, Group CEO, Think Brick Australia, Pat Conroy MP Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure. 1 May -The Federal Campaign Breakfast Briefing at JLL

9 April -Post Federal Budget 2019 reception with Senator the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, Liberal Senator for NSW and Dr Jim Chalmers MP, Shadow Minister for Finance at Clayton Utz

Dr Jeremy Johnson AM, President, Australian Chamber, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Treasurer and Karyn Sobels, 10 April – With the NSW Business Chamber, 2019 Deputy President, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Federal Budget Briefing Luncheon with the Treasurer Industry supported by the Australian Chamber of of Australia, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP at Doltone Commerce and Industry. 7 May Breakfast at Zinc House Hyde Park Federation Square, Melbourne.

Facilitator, James Pearson, Mark Carkeet, Brisbane Partner, MinterEllison, John Pierce AO, Chair, Australian Energy Market Commission, Philippa Kelly, CEO, Large 8 May - NSW Business Chamber Breakfast with the Prime Format Retail Association and Stephen Cartwright, Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, supported by the CEO, NSW Business Chamber. 11 April – Energy Forum Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at at MinterEllison, Sydney Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta

36 May June

Glenn Maguire, Principal Asia Pacific Econo- Brian Loughnane AO, Former Liberal Party Federal mist, Visa and Wes Lambert, CEO, Restaurant & Director, Megan Motto, CEO, Governance Institute, Catering Association. 3 June – Reception at Visa, Bruce Hawker, Labor Campaign Strategist & Commentator. Sydney 16 May - the Federal Campaign Overview and Reception in Sydney

Samantha Read, CEO, Chemistry Australia, John Pierce AO, Chair, Australian Energy Market and Mark Carkeet, Partner, MinterEllison. 6 June – MinterEllison, Sydney

The Hon Wayne Swan MP, ALP Federal President, the Hon Nick Greiner AC, Liberal Party Federal President, Facilitator, Nola Watson, President, NSW Business Chamber. 9 May – Federal Campaign Discussion & Reception in Sydney 2019

The Hon Dr Craig Emerson, Former Federal Labor Minister, Professor James Bacchus, Global Commission on Trade & Investment Policy, International Chamber of Commerce, Dianne Tipping, Chair, Export Council of Australia. 11 June – Morning Tea at KPMG Business Review

Steve Knott AM, CEO, Melina Morrison, CEO, AMMA and Senator the Hon Business Council of Michaelia Cash, Minister for Co-operatives and Mutuals Employment, Skills, Small and the Hon Ben Morton and Family Business. 27 June MP, Assistant Minister to – Morning Tea at Pitcher the Prime Minister and Australian Chamber Annual Report and Partners Cabinet. 28 June – Round- table Breakfast at Lander & 37 Rogers Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

July August

James Pearson, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Treasurer & Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Trade, Renee Viellaris, Federal Political Editor, The Courier-Mail (Q&A Tourism and Investment, Phillipa Harrison, Managing Facilitator). 16 July - Luncheon at the Hilton, Brisbane. Hosted Director, Tourism Australia, Peter Shelley, Managing by Australian Chamber in conjunction with Chamber of Director, ATEC and John Hart, Executive Chair, Australian Commerce & Industry Queensland Chamber – Tourism . 6 August – Breakfast at City Tattersalls Club, Sydney

Karen Gomez, Chief Executive Officer, Paintback with Rod Sims, Chair, ACCC. 12 August –Drinks Reception, Melbourne Stephanie Bird, Chief Operating Officer, Certica, John Pierce AO, Chairman, Australian Energy Market Commission, Rebecca Kenny, Chief Executive Officer, Certica. 18 July – Energy Forum at MinterEllison, Sydney

Neil Glentworth, Founder and Chair, GWI (Q&A Facilitator), Stephen Tait, Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce Suresh Manickam, Chief Executive Officer, National Electrical and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), Elizabeth McIntyre, Group and Communications Association with the Hon John Barilaro CEO, Think Brick Australia & the Hon Michael McCormack MP, MP, Deputy Premier of NSW. 25 July – Roundtable Breakfast Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport at Clayton Utz, Sydney and Regional Development. 22 August – Breakfast at The Grove. Sponsored by Suncorp and hosted by the Australian Chamber in conjunction with CCIQ

Australian Chamber in conjunction with NSW Business Cham- ber. Breakfast with the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Deputy Alan Kohler AM, Financial Expert and Nicki Hutley, Partner, Prime Minister of Australia, Minister for Infrastructure, Trans- Deloitte Access Economics. 28 August – “It’s Your Money” port and Regional Development. 26 July – The Hilton, Sydney Book Launch Breakfast at Lander & Rogers, Sydney 38 September

Dr Zoran Bolevich, Chief Executive and Chief Cindy Carpenter, Chair, Bread & Butter Information Officer, eHealth NSW and Ruchi Kanajio, Project & the Hon John Barilaro MP, Policy Manager, Medical Technology Association of Deputy Premier of NSW. 25 September Australia. 5 September – Health Forum and Morning – Roundtable Breakfast at Tea at PWC, Sydney MinterEllison, Sydney 2019 SUMMIT OPENING COCKTAIL RECEPTION 2019 Business Review Australian Chamber Annual Report and

39 Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019

2019 BUSINESS LEADERS SUMMIT

Over the years, the Business Leaders ter and Cabinet, the Hon Ben Morton MP; Summit has become a not-to-miss Deputy Government Whip in the Senate, Chair event, bringing together members, of the Education and Employment Legislation politicians, business leaders, policy makers, Committee; Senator the Hon James McGrath; regulators and influencers at Parliament Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism, House in Canberra to network and find Senator the Hon and pan- ways to make Australia more competitive. ellists included Jason Falinski MP. Sponsored 160 guests and over 40 politicians kicked by Google, the Summit also heard how local off on the 11th September with an evening businesses are seizing the digital opportuni- reception addressed by Trade Minister the ty in unique ways. Moderated by Australia’s 2019 SUMMIT OPENING Hon Simon Birmingham MP and Shadow favourite small business champion, David Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers MP. Next morn- Koch, panellists included Google Austra- ing, the conference was opened formal- lia’s Head of Small Business Marketing, Rich COCKTAIL RECEPTION ly by the Treasurer, the Hon Josh Fryden- Flanagan, Dr Andrew Charlton of econom- berg MP and ACCI Deputy President, Ray ics consulting firm AlphaBeta, James Ravens Sputore. The Summit explored explored of Bridestowe Lavender, and Chris and Toni issues in Economics, Skills & Education, Nightingale of My Teddy – Personalised Gifts. Government Relations, Small Business, Tourism and more.

Addresses were provided by Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash; Assistant Minister to the Prime Minis-

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