Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review Australian Chamber Annual Report and Business Review 2019
Published by the Australian 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 Scott Morrison and his al Christian Porter, 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-Australia 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 Ben Morton 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 Western Australia
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, Melbourne, 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
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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
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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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