Business support for coordinated approach to global financial crisis

In the lead up to this weekend's meeting Washington of the G20 leaders, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( ACCI) expresses strong support for the approach of the Australian Government in seeking to extend the coordinated and cooperative response to the global economic slowdown.

It is becoming clear that several economies including China, UK, USA and New Zealand have or are considering tax cuts as part of their armoury to arrest the effects of the economic slowdown. Given Australia's relatively strong budget, this should also be a serious option for the domestic economy.

To date, coordinated international effort has yielded greater stability in capital markets and growing confidence in lending arrangements between banks with consequent reductions in borrowing cost flowing to customers.

Employers welcome new tool to combat sexual harassment

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry' (ACCI) has welcomed today's launch by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Ms Elizabeth Broderick of Effectively Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment: a Code of Practice for Employers.

The 50 page code, and accompanying quick guide, provides employers with a practical, down to earth introduction to manage sexual harassment, employers' obligations and liabilities, and practical ideas for preventing and responding to unacceptable conduct. It was drafted in cooperation with ACCI's workplace relation policy team.

Recent Australian Human Rights Commission data indicates a decrease in sexual harassment during the past 5 years, with the incidence of sexual harassment falling from28% of employees personally reporting harassment in 2003, to 20% in 2008.

2008-09 NSW Mini-Budget

Today's State Mini-Budget will deliver more pain for business at a time when they are already doing it tough and amid the economic slowdown and rising unemployment. Hikes to taxes announced by the Government including land tax, CTP insurance, coal levies, non recycled waste, ferry travel, parking charges, harbour tolls and other business taxes, will hit businesses at a time they can least afford it.

NSW is facing a deficit of $917 million in 2008-09, but the Budget is forecast to return to surplus the following year. The NSW Business Chamber called on the government to take all necessary steps to maintain the state's AAA credit rating and on that front we welcome promised cuts to the size of the SES and a freeze on all non-frontline public servants until the middle of next year. But missing is a whole of government plan to identify and eliminate inefficient work practices.

ACCI welcomes car industry plan

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) welcomes the Australian Government's plan for the automotive industry, A New Car Plan for a Greener Future.

The plan will promote technological development and improve the skills of the automotive sector. A New Car Plan for a Greener Future will also help industry increase its responsiveness to changing market conditions, especially increased demands for more fuel efficient vehicles.

ACCI particularly welcomes the reduction of the automotive tariff to 5% in 2010. Tariff reductions play an integral role in facilitating Australia's engagement in competitive global trade. Australia must look to a competitive future forged from an efficient and techonolgy-rich industry rather that relying on tariffs which intimately cost Australian jobs.

.Faster rate reduction pass-on for business in critical

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) notes today's release of the quarterly RBA Statement on Monetary Policy, which highlights worsening international and domestic economic conditions.

The RBA forecast for GDP growth in 2008-09 of 1.5% reflects the severity of the slowdown demonstrated in ACCI surveys of current trading conditions and very subdued expectations over the next several quarters. Continuing international

weakness and in particular the declining growth outlook of our trading partners, which on an export-weighted bases is expected to be a mere 2.25% in2009, will place a strain on Australia's economic performance.

Senate Urged to Release Brakes on National OHS Reform

The Business Council of Australia urges the Senate to remove a potential hand brake on business activity by reconsidering amendments to the Bill establishing SafeWork Australia in the Parliamentary Sessions ressuming from the week. BCA CEO, Katie Laher, said the removal of any barriers to the efficient operation of businessses were een more important in tough economic conditions.

.Willoughby City Council Opposes a 67% Price Increase for Street Lighting.

WCC is one of thirty four Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter-area Councils that have raised strong objections to a proposed 67% increase in street lighting pricing by Energy Australia.

In submissions to the Australian Energy Regulator, Councils contend that EnergyAustralia's proposed increase is not supported by its own modelling or consistent with benchmark's elsewhere. If approved by the regulator, Energy Australia's pricing will result in a shift of funding from direct services delivery by Council to EnergyAustralia.

Mayor Pat Reilly said "Street lights are essential community infrastructure that help prevent crime and the fear of crime. This proposed 67% increase comes on top of 40% increases Council has already faced over the past four years."