NSW’s largest business organisation, NSW Business Chamber, has welcomed the initiative of the Federal Government to bring together representatives from business, unions, government and academia for a Future Jobs Forum next month.
“The Australian economy is facing a new industrial revolution. New technologies, international competition, a high exchange rate, and greater expectations from customers are combining to place new pressures on Australian businesses to adapt or go under,” said Stephen Cartwright, CEO of NSW Business Chamber.
“The Future Jobs Forum comes at an opportune time to debate the key challenges to the Australian economy’s existing industry mix and where they will be positioned in the next decade and beyond.
“This needs to be a constructive forum, not just a way for the Government to tick the box on the community’s concerns about jobs and the future of the national economy.”
Mr Cartwright said the Future Jobs Forum should identify solutions to the challenges facing Australian businesses including:
- The future of manufacturing - how will manufacturers cope with a high Australian dollar, carbon tax and international competition?
- Fair Work Act – is the Act working the way it was intended to and what reforms are required to support job creation, innovation and productivity growth?
- Challenges facing retailers – what does the increasing popularity of online retailing mean for the future of brick and mortar retailers?
- Carbon Tax – does Australia’s ‘go it alone’ approach to climate change increase pressure on Australian businesses and place them in an unfair and uncompetitive position?
- Taxation – are the current settings for the carbon tax, company tax, GST and payroll tax appropriate to encourage job creation?
- Skills shortages - what long term impact will the multi speed economy and ageing population have on skills shortages?
- Youth unemployment – how do we improve the school to work transition for young people?
- Funding for universities – are financial incentives driving the right number and type of graduates?
“Everything needs to be on the table at the Future Jobs Forum. Employers have serious reservations about what effects the Fair Work Act, the Carbon Tax and the high Australian dollar are having on Australia’s competitive edge. These should all be discussed in a frank and open debate.”