A Quick Guide to the Economic Reform Roundtable
In need of a recap? Here’s a quick guide to the Economic Reform Roundtable, which took place in Canberra from 19–21 August this year.
What was the aim?
To build consensus on long-term economic reform, with a focus on resilience, productivity and budget sustainability.
Who was involved?
The Australian government brought together representatives from unions, business and industry bodies, civil society, major corporates and the private sector, academia and government agencies.
As well as actual attendees at the 3-day event, 900 public submissions were received from organisations and individuals, and 40 forums were held across Australia in the run-up to the roundtable.
What was discussed?
The roundtable agenda was structured around 3 key themes:
Day 1: Resilience
Day 2: Productivity
Day 3: Budget sustainability and tax reform
In total, there were 29 hours of discussion across the 3 days.
What was the outcome?
The roundtable resulted in a series of agreed objectives, called ‘reform directions’. They are:
- Progress towards a single national market
- Simplify trade and reform tariffs
- Better regulation
- Speed up approvals in national priority areas
- Build more homes, more quickly
- Make artificial intelligence a national priority
- Attract capital and deploy investment
- Build a skilled and adaptable workforce
- A better tax system
- Modernise government services
What about next steps?
In a press conference given by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the final day of the roundtable, he referred to discussions within government on areas where it is possible to ‘act with some urgency’. These include tackling the backlog of environmental approvals for new homes and accelerating work on the broader National AI Capability Plan.
He also mentioned that there’s large volume of further work to do – more than expected – with ministers and in collaboration with roundtable attendees.
Exciting times ahead!
You can reach the professional team at Optimal Recruitment on info@optimalrecruitment.com.au or 02 8416 4181.
