The task of framing the 2023-24 budget will be a delicate balance of complexities, unlike others in the past. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is confronting complicated global conditions on a number of fronts as well as the need to address budget repair, raising the spectre of politically difficult spending restraint. Withdrawal of stimulus in the post-COVID-19o0 environment, rising interest rates, runaway energy prices and higher inflation has triggered a challenging situation for government and business alike. While rear-guard action is fought against these unfavourable circumstances, what capacity remains for advancing a stronger Australian future?

The roadshow arrived in Sydney with Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivering his ACCI and Business NSW Post-Budget Address at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Dr Chalmers told the audience that he woke up on Wednesday morning not thinking of the budget, but what’s next – the new well-being framework and the employment white paper. And the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook will follow shortly after, along with a referendum vote on the Voice.

He said he was proud of his January essay in The Monthly that advocated for a new values-based capitalism – and was proud of the level of engagement that it provoked.

The treasurer then joined ACCI CEO, Andrew McKellar for a Q&A.

Thank you to Dr Sherman Chan, chief economist, Business NSW and Amy Auster, chief economist and insights officer, PwC Australia for their economic update and to Anthea Williams for moderating.

ACCI also acknowledges our event sponsor Chris de Bruin, chief executive – consumer and business banking from Westpac Group and, for moving the vote of thanks.

More photos from the day’s event can be viewed here.

Event details

Date | Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Time | 12.30pm – 2.30pm Luncheon

Dress | Business attire

Location | Museum of Contemporary Art

Address | Harbourside Room, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 140 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000

As we become more aware of online threats, businesses are finding that investment in risk management and critical infrastructure is crucial to driving behavioural change. As part of our continued efforts to address the key issues facing Australian businesses, ACCI was pleased to host members at our recent event. One of the Australian Government’s leading cybersecurity officials Dr Derek Bopping, First Assistant Director-General of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), delivered a keynote address.

The ACSC sits within the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), a key national security agency. Dr Bopping, as head of the ACSC’s Cyber Engagement and Strategy Division, leads the ASD’s strategy and relations with industry, international partners, government and the media.

Following his keynote, Dr Bopping joined a panel discussion with Sarah Hosey, General Manager Security and Privacy Assurance, Risk and Consulting from nbn, Mallika Sathi, Vice President, Cyber & Intelligence and Digital Identity from MasterCard and Richa Aurora, Partner, Cyber and Digital Trust and PwC Australia. Philippa Cogswell, Cybersecurity Partner from PwC Australia moderated the panel discussion.

This was a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of Australia’s leading national security officials address one of the most crucial issues facing business today.

*This event was open to members only. Images of the day’s events can be viewed here.

Date | Thursday, 04 May 2023
Time | 12.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Location | PwC, Level 17, One International Towers, Watermans Quay, Barangaroo NSW 2000
Dress | Business attire

ACCI had the pleasure of hosting the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy after launching Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy. The Minister this week announced a new fuel efficiency standard – a first for Australia – and funding for EV charging. Australia is on its way to a more sustainable future.

Tuesday’s event was held at the Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, in western Sydney. Guests also heard from our panel, Geoff Gwilym, CEO, Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce; Vivian Miles, Chief Strategy Officer, NRMA; James Voortman, CEO, Australian Automotive Dealer Association and Sid Rallapalli, Head of Global Partnerships, Nexport, representing both the consumer and the transport sector in how these groups are currently impacted and would benefit from a transition to electric vehicles. The floor was opened to questions and discussion primarily focused on the issues Australians are facing with regard to acquiring new electric vehicles and keeping them charged. These issues stem from the problems within the supply chain, current demand, our geography, Australia being a net importer depending almost entirely on one foreign market, and the de-prioritization of right-hand drive vehicles in the global market.

ACCI thanks Minister Bowen for his time, our panel of speakers and our sponsor, Australian Racing Drivers Club as well as Nexport and NRMA for making their EVs available for the event.

More photos from the day’s events can be viewed here.

Event details

Date | Wednesday, 19 April 2023

Time | 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm

Location | Sydney Motorsports Park, Ferrers Rd, Eastern Creek NSW 2766