NEW REPORT OUT NOW
The results of CEDA and Business Spectator's 2012 Big Issues survey have revealed that ensuring Australia is positioned to take advantage from the rise of Asia and the need for continued productivity improvement are the big issues confronting business, with significant implications for the Government's agenda.
CEDA, Chief Executive, Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin said the survey, completed by more than 3000 people, provided some interesting results, with productivity again a key issue but previously hot issues, such as industrial relations falling off the radar.
"Enhancing productivity, improving Australia's competitiveness and encouraging innovation were ranked as the top three priorities for the Federal Government," he said.
"These factors, along with timely infrastructure delivery were seen as the keys to adjusting to world conditions in 2025."
Surprisingly some of the areas to rate the lowest in helping Australia adjust were the availability of skilled labour, industrial relations reform and the tax regime, all of which have received significant discussion in the media but appear from this survey to not be as big a concern to the business community.
"Very clearly respondents see productivity as critical and the keys to improving productivity are innovation and infrastructure delivery," Professor Martin said.
"In addition, it would also seem that much of the heat has gone out of the climate change debate following the introduction of the carbon tax with climate change dropping well down the list of influences on the Australian economy to 2025 and ranked last as a priority for the Federal Government after the election next year."
Professor Martin said more than 70 per cent of people surveyed agreed that the Asian Century would sustain the Australian economy to 2025 and that the Federal Government's Australia in the Asian Century White Paper was either important or critical to achieving our economic objectives in the Asia Pacific region.
Read media release - Big Issues survey results - Asian Century and productivity top of agenda
Read opinion piece - Critical issues for Australian businesses by CEDA Chief Executive, Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin.
The Asian Century |
|
Australia adjusting |
Productivity |
Innovation and R&D |
Government |
Australia's ranking in the IMD world competitiveness yearbook 2023 has been revealed.
Read more Economy June 12, 2016Released on 14 June 2016, CEDA's major research report examines how to repair Australia's economic structures and drive a growth agenda.
Read more Economy November 30, 2015Addressing tax evasion, the critical importance of innovation, education and skills, and opportunities for services industries have been highlighted in CEDA’s 2015 Big Issues survey as key drivers in improving the Australian economy.
Read moreMake a donation today to directly support CEDA’s independent research, tackling the big issues for Australia. Click here.
(Donations over $2 are tax deductible)