Business Council leaders to call on Sunshine Coast
31 July 2014
Business Council leaders to call on Sunshine Coast
Representatives from one of Australia’s most influential business groups, the Business Council of Australia (BCA), will journey to the Sunshine Coast on Thursday, 14 August to discuss its Action Plan for Enduring Prosperity and how the report’s recommendations can impact on the growth of regional areas like the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich said BCA Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott and Chief Economist (Acting) and Policy Director Simon Pryor would address guests at a lunch event at the 4th Floor Restaurant in Mooloolaba.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting such highly regarded and prominent business experts here on the Sunshine Coast and look forward to providing the local business community with the opportunity to hear from industry leaders,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“The BCA’s Action Plan for Enduring Prosperity has influenced political and business debate at a national level, fuelling discussions around the economy and the changes that need to be made to ensure Australia remains a competitive and prosperous country.”
“During her visit, Ms Westacott will explore the three key themes of the plan, outline the risks and opportunities that are likely to result from BCA’s proposed changed economic conditions, and identify areas for improvement that have the potential to greatly benefit regions like the Sunshine Coast.”
Since its release in 2013, the BCA plan has attracted significant attention from the media, politicians and businesspeople alike. It recommends a number of changes be implemented by various levels of government, including lowering the company tax rate to 25 per cent when fiscal circumstances permit, moving to an equal per capita distribution of GST and considering raising the rate of GST to replace revenue forgone from the abolition and reduction of other taxes.
Ms Zubrinich said all local businesspeople were welcome to attend the event and she encouraged them to come along.
“This event presents a great opportunity to discuss and debate the plan with Ms Westacott, as well as hear a range of perspectives on the hot topics in Australian business,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“One of the plan’s recommendations that is particularly relevant to the Sunshine Coast is the establishment of special development zones in fast-growing regional areas, where land use approvals can be fast-tracked by the state government to accelerate local infrastructure projects.”
“This is bound to be of interest to local business owners as its implementation in the local area would present a range of economic and social benefits to the region.”
The BCA has been providing a forum for Australian business leaders to shape and contribute directly to public policy debates regarding long-term economic growth for more than 30 years.
Ms Westacott has been Chief Executive of the organisation since 2011, bringing extensive policy experience from both the public and private sectors. Having previously held high-level positions at KPMG and both the New South Wales and Victorian governments, Ms Westacott is now a national fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a non-executive director of Wesfarmers Limited and chair of the Mental Health Council of Australia.
To hear Ms Westacott speak at the upcoming BCA lunch hosted by the Sunshine Coast Business Council, please secure your ticket by calling 0402 215 560 or emailing info@scbusinesscouncil.com.au. Tickets cost $77 for Sunshine Coast Business Council members and $99 for non-members and include a two-course lunch. Registrations are essential and close on Friday, 8 August.
To find out more, visit www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au.
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CAPTION: Jennifer Westacott – CEO of Business Council Australia
Media contact — Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0410 109 102
E: maya@freshprm.com.au
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