In our new report, the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Government’s National Artificial Intelligence Centre explore how Australian businesses are embracing and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their daily operations, highlighting how AI benefits companies, their people, and Australian industry. The report covers six diverse companies - two of which join us in this podcast. Discover how Dux revolutionised customer support by deploying an Agentive AI voice-agent system...
In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Tennant Reed discuss the ongoing COP30 conference in Brazil, focusing on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) reform in Australia, the major issues being addressed at COP30, particularly the financial mechanisms for climate action, and the role of industry in achieving sustainability. They also explore Australia's position in global climate leadership and the implications of international decisions on the Australian econ...
In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath sits down with David Martin, Director for Innovation and Emerging Technologies at the Australian Industry Group, to unpack the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) - a once-in-a-generation review commissioned by Government but steered by an independent panel of industry leaders. The review takes a fresh look at how Australia supports research, innovation, and commercialisation. They explore why Australia, despite its world-c...
In this episode, Louise McGrath and Dr Jeffrey Wilson unpack a new report by the Australian Industry Group titled Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chains. The report explores the impact of recent trade tariffs on Australian industries, and the hosts delve into the strategies businesses are adopting to manage ongoing supply chain disruptions. They also highlight the critical need to strengthen Australia’s engagement with Asia, including improving language education and cultural literacy, to unlock gr...
In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Dr Jeffrey Wilson explore the complexities of Australia’s economic landscape, including challenges posed by time zones, public holidays, and the need for a unified economic market. They examine trade agreements - particularly those with New Zealand and ASEAN - and highlight the growing importance of digitalisation in trade processes. The conversation also includes an update from the recent East Asia Business Council meetings in Malaysia, held on t...
The Economic Impact of Barcodes In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Marcel Sieira, Chief Operating Officer of GS1 Australia, about the critical role of supply chain data standards in today's economy. They discuss the history and importance of barcodes, the significant economic impact of these standards, and real-world applications in various sectors such as retail and healthcare. The conversation also explores future innovations in supply chain standards, barrier...
In this episode, Louise McGrath and Tennant Reed discuss the implications of Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target, focusing on how various industries can adapt to meet these goals. They explore the unique challenges faced by different sectors, the importance of carbon border adjustments, and the need for supportive policies to facilitate a smooth transition towards decarbonisation. The conversation emphasises the potential for decarbonisation to serve as a competitive advantage for Aus...
Breaking Barriers: Gender, Innovation, and the Future of Australian Industry In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Jeffrey Wilson explore the evolving dynamics of gender participation in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing. Contrary to conventional narratives, new research reveals these sectors are leading the way in closing the gender participation gap, driven by automation, safety improvements, and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technol...
Chief Executive of The Australian Industry Group Innes Willox joins Louise and Jeff to cover some of the key outcomes of the Treasurers Economic Reform Roundtable including International Trade, Single Economic Market, State Regulation and Tax reform. More detail on some of our policy work can be found on the Economic Reform Roundtable page. Remember to email industry.policy@aigroup.com.au to submit your questions.
Jeff is joined by Tennant Reed and David Martin to energy and R&D - two make or break issues for Australia's economic aspirations. Why is getting things done so hard, and how can we go from simply wanting 'more please' to real change?
Manufacturing in Australia Louise and Jeff discuss the role of manufacturing in Australia and our recent report into the state of the sector. An important part of manufacturing productivity is material productivity and they run through key recommendations of our submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable.
In this episode, we dive into rare insights from the public service’s unfiltered views on housing, tax reform, and global economic risks. We explore Treasury’s blunt assessment that Australia’s housing targets are unlikely to be met, the urgent need for tax reform to boost workforce participation, and concerning scenarios around US economic volatility. Louise and Jeff also discuss how Ai Group is preparing for the upcoming Productivity Summit.
Reform and Red Tape Productivity reform is in the air, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers announces the guest list for his Economic Reform Roundtable. But what exactly do we mean by productivity and how do we achieve it? Louise sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Willson to discuss what the elements of productivity actually are, and the factors inhibiting a faster, stronger economy. Jeff explores the key components of Ai Group’s recent submission to the Productivity Commission’s Five Pillars Inquiry. An unavoi...
The 2025 election is over with Labor achieving a significant majority Louise is joined by Tennant Reed and Jeff Wilson to discuss what policies Labor put forward during the election campaign and what we can expect in the 48th Parliament and the expected impact on business. We cover Economic and Industry policies, Climate and Energy, Environment, Construction and Infrastructure, Industrial relations and tax.
Election 2025 Australia is experiencing its longest period of sustained low growth since the early 1990s. High inflation and tight monetary policy have dragged on the economy, affecting household consumption, industry output, and exports. Business profitability has been impacted by rising input and wage costs, with investment growth stalling. Companies are struggling with a chronic skills shortage in a difficult industrial relations setting, needless regulation and challenges from digitalisat...
Election 2025 Australia is experiencing its longest period of sustained low growth since the early 1990s. High inflation and tight monetary policy have dragged on the economy, affecting household consumption, industry output, and exports. Business profitability has been impacted by rising input and wage costs, with investment growth stalling. Companies are struggling with a chronic skills shortage in a difficult industrial relations setting, needless regulation and challenges from digitalisat...
Election 2025 Australia is experiencing its longest period of sustained low growth since the early 1990s. High inflation and tight monetary policy have dragged on the economy, affecting household consumption, industry output, and exports. Business profitability has been impacted by rising input and wage costs, with investment growth stalling. Companies are struggling with a chronic skills shortage in a difficult industrial relations setting, needless regulation and challenges from digitalisat...
Election 2025 Australia is experiencing its longest period of sustained low growth since the early 1990s. High inflation and tight monetary policy have dragged on the economy, affecting household consumption, industry output, and exports. Business profitability has been impacted by rising input and wage costs, with investment growth stalling. Companies are struggling with a chronic skills shortage in a difficult industrial relations setting, needless regulation and challenges from digitalisat...
Election 2025 Australia is experiencing its longest period of sustained low growth since the early 1990s. High inflation and tight monetary policy have dragged on the economy, affecting household consumption, industry output, and exports. Business profitability has been impacted by rising input and wage costs, with investment growth stalling. Companies are struggling with a chronic skills shortage in a difficult industrial relations setting, needless regulation and challenges from digitalisat...
Election 2025 Australia is experiencing its longest period of sustained low growth since the early 1990s. High inflation and tight monetary policy have dragged on the economy, affecting household consumption, industry output, and exports. Business profitability has been impacted by rising input and wage costs, with investment growth stalling. Companies are struggling with a chronic skills shortage in a difficult industrial relations setting, needless regulation and challenges from digitalisat...