BUSINESS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
‘Improving the quality of life of all Australians within prosperous, secure and liveable communities requires well managed population growth over the first half of this century.’
Established in 1983, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) is a national association of the CEOs of 100 leading Australian corporations. The BCA provides a forum for Australian business leaders to contribute to public policy debates and ‘build Australia as the best place in which to live, to learn, to work and do business’.It aims, for example, to help initiate and shape the key economic and business reform debates underpinning Australia’s economic position. The Council provided the ABS with information outlining their vision for national progress, based on a submission developed in response to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities’ sustainable population strategy (see Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 2011).
The BCA supported the MAP consultation initiative, agreeing with the approach of first identifying commonly held aspirations for Australia’s progress before establishing measures of progress. The submission also stated it was important for the Australian community to be informed on an ongoing basis by government through independent and transparent assessments of progress towards national goals.
What they said...
With its support for establishing a clear understanding of shared national goals, the BCA’s submission outlined many aspirations, some of which are quoted here, and many of which echo themes found throughout the consultation. For example, it stated that Australians want to live in a country where they can:
- participate and contribute to society and the economy;
- live healthy lives and have access to health care and aged care;
- have access to quality education;
- feel safe and secure;
- be able to afford a home to live in;
- have a sense of belonging and feel connected to the community and the world;
- live in a society that cares about others and its environment;
- move around freely and efficiently; and
- have a good balance of time spent working, with family and in recreation.
- It also emphasised that population growth at a sustainable level is the best way to achieve national goals.
Its aspiration for a prosperous Australia…
Prosperity – ‘Continue to improve Australian’s living standards by attracting investment and keeping our economy strong in the face of labour shortages, an ageing population and increased competition in an increasingly global economy.’
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