American Chamber of Commerce in Australia

COMMITTEES REPORT

3^rd Quarter 2018

Earlier this year, the Chamber undertook a review of its committees with a view to providing greater value to members. Henceforth, a quarterly report will be circulated to keep members informed and engaged.

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Overview

Founded in 1961, the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia’s mission is to promote the two-way flow of trade and investment between Australia and the United States through: access, advocacy, networking, visibility and information. Committees play a fundamental role in achieving this mission.

AmCham Committees provide members with an exclusive platform to:

• discuss current industry issues, connect with leaders and peers of their industries, and share business insights;
• access policy decision makers and other key stakeholders; and
• amplify their positions on relevant issues.

AmCham committees ensure that members from across the spectrum can contribute.

The Chamber’s Committees include:

• 5G;
• Defence and National Security;
• Diversity and Inclusion;
• Health;
• Human Capital;
• Innovation;
• Taxation;
• Tourism;
• Trade and Government;
• Trade and Investment Advisory; and
• NEXT: Network for Future Leaders.

Further information can be viewed here (including committee membership).

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Part 1V of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010

Committee participants abide by Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and in particular the obligation on the part of every attendee and participant not to engage in any activity that may be construed as anti-competitive in effect or purpose, or which may be likely to have such an effect or purpose.

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Expressions of Interest

The Chamber aims to ensure diverse and expert representation on AmCham Committees. To be eligible, nominees must represent a corporate financial member of the Chamber.

AmCham is currently receiving expressions of interest for the following committees:

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Energy and Resources (NEW)

  The Australian energy and resources policy environment is dynamic and challenging. This has and will continue to create enormous uncertainty and will impact on future investment decisions. To combat these issues, the committee’s mission is to advocate for Australia’s energy and resources sector and promote the national importance of US investment.

• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (NEW)

  Changes to the external environment (technological, consumer preferences) significantly impacts industry due to the implementation of additional regulatory measures which can inhibit an organisation’s ability to do business. This committee will aim to address these challenges by liaising with government to ensure sustainable FMCG trade policy.

• NEXT: Network for Future Leaders

• Trade and Investment Advisory

Interested nominees may submit their expressions of interest in any of the above committees or any of the other committees by completing a Nomination Form and emailing it to the Committee Secretariat at [email protected]. Completed nomination forms and accompanying documentation will be submitted to the relevant Chair for consideration.

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Committee Update

5G Task Force

Speedy internet connections are a must in today’s business world, and the demand for bandwidth is growing. 5G is a wireless connection built specifically to meet the demands of a plethora of devices requiring mobile internet connections, such as home appliances, security, cars, and wearable devices. In fact, Gartner predicts that over 20 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020. By comparison, there are currently an estimated 6.4 billion connected devices in the world. That's a lot more devices asking for a quick connection, and the world is ready to move from a garden hose to a fire hose connection.

AmCham convened a quick-turnaround Task Force in July 2018 to address the roll out of 5G across Australia and its impact on business. Since then members have met with The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires James Carouso, former Prime Minister the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce James Sullivan.

On August 22, the government announced its decision to ban Huawei and ZTE from providing 5G technology.

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Defence and National Security Committee

Over the next twelve months, the committee will be focused on US/Australia defence industry and academic collaboration and will also work collaboratively with other AmCham Committees on relevant areas of interest.

Recently, the committee:

• have met with Pamela Melroy, former NASA Astronaut and The Hon. Steven Ciobo MP, Minister for Defence Industry;
• are compiling a comparative position paper on the U.S. National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB) and Australia’s Defence Industry Capability Plan (DICP); and
• will participate in a Canberra Doorknock in October to discuss these issues and others. During the Canberra Doorknock, members will meet members of Parliament and staff (comprised of both the Ministry and Shadow Ministry) as well as department officials.

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Diversity and Inclusion Committee

The National Diversity and Inclusion Committee, previously known as the Women In Leadership Committee, has Chapters in NSW, VIC and WA. The committee is working on a Conference in November on gender equality, particularly the economic rationale.

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Health Committee

AmCham’s Health Committee represents a broad spectrum of the healthcare industry of both U.S. and Australia based companies. The committee aims to help foster the development of a vibrant, sustainable healthcare system that promotes innovation and delivers best practice. Previously, the committee has released position papers on:

• IP Protection
• General Health
• Post Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) Recommendation
• Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Agreement Implementation
• Innovation

In October, members of the committee will participate in a Canberra Doorknock to address these issues and others. The committee is currently preparing additional position papers on IP Notification Options, Whole of Government Approach and Value Based Payments.

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Human Capital Committee

The Human Capital Committee addresses the rapidly changing workforce and the continuing requirement for new skills. Consideration may be given to areas like skills and re-skilling, training, mobility, working visas, incentives, technology and regulatory frameworks. Recently the Human Capital conducted a Mentoring Scheme Pilot Program in Victoria.

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Innovation Committee

AmCham’s Innovation Committee fosters the development of a vibrant, sustainable ecosystem that promotes innovation and delivers best practice through advocacy and education.

Over the next twelve months, the committee will be focused on:

• facilitating a seminar on October 8 around the U.S. / Australia Cancer Moonshot Initiative announced by former Vice President Biden on his last visit to Australia. Experts from Australia and the U.S. will discuss the rapid developments in oncology research and clinical practice as well as opportunities to enhance the bilateral medical science and commercialization relationship between the U.S. and Australia;
• participating in a Canberra Doorknock in October to discuss innovation issues and profile best practice from member companies; and
• reporting back to the broader membership base on outcomes from AmCham Trade Missions.

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NEXT: Network For Future Leaders Committee

The National NEXT: Network For Future Leaders Committee, has Chapters in NSW, VIC, WA and QLD. Its objectives are to:

• connect future leaders within the Australian and American business communities;
• provide access to industry leaders, established professionals and thought leaders;
• provide useful resources, support and opportunities for networking, education and professional development; and
• provide a forum to raise and address common issues faced by the AmCham NEXT community.

Recently the committee has facilitated a number of events for the AmCham NEXT community, including:

• ‘How to Build the Life and Career You Want’ with Andy Fell, Founder of GiFT631 and #youth4good as well as former General Manager of St. George Bank;
• ‘Transcending Boundaries’ with Captain Sophie Hollingsworth and the current New Explorer of the year for the USA, hosted by Baker McKenzie;
• ‘Shifting Business Paradigms - Succeeding as Future Global Leaders’ featuring Kate Debenham, State Manager - WA, Uber and Ruth Hatherley, CEO, Founder, Moneycatcha;
• "The Future of Politics and Policy-Making" featuring Professor Simon Jackman, CEO of the US Studies Centre, hosted by Allens; and
• "Tapping Into the World of Entrepreneurship" with Ariel Marcy, Founder of STEAM Galaxy Studios, and Mark Zmarzly, Founder and CEO of Hip Pocket and Hip Money. 

Over the next twelve months, the committee will also be focused on the national roll out of an AmCham Academy in 2019.

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Trade and Government Committee

The Trade and Government Committee is responsible for developing and promoting AmCham policy on trade and investment issues, and liaising with Government on issues affecting members. This committee has a long history and has advocated positions on a large number of issues including in support of bilateral tax treaty negotiations, ongoing liberalisation of the trade and investment environment in Australia and the region, and various bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements. Recently, the committee has released position papers on:

• The importance of Free Trade and Investment in the region
• IP Protection
• A Proposal to create a system of Cleared Advisors to advise Government in connection with Trade and Investment Policy

Presently, the committee is seeking input from members on post-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) implementation. It is the intention of the committee to utilise this information in its interactions with government and department officials on how FTAs could be improved.

The Trade and Government Committee will also be participating in a Canberra Doorknock in October to discuss these issues and others.

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Taxation Committee

AmCham’s Taxation Committee provides members with updated and relevant information regarding legal and tax issues impacting foreign investors in Australia. It also liaises with government officials on ways to improve the tax and legal climate for foreign investors and promote further cooperation between the United States and Australia.

Over the next twelve months, the committee will focus on:

• U.S. Digital Sales Tax;
• U.S. Australia Tax Treaty; and
• Thin Cap.

The Taxation Committee is interested in hearing from AmCham Members on what US inbound investment issues are currently front of mind.

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Trade and Investment Advisory Committee

The mission of the Trade and Investment Advisory Committee (previously known as the Trade Advisory Board) is to facilitate trade and investment in Australia and the United States. In its efforts to do so, it has reached out to fellow state Chambers of Commerce to establish a relationship, share knowledge and explore cross promotional opportunities (i.e. this may take the form of planned visits to Australia, webinars, podcasts, information and other points of collaboration).

The committee has also launched an exclusive series designed to address the challenges encountered when navigating cross border trade. This series aims to provide:

• key insights from experts on how members can bridge the cultural, administrative, geographical and economical distances; and
• a forum where members can network with like-minded individuals and build strategic connections.

In the first session on October 23, guest presenter Jason Israel will drill down on leadership across borders.

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Tourism Committee

AmCham’s Tourism Committee is focused on growing tourism numbers between the U.S and Australia by utilising and building the AmCham network and liaising with Government to drive policy.

Recently, the committee launched its Corporate Visitor Engagement Program to better engage Corporate Visitors from the U.S. The program encourages members to reach out to the Tourism Committee regarding high-ranking visitors so the committee can assist with introductions to government officials, arrange corporate networking evenings and exclusive tourism activities (not otherwise available) while in Australia.

The committee has also been working closely with AmCham QLD on its Investing in Queensland's Tourism Industry Briefing featuring: Rob Sharp, Group Executive, Virgin Australia Airlines; Gert-Jan de Graaff, Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane Airport Corporation; The Hon Kate Jones MP, QLD Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and QLD Minister for the Commonwealth Games; and Brett Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane Marketing held on October 12.

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Further Information

Should you have any queries regarding the above, are interested in finding out more or wish to become involved in AmCham’s Committees, we encourage you to reach out to the Committee Secretariat at [email protected]. Membership is nationwide – participants may attend in person, via video conference or teleconference.