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June 2019

Message from AmCham CEO April Palmerlee

I have just returned from the US, where Australia is widely perceived as a strong economic player: think of US Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell’s quip six months ago, “Business cycles don’t last forever, unless you’re Australia,” or the New York Times Business cover-story in April, “What the Rest of the World Can Learn from the Australian Economic Miracle”. However, back here at home, I get the sense that many people feel our economic miracle is looking a bit tired. Growth is grinding along at a rate that barely matches population expansion – and cannot reverse rising unemployment.

 

This month, I attended the RBA Dinner in Sydney where Governor Philip Lowe announced a rate cut for the first time in almost three years, reducing the cash rate to a record low 1.25%, and leaving the door open for a follow-up rate cut later this year. The Governor said that the economic outlook for Australia is still “reasonable” but people needed to recognise that there are limitations on what monetary policy can achieve. He urged the government to do more to boost business investment and job creation, specifically: fiscal support for infrastructure spending and structural policies that “support firms expanding, investing, innovating and employing people”. Innovation is another lever for growth that was raised at the dinner, by Bill Ferris, former head of Innovation Science Australia. One of the proposals he advocated in the innovation review he undertook for the Turnbull government that he thinks is worth revisiting is a collaboration premium in the R&D tax incentive to encourage increased engagement between companies and universities to better commercialise research. As you may be aware, Australia ranks near the top of countries worldwide for the excellence of our research, but near the bottom among OECD countries for commercialising that innovation.

 

And that takes me to my trip to the US. I was in San Francisco scoping out some of the companies we will visit with our . I met with some visionary people who are truly changing the way the world works. I looked at innovators in cybersecurity, aerospace, transport, e-sports, sustainability, AI and robotics. I’m very much looking forward to this mission, as are our delegation leaders, Robyn Denholm, Chairman of Tesla, and Maureen Dougherty, President of Boeing Australia and Chairman of AmCham. If you haven’t already submitted an , please do so this week. Our delegation will be selected very soon.

 

Speaking of delegations, I was delighted to be joined by several Australian business leaders to attend SelectUSA this year, including representatives from some of Australia’s industry superannuation funds, as well as leaders of Australian companies who have either recently entered the U.S. market or those who are planning to open offices in the near future. Darren Bonney, CEO of Melbourne-based freight management solutions company MyFreight, took the opportunity of the Summit to announce Colorado as the base for their growing U.S. operations. There were many opportunities to engage with senior U.S. policymakers, many of the agencies who make decisions related to foreign investment, as well as the states, territories and economic development regions that are looking to attract investment from overseas.

 

I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at our July 4th celebrations. Meantime, thank you for your ongoing support.

 

 

April Palmerlee, Chief Executive Officer

American Chamber of Commerce in Australia

E

P 02 8031 9000

A warm welcome to our newest members

I’m delighted to welcome these new members and here are links to their websites:


Upcoming Events

AmCham WA - Perth

LICENCE TO OPERATE -

DRIVEN FROM THE BOARDROOM

Keynote Speaker:

Bronwyn Barnes, Non-Executive Director, MOD Resources

 

Join AmCham as Bronwyn Barnes offers her advice on how your business can better engage with stakeholders using her experience as Board lead for Sustainability at MOD Resources. As a Non-Executive Director of MOD, Bronwyn Chairs the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, the Audit Committee and the Community Liaison Council for MOD’s exploration and development project in Botswana.

 

to read about Bronwyn Barnes.

 

Event Sponsor: Curtin University

 

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Business Luncheon

Tuesday 2 July 2019

12pm - 2pm

Parmelia Hilton Perth

AmCham NSW - Sydney

AMCHAM'S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

On Wednesday 3 July, join AmCham to experience the U.S. patriotic spirit and national pride at our annual Fourth of July networking event, which includes all sections of AmCham's membership.

 

U.S. Consul General Sharon Hudson-Dean will deliver remarks, and many AmCham Governors will be in attendance.

 

Bring your partner or a work colleague, and enjoy a variety of drinks and substantial canapes at uber-glamorous THE STAR SYDNEY while you make new business connections, network in a unique venue, and be part of this great American celebration.

 

Event Host: The Star Sydney

 

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Networker

Wednesday 3 July 2019

12pm - 2pm

The Star Sydney

AmCham SA - Adelaide

MINING - CRITICAL MINERALS AND TRADE

Our 5 July Industry Luncheon will be themed “4th July”. Celebrate the Red White & Blue; Uncle Sam; Statue of Liberty and all things American! If you would like to be seated with fellow compatriots on Table USA and meet new business connections, contact .

 

Panel of Speakers:

  • Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP, Minister for Energy and Mining
  • Andrew Cole, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, OZ Minerals
  • David Grabau, Senior Investment Specialist, Resources and Energy, Austrade
  • Jacqui McGill, C-Suite Executive and Non-Executive Director, Jacqui McGill Leadership Consulting as Facilitator

Global demand for our resources has broadened in recent years to include minerals used in a range of emerging high-tech applications across a variety of sectors. Known as critical minerals, this group of minerals is considered essential for the economic and industrial development of major and emerging economies.

 

Event Partners: DW Fox Tucker Lawyers | Global Intertrade | Iocane | The Hospital Research Foundation

Business Luncheon

Friday 5 July 2019

11.45am - 2pm

InterContinental Adelaide

AmCham VIC - Melbourne

MELBOURNE INNOVATION MISSION

Innovation is the lifeblood of the new economy. It's more than just a buzzword - it's transforming how we do business in every sector at an incredible pace. What's more, you need only look around right here in Melbourne to find large and small players at the cutting edge of applied innovation.

 

On Tuesday 30 July, you are invited to join us as we explore some of the leading lights of Melbourne's innovation ecosystem. With a full day of site visits to a variety of visionary spaces in Melbourne, from innovation to sustainability, this is an unparalleled opportunity you won't want to miss!

 

You will be guests for the day with pioneering players such as:

  • GM Holden Design Centre
  • Visy Industries
  • La Trobe University
  • Two Bulls

Bus Mission

Tuesday 30 July 2019

8am - 6pm

Melbourne

AmCham QLD - Brisbane

BUILDING FOR TOMORROW: SUSTAINABILITY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND NEW MATERIALS

Panel of Speakers:

  • Dr Belinda Wade, Lecturer in Strategy, UQ Business School
  • Greg Lennox, Manager - New Markets, Rock Trade Industries
  • Additional panelists to be announced soon

The requirement to build more sustainable and affordable maintenance infrastructures has become very important due to the expected increase in infrastructure projects around the world and its impact on the environment. There is a need to balance the potential gains from introducing innovative solutions and offsetting the risks. In this context, the industry and authorities must work together to accommodate the increasing demand on the use of sustainable materials and the application of innovative solutions. Join our panel of industry leaders in a unique discussion as we take an in-depth look at Building for Tomorrow.

 

Event Partners: ConocoPhillips | KPMG | KDPR | Mater Foundation | QPAC | UQ Business School | Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines

 

Sponsorship opportunities available!

Business Luncheon

Friday 2 August 2019

11.30am - 2pm

Stamford Plaza Brisbane


Upcoming Trade Missions and Delegations

APCAC Washington Doorknock

Washington DC, USA | 14-19 July 2019

 

Join AmCham Australia on its annual Washington Doorknock from 14 -19 July, led by AmCham CEO April Palmerlee.

 

This is an unparalleled opportunity for Australian business leaders to take their place at the policy table, and come face-to-face with key industry leaders and agencies, including the Department of Commerce and some of the most influential players in Congress. Hearing directly from businesses operating on the ground in Australia is an essential ingredient for lawmakers to understand the knock-on effects of trade and investment decisions made in Washington.

 

A number of speakers are already confirmed, including:

  • US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo;
  • Commerce Under Secretary Gilbert Kaplan;
  • US Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Ted McKinney;
  • Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary Lafayette George Harter;
  • US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer;
  • US Chamber of Commerce SVP for International Policy;
  • US Chamber of Commerce President of the China Center;
  • US Department of Commerce;
  • US Trade Representative;
  • US National Security Council;
  • Katrina Cooper, Deputy Chief of Mission, Australian Embassy in Washington;
  • James Sullivan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration;
  • Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Chair, Albright Stonebridge;
  • Alan Tidwell, Director, Center for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies, Georgetown University;
  • U.S. Chamber’s Australia Working Group;
  • Dan Kliman, Senior Fellow Asia Pacific Security Program, Center for a New American Security;
  • Council on Foreign Relations;
  • And More...

This is an important time for American commerce in the region, and senior policy makers are eager to hear your stories from the front lines.

 

 

For more information or to register your interest as a delegate, contact Amie O'Mahony, Government Relations Manager on 02 8031 9000 or email .

New Zealand Trade Mission

Wellington, NZ | 18-20 September 2019

 

The Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia is pleased to offer your business the opportunity to join them and other senior business leaders on a Trade Mission to Wellington from September 18 to 20.

 

New Zealand’s shared values, history and geographical proximity make it one of Australia’s most significant relationships. Australia is New Zealand’s largest economic partner. The Trans-Tasman economic relationship was worth approximately NZ$66 billion as at March 2017.

 

The delegation will meet with U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, Ministers, AmCham New Zealand Board of Directors and will also participate in a number of site visits to innovative companies.

 

For more information or to register your interest as a delegate, contact Amie O'Mahony, Government Relations Manager on 02 8031 9000 or email .

Sustainable Growth Through Innovation

USA | 13-18 October 2019

Israel | 20-26 March 2020

 

In 2019, Australia’s economic growth rate is anticipated to slow at approximately twice the speed of other developed economies - shrinking from 2.8% in 2018 to 2.1%. To remain competitive in an evolving global landscape, it is imperative Australian businesses embrace growth through innovation.

 

The American Chamber of Commerce in Australia and the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce are pleased to offer the opportunity to join them and other senior leaders on trips to the U.S.A and Israel to explore sustaining growth through innovation.

 

Leading the delegation will be world class innovators Maureen Dougherty, President, Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific; and Robyn Denholm, Chairman, Tesla.

 

For more information or to register your interest as a delegate, contact Amie O'Mahony, Government Relations Manager on 02 8031 9000 or email .


Premium Network News

57th Australian Export Awards

Are You Australia's Next Top Exporter?

 

If your business is making its mark in international markets, Austrade want to hear from you.

 

Nominations are open for the 57th Australian Export Awards, one of the most prestigious and longest-running business awards program in the country.

 

This is your opportunity to showcase your international engagement and gain recognition for your team's dedication and innovation.

 

for more information and to apply now!

Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines

AmCham's 2019 Official Travel Partner

 

Delta upgrades business class on Los Angeles-New York flights

 

Virgin Australia’s Stateside partner Delta Air Lines is boosting its business class experience to become the only US carrier offering both a fully-flat bed and direct aisle access on every Los Angeles-New York flight....

 

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AT&T

Corporate Responsibility Summary

 

From Our CEO to Our Stakeholders:

 

Our mission is clear: Inspire human progress through the power of communication and entertainment. We embrace those words and the values behind them in all that we do. Our employees are at the heart of our efforts – extending their impact beyond the workplace and deep into our communities....

 


Become a Member

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The American Chamber of Commerce in Australia

Website | ABN 62 000 361 633

SYDNEY/CANBERRA

02 8031 9000

MELBOURNE

03 9027 5633

ADELAIDE

08 8212 4688

BRISBANE

07 3220 2478

PERTH/DARWIN

08 9325 9540


Podcasts

Posted on 3/04/2018

How Business Really Works: Digital Journey with Moe Ali

What's new in technology and how can your business stay ahead of the game? Moe Ali, Group Vice President of Gartner ANZ, talks to Duff about cyber-security, the importance of incorporating technology insights and information to the core of business m

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