US tariff decision is disappointing but not unexpected

“The news Australia has not secured a US tariff exemption is disappointing but not unexpected,” Innes Willox, chief executive of national employer association the Australian Industry Group, said today. “The decision does send an unfortunate signal about the broader state of the economic relationship between our two countries and sets the scene for more uncertainty […]

12/03/2025 - 13:43 pm

Government spending supporting the Australian economy

“Today’s national accounts data reveals the government is providing life support to the Australian economy,” said Innes Willox, chief executive of the national employer association Ai Group. Real GDP grew at 0.8% pa on an annualised basis in the September quarter, below forecasts and market expectations. “The data shows much of the private sector faces […]

04/12/2024 - 13:09 pm

Retirement of Brendan O’Connor and Linda Burney

Brendan O’Connor and Linda Burney have both made significant contributions to building a better Australia, Innes Willox, chief executive of the national employer association Australian Industry Group, said today. “Mr O’Connor has pursued reform and alignment to build an inclusive skilling system that engages and better prepares Australians for a productive future. “Notable has been […]

26/07/2024 - 11:36 am
News  >  Training

Industry welcomes appointment of JSA Commissioner

The national employer association Ai Group, has welcomed the announcement of Professor Barney Glover AO as the inaugural commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). Ai Group chief executive, Innes Willox, said, “JSA has an enormous task ahead in building a strong evidence base to help identify, develop and grow the workforce that Australia will […]

12/02/2024 - 13:55 pm

New SA head – Estha van der Linden – at Ai Group

The national employer association Ai Group has appointed Estha van der Linden as the new head of its operations in South Australia. “Estha brings a wealth of experience to her new role with over 20 years working for industry associations and representing South Australian businesses across many industries including mining, manufacturing, health and retail,” Innes […]

13/07/2023 - 07:27 am

Contractionary conditions continue  

The Ai Group Australian Industry Index fell in June 2023, losing 1.1 points to -11.9 points (seasonally adjusted). This indicates contractionary conditions. The index has been in contraction for the last fourteen months. The contraction indicated by the Ai Group Australian Industry Index continued in June. The index has indicated contracting conditions for fourteen months […]

05/07/2023 - 11:30 am

Industrial employment falls into contraction

The Ai Group Australian Industry Index was in contraction in May 2023 but to a lesser extent than April, as the decline eased 9.3 points to -10.9 points (seasonally adjusted). This indicates deteriorating conditions. The index has been in contraction for the last 13 months.   Key findings for May 2023: Industry continued to report […]

07/06/2023 - 07:23 am

Interest rate decision: Ai Group comment

“Today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise the cash rate target to 3.6% is an unfortunate but necessary step to ensure price stability”, said Innes Willox, chief executive of the national employer association Ai Group. “High inflation impacts both households and businesses, who are facing rapidly increasing input costs. In a period […]

07/03/2023 - 10:17 am

New Australian monthly economic activity index released

The national employer association Australian Industry (Ai) Group is pleased to announce the launch next week of a new monthly indicator of business performance covering a cross section of industry sectors to be known as the Ai Group Australian Industry Index. The first release of the Ai Group Australian Industry Index will be on Tuesday […]

01/02/2023 - 14:44 pm

Ai Group latest Skills Survey a ‘call to arms’

“An Ai Group skills survey – Listening to Australian businesses on skills and workforce needs – sounds yet another alarm on the skills shortages and gaps plaguing the Australian economy,” Innes Willox chief executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today. “Our survey of close to 350 business leaders from a wide range […]

17/11/2022 - 14:24 pm

New Issue

ALH Summer 2024

In this month's issue