BGA Australia Managing Director Michael “Mick” McNeill wrote an updated to clients on the Australian government’s plan to increase the ease of doing business.

Context

  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted opportunities in critical minerals, data centers, advanced manufacturing and clean energy in a speech June 10 to the National Press Club outlining his second-term vision. In an implicit swipe at the United States — President Donald Trump was a key factor in Albanese’s May 2025 landslide election victory — Albanese said his government would be guided by “progressive patriotism” and the “Australian way,” maintaining Australia’s generous social safety net and promotes social cohesion.
  • Nevertheless, Albanese acknowledged that his government would look for opportunities to reduce the cost of doing business. To explore productivity-enhancing reforms, the government will invite business, union and civil society leaders to a summit that will be held in August. In the Q&A, Albanese said he would look for “win-win” opportunities on tariffs when he meets Trump next week but made it clear that he will not compromise on Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, social media laws, biosecurity or the news media bargaining code.

Significance

  • Addressing the National Press Club on June 10, Albanese explained that his government has a mandate to implement policies on which he campaigned ahead of the May 3 election. These include increased spending on social services, cutting university debts, first home buyer incentives, greater oversight of supermarket prices and ambitious renewable energy and emissions-reduction targets. “Australians voted to embrace the opportunities of cleaner, cheaper renewable energy and the new generation of jobs and industries it can power,” he said
  • With inflation receding, boosting productivity is Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ priority as the government invests in skills and prepares to capitalize on the opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI). Albanese announced that Chalmers would convene a roundtable in August to “shape our government’s growth and productivity agenda.” It will feature leaders from business, union movements and civil society. “We want to build the broadest possible base of support for further economic reform,” he said. Industry Minister Tim Ayers said the government would work with unions to shape the roll-out of AI in the workplace; however, the opposition spokesperson warned of a union veto over “the deployment and use of this transformational opportunity.”

Implications

  • Albanese acknowledged the need to improve government services, target regulatory duplication and remove barriers to investment. “But not every challenge can be solved by government stepping back,” he noted. Albanese said the times demanded that the government “step up” in education, skills, infrastructure, research and innovation. Businesses would like tax reform and more flexible workplace laws.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments in Australia as they occur. If you have any questions or comments, please contact BGA Australia Managing Director Michael “Mick” McNeill at mmcneill@bowergroupasia.com.

Best regards,

BGA Australia Team