Australian Alliance Urges Economic Reform Ahead of Roundtable

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An alliance of nearly 30 Australian organisations representing businesses, universities, farmers, retailers, pharmacies, and investors has called for broad reforms to strengthen the economy ahead of this week’s Economic Reform Roundtable.

The coalition, known as the Joint Alliance of Industry Associations, is pressing policymakers to reduce bureaucracy, streamline approvals, and encourage investment. The group argues that boosting business confidence and productivity is vital for securing higher living standards and long-term growth.

According to the alliance, investment is a cornerstone of progress across multiple sectors, from accelerating the pace of home construction to advancing new medical research and developing innovative technologies. It also underpins Australia’s global competitiveness in areas such as agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing. “Confidence drives investment, and investment drives better opportunities for Australians,” the submission notes.

Among its key recommendations, the alliance has set a goal of reducing regulatory red tape by 25 per cent by 2030. It also calls for faster planning and approvals for major infrastructure projects, reforms to encourage innovation, and tax changes designed to improve efficiency without increasing costs for consumers or businesses.

The group warns that policies which discourage investment, such as high corporate taxes, risk undermining growth. “We must avoid measures that threaten confidence, including high taxes on business, which will only drive away the investment needed to boost Australian living standards and real wages,” the alliance stated.

Productivity, the submission adds, should not be seen simply as working harder but as working smarter. This includes adopting better processes, skills, and technologies that free up time and resources for activities that deliver greater value.

The Economic Reform Roundtable provides a platform for government, business, and industry to debate strategies for improving efficiency and lifting national productivity. The alliance stressed its commitment to contributing constructively to these discussions to ensure they result in practical, implementable measures.

The group’s submission outlines detailed steps for achieving reforms that can unlock investment and growth across all sectors of the economy. It argues that by focusing on clear, achievable goals, Australia can foster an environment where businesses are more competitive, innovation is rewarded, and opportunities for Australians are expanded.

The alliance’s push comes at a time when global economic headwinds and rising costs of living are placing pressure on households and businesses alike. With its combined representation, the coalition says it wants to ensure Australia is better positioned to meet these challenges through smarter regulation, stronger investment, and more productive growth.