Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

18/06/2026

Measures announced today to ameliorate the economic damage to the business community from the proposed CGT changes will fail to address the broader negative impact of the changes.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says eligible small businesses will welcome the exemption from the government’s tax grab, but it does not address the broader problems created by the flawed reform.

ACCI Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKellar said the proposed CGT changes will still impact on investment in business across the economy, not just small businesses.

MEDIA RELEASE: Measures announced today to ameliorate the economic damage to the business community from the proposed CGT changes will fail to address the broader negative impact of the changes.

17/06/2026

Two weeks ago, the government introduced legislation that would allow discrimination against businesses without union-endorsed agreements in procurement and grant selection processes.

Now, serious allegations have emerged that the CFMEU’s Queensland branch weaponised enterprise bargaining agreements to bolster its own revenue.

This raises serious questions about the government’s proposed legislation, and whether it will lead to the CFMEU and other unions wielding even more power over businesses.

ABC News story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-17/cfmeu-accused-of-running-shadow-financial-operations/106808220

An inquiry into alleged union misconduct and criminal links in Queensland hears the CFMEU weaponised workplace agreements to bolster its revenue.

16/06/2026

The Victorian Government’s move to legislate a right to work from home risks driving the economy off a cliff at a time business confidence is already at dire levels, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says.

ACCI Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKellar says the legislation is unnecessary, heavy-handed and raises questions about its legal validity.

“The Victorian Government is recklessly endangering the economy with this legislation,” Mr McKellar said.

Read our media release: https://acci.com.au/Web/Web/News/Articles/2026/Victoria%E2%80%99s%20WFH%20push%20risks%20driving%20the%20economy%20off%20a%20cliff.aspx?name=Victoria%E2%80%99s%20WFH%20push%20risks%20driving%20the%20economy%20off%20a%20cliff

15/06/2026

ACCI Chief of Policy and Advocacy David Alexander appeared at the Senate Economics Legislation Committee's inquiry into the proposed CGT changes this afternoon.

"There is no compelling economic reason why tax reform should require higher taxes on investment in business. That is the logical error at the heart of these changes," he said.

Read David's opening statement here: https://acci.com.au/Web/Web/News/Articles/2026/Opening-statement-to-the-Senate-Economics-Legislation-Committee-s-inquiry-into-CGT.aspx?name=Opening-statement-to-the-Senate-Economics-Legislation-Committee-s-inquiry-into-CGT

TRANSCRIPT: ACCI Chief of Policy and Advocacy David Alexander's opening statement to the Senate inquiry into the government's proposed CGT changes.

15/06/2026

ACCI Chief of Policy and Advocacy David Alexander joined TODAY this morning to explain why a Senate inquiry into the budget’s CGT changes shouldn’t be rushed.

12/06/2026

ACCI CEO Andrew McKellar and President Lyall Gorman are wrapping up a fortnight of important international engagements on behalf of Australian business.

In Geneva last week, Andrew and Lyall attended the General Council of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) connecting with employer groups from across the global network. They also attended the initial session of the International Labour Conference, along with Australia’s employer delegation comprising previous ACCI President Mark Birrell AM, and ACCI Associate Director of Workplace Relations Ashlea Cameron.

Also last week, in Paris, Andrew represented Australian business at the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, contributing to discussions on international economic challenges, priorities for reform of trade and industrial policies, and the importance of stable, predictable investment frameworks. Along with Business at OECD (BIAC) Executive Board Chair Charles (Rick) Johnston and Executive Director Hanni Rosenbaum he met with Trade Minister Don Farrell, providing an opportunity to discuss evolving pressures in international trade policy and to reinforce business support for the implementation of the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.

ACCI is the exclusive Australian affiliate of Business at OECD, with Andrew serving on its Executive Board.

This week, Andrew and Lyall took part in meetings at the International Chamber of Commerce, including the annual meeting of the ICC World Council. Congratulations to Harsh Pati Singhania, who was elected as ICC Chair.

10/06/2026

Over the past six weeks, ACCI has been rolling out a series of practical factsheets to help employers prepare for Payday Super.

Our last factsheet focuses on locking in your plans ahead of 1 July: https://acci.com.au/resource?resource=284

There’s still time to get things sorted.

Missed earlier factsheets? They are all available in the above link.

10/06/2026

ACCI has published its submission on the federal government’s proposed CGT changes.

Increasing the CGT on investment in business will have a significant and sustained negative impact on investment and slow productivity growth.

The federal government must rethink these changes.

Media release: https://acci.com.au/Web/Web/News/Articles/2026/Government%E2%80%99s%20business%20tax%20grab%20will%20hurt%20productivity.aspx?name=Government%E2%80%99s%20business%20tax%20grab%20will%20hurt%20productivity

Submission: https://acci.com.au/resource?resource=297

10/06/2026

Reminder: Applications for the Australian Export Awards close this Friday 12 June. 🚨

The recognise exporters who are expanding into new markets, innovating in their industries, and taking Australian capability to the world.

ACCI is a longstanding partner of the Export Awards, and we encourage Australian exporters to apply. With 13 national award categories, there is an opportunity for businesses at every stage of their export journey.

For details on how to apply and to read the Program Guidelines, visit the Australian Export Awards website: https://www.exportawards.gov.au/en/apply?utm_source=toolkit&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=2026AEA&utm_content=2026-applications-open-promotional-toolkit

Austrade

08/06/2026

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulates Adrian Kloeden on being appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the King's Birthday 2026 Honours List.

Adrian is a Board member of ACCI, and is a Board member and past President of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The AM was awarded for Adrian’s significant service to business and commerce, and to the tertiary education sector.

Adrian has been a tireless champion for business and the broader community, and this honour is a welcome recognition of his hard work and valuable service over many years.