Business Council of Australia facts for kids

The Business Council of Australia (BCA) is a group that brings together the leaders of over 100 of Australia's largest companies. It was created in 1983 when two other groups, the Business Roundtable and the Australian Industry Development Association, joined together. Its main office is in Melbourne, with other offices in Sydney and Canberra.

The BCA's main goal is to help big businesses share their ideas and have a say in how Australia is run. They want to help shape important decisions about the country's future.

How the BCA Started

The BCA has a long history. One of its older parts was the Australian Industries Protection League (AIPL), started in Melbourne in 1919. This group wanted to protect Australian businesses.

In 1951, the AIPL changed its name to the Australian Industries Development Association (AIDA). Later, in 1983, the AIDA joined with another group called the Business Roundtable to form the Business Council of Australia.

How the BCA Works

The BCA is run by a board of directors. This board looks after the daily work of the council. They also help decide who becomes a member and suggest new ideas for policies.

Who is on the Board?

As of November 2023, some of the people on the board include:

• President: Tim Reed
• Chief executive: Bran Black
• Matt Comyn - CEO, Commonwealth Bank of Australia
• Mike Henry - CEO, BHP
• Rob Scott - Managing Director, Wesfarmers
• Mel Silva - Managing Director, Google Australia & New Zealand

The BCA also has a team called the secretariat. This team helps with research, communication, and running the office.

The BCA has special groups to help different businesses. For example, the Strong Australia Network helps businesses in regional areas. BizRebuild helps businesses that have been damaged by floods or bushfires.

What the BCA Focuses On

The BCA works on many different policy ideas. These ideas are plans for how things should be done in Australia. Some of their past ideas have included:

• Making changes to education after high school.
• Lowering taxes for people and companies.
• Making it easier for businesses and workers to agree on pay and conditions.

Members of the BCA help to create these policy ideas. They do this by working together in special groups and task forces.

Who are the Members?

As of 2021, many large companies are members of the BCA. These companies come from different industries across Australia.

See also

• Economy of Australia
• Australian Competition & Consumer Commission
• Council of Australian Governments
• National Competition Policy