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March 2019

Message from AmCham CEO April Palmerlee

 

New Ambassador. The big news this month is that Ambassador A. B. Culvahouse, Jr. has arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra. AmCham Australia looks forward to welcoming him at events across the country throughout the year. And we thank James Carouso for the tremendous job he has done as Chargé d’Affaires since July 2016. Please feel free to you would like me to pass along on behalf of the AmCham community.

 

Visa Changes. This month the Government announced that businesses making major investments in Australia will be added to a scheme for expedited work visas, thus improving certainty for employers while also boosting the economy. This action will address one of the major hurdles many AmCham companies face in bringing skilled workers to Australia in a timely and efficient manner. .

 

Hong Kong Business Summit. Earlier this month, an AmCham Australia delegation travelled to Hong Kong to connect with our counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region at the 2019 AmCham Business Summit. Along with several corporate leaders and government officials, our delegation met with other Asia-Pacific AmChams to discuss challenges and opportunities in today’s dynamic environment. Many people saw short-term challenges in international trade, but overall the long-term view was bullish. We also heard a lot about the Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong/Guangdong/Macao -- population 70 million; GDP US$1.5 trillion) where Beijing is planning a technology-driven economic powerhouse to compete with Silicon Valley.

 

 

The AmChams of the Asia Pacific also and elected a new Chair, of Baker McKenzie. Richard will be in Sydney next month and I hope to have an opportunity to introduce some of you to him.

 

2019 U.S. Chamber International IP Index. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently released the 2019 International IP Index “Inspiring Tomorrow” in Washington, DC. The Index maps the intellectual property (IP) environment in 50 economies around the world, representing over 90% of global GDP. The Index is intended to serve as a tool for policy makers and industry leaders to evaluate the strength of an economy’s overall IP system. .

 

SelectUSA 2019. Once again this year, I will attend SelectUSA, the U.S. Department of Commerce-led program to promote and facilitate business investment into the United States. SelectUSA’s mission is to facilitate job-creating business investment into the United States and raise awareness of the critical role that foreign direct investment (FDI) plays in the U.S. economy.

 

If your company is committed to entering the U.S. market the Summit is a “must-do” activity – the Summit will help your company, make connections and get started on business deals. .

 

March is Women’s History Month. Like many of our members, AmCham celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (IWD) by highlighting the roles strong female leaders play in our lives. In Melbourne, our annual multi-chamber forum saw over 500 people attend the afternoon tea that featured Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Cap and several other high-level speakers. In Brisbane, AmCham along with charity member, Wildlife Warriors, celebrated IWD with 150 guests who gathered at Australia Zoo to hear from Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin. US Consul General for NSW/QLD Sharon Hudson-Dean attended as well. And in Sydney and Perth, AmCham has featured one impressive female business leader after another: Marnie Baker of Bendigo Bank, Helen Coonan of AFCA, Robyn Denholm of Telstra, and Sherry Duhe of Woodside.

 

New General Manager in Adelaide. I am also pleased to announce that we have a new General Manager in South Australia: Rasa Buckley. Graduating from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Economics (Asian Studies) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy), Rasa went on to spend two decades in Asia: Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia working in corporate communications and business development for global media companies including LucasFilm, CNBC, BBC and TechTV. She also consulted for Disney, Maker Studios, NBCUniversal and Sony Television Networks. Please join me in welcoming Rasa to AmCham.

 

At the same time, I would also like to thank Robyn Houghton for the tremendous work she has done for AmCham in South Australia and Queensland, beginning in 2005. Robyn has handed the Adelaide reins to Rasa, but she will stay involved with us on special projects.

 

US 2019 Trade Policy Agenda and 2018 Annual Report. The 2019 Trade Policy Agenda and 2018 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program includes an annex listing trade agreements entered into by the United States since 1984. .

 

News about Wendy King. AmCham Board member Wendy King, President, Australia East – ConocoPhillips was awarded the Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) first ever Lifetime Contribution Award. Wendy’s trailblazing career is “proof that there are no limitations on a career in the resources sector,” according to QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane. Separately, AmCham Board Chairman Maureen Dougherty thanked Wendy for her considerable contribution to the Chamber over many years and wished Wendy well as she relocates to Houston next month to explore a new opportunity with ConocoPhillips.

 

 

Your Money. And, finally, you might enjoy watching this short video clip of me and Ticky Fullerton discussing trade negotiations, China, and the 2020 US election. .

 

 

Thank you for your ongoing support,

 

April Palmerlee, Chief Executive Officer

American Chamber of Commerce in Australia

E

P 02 8031 9000

New Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs

 

For a full list of all current committee members, please visit the page.
A warm welcome to our newest members

I’m delighted to welcome these new members and here is a link to their website:


Upcoming Events

BUSINESS BRIEFING WITH ROBYN DENHOLM

Speaker:

  • Robyn Denholm, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy, Telstra and Chairman of Tesla

The telecommunications sector has long had a significant role in underpinning the connected economy.

 

How can this translate to support for up-and-coming entrepreneurialism? Hear Robyn Denholm discuss the case for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit not only within Australia, but worldwide.

 

At this event, we will also hear how Telstra is stepping up to the challenge, looking at examples like muru-D, a start-up accelerator helping tech founders scale their businesses; and Telstra Ventures, an investment program targeting leading, high growth technology companies.

 

Ms Denholm will be in conversation with award-winning journalist Elysse Morgan, host of The Business on ABC TV and ABC NEWS Channel.

Business Luncheon

Wednesday 27 March

12pm – 2pm

Hilton Sydney

DR GUY DEBELLE, DEPUTY GOVERNOR, RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA

Speaker:

  • Dr Guy Debelle, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is Australia's central bank and its duty is to contribute to the stability of the currency, full employment, and the economic prosperity and welfare of the Australian people. It does this by setting the cash rate to meet an agreed medium-term inflation target, working to maintain a strong financial system and efficient payments system, and issuing the nation's banknotes.

 

This role is especially important in today’s uncertain banking environment. Guy Debelle started his career with an honours degree in economics from The University of Adelaide, and jobs at the International Monetary Fund, Bank for International Settlements, Australian Treasury and as a visiting professor in economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

 

Book your places for this event, spaces are limited in the beautiful Gilbert Suite at the ACC.

Business Luncheon

 

AmCham with Adelaide Business School

Wednesday 10 April

12pm - 2pm

Adelaide Convention Centre

WHY THE NEW MODERN SLAVERY LAWS ARE LIKELY TO IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS

Panel of Speakers:

  • Jenn Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Walk Free Foundation
  • Dr Mark Andrich, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Platform
  • Fiona Lawrie, Sustainability and Indigenous Affairs Manager, Wesfarmers

Join AmCham and K&L Gates as our Q&A panel will discuss the practical application of the newly introduced Modern Slavery laws, why this legislation is important and the positive changes that can take place where driven at a business and organisational level. By attending the event, you will be provided practical take-aways including how to start identifying the risks to your business or organisation, advice and tools to help obtain supply chain clarity, and guidance for you and your own suppliers to help get ready for what lies ahead.

Business Luncheon

Tuesday 30 April

12pm - 2pm

Hyatt Regency Perth

REVEALING QUEENSLAND'S ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF GROWTH

Panel of Speakers:

  • Dr Matthew Peter, Chief Economist, QIC
  • Erin Strang, Treasurer - Banking and Wealth, Suncorp
  • John Kettle, Partner, McCullough Robertson
  • Panel discussion facilitated by Kristin Devitt, Director, KDPR

2019 marks the 160th anniversary of Queensland's emergence as a state in its own right, with its own identity. The strength of the state's economy now rivals some of the world’s biggest nations, however, the world economic order is changing, bringing with it both challenges and opportunities for Queensland. How can we lift productivity in a way that sustains economic growth, improves living standards and balances the natural environment? How can business, government and communities come together to shape a future that will further unlock prosperity for all Queenslanders? What can we do individually, as communities and as a state to put Queensland out in front?

Business Luncheon

Tuesday 30 April

11.30am - 2pm

The Westin Brisbane

MANAGING REPUTATION IN 2019

Panel of Speakers:

  • Anna Whitlam, Managing Director, Anna Whitlam People
  • John Sartori, Partner, Ashurst
  • Shelly Lowe, Vice President, Global Markets, IBM Australia & New Zealand

So far 2019 has seen an array of high profile corporations challenged on their integrity, trust and brand values. The recent Royal Commission into the Australian Financial Services sector created reputational challenges that will take years to address. Reputation has never been more fragile and reputational threats are increasing exponentially. Join our expert panel as they discuss new threats, new thinking and new opportunities.

Business Luncheon

Wednesday 15 May

12pm - 2pm

Ashurst Melbourne

Upcoming Trade Missions and Delegations


Premium Network News

Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines

AmCham's 2019 Official Travel Partner

 

Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines together, proudly serve more than 204 million customers annually through their extensive and integrated network of destinations. Operating 25 flights per week, connecting over 45 destinations in Australia and New Zealand with over 250 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

 

Through our partnership, we go above and beyond to deliver a world-class travel experience. Whether travelling for business or leisure, enjoy an unrivalled business class experience, with lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, chef-curated menus and luxury amenities. It’s everything business travel should be.

 

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Boeing Australia

 

New era for Australian air combat and industrial capabilities

 

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Defence Industry Minister Steven Ciobo have announced a major step-change for Australia’s air combat and defence industrial capabilities with the unveiling of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.

 

Designed for global defence customers by Boeing Australia, it is the company’s largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft program outside the US. The aircraft will complement and extend airborne missions through smart teaming with existing military aircraft....

 

Grow with Google

 

Grow Your Skills & Prepare for New Jobs

 

“We believe in leveling the playing field for everyone. The Internet is one of the world’s most powerful equalizers, and we see it as our job to make it available to as many people as possible.” - – Sundar Pichai, Founders’ Letter 2016

 

Grow with Google is an initiative that draws on our 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that help people and businesses grow....

 

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Strength to Strength:

The Future of the U.S.-Australia Alliance

Applications are open until 21 March 2019

 

From fighting side-by-side in World War I to cooperating on cybersecurity today, the United States and Australia have been partners for more than a century. The U.S.-Australia alliance continues to play a decisive role in both countries’ strategies for economic prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Yet the future of the alliance is sure to face unforeseen challenges and opportunities in a global environment marked by technological innovation, economic change, and nontraditional threats to international security. To further explore these opportunities and challenges with the leaders of the future, the National Bureau of Asian Research, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, the Australian National University, and Flinders University, will convene workshops in Australia on the future of the U.S.-Australia alliance. Through a diverse selection of participants, these workshops will foster understanding and fashion forward-thinking strategies among Australia’s emerging leaders.

 

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02 8031 9000

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03 9027 5633

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07 3220 2478

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Podcasts

Posted on 3/04/2018

How Business Really Works: Digital Journey with Moe Ali

What's new in technology and how can your business stay ahead of the game? Moe Ali, Group Vice President of Gartner ANZ, talks to Duff about cyber-security, the importance of incorporating technology insights and information to the core of business m

Listen now