Business Representation > Archived representations

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland submissions

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland is working for Queensland business by actively representing members and undertaking research to positively influence government policies, programs and legislation. Details of recent policy submissions are available below.

For further information about Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland's submissions and committees, email .

Submission to the Senate Select Committee on Climate Policy

May 2009

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) welcomes the opportunity to participate in the Senate Select Committee inquiry into climate change policy and the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).

CCIQ is the peak business organisation in Queensland, representing the interests of 25,000 businesses and 135 chambers of commerce across the state. All of these businesses will be impacted to some extent, either directly or indirectly, by the CPRS and any other measures which may be adopted to address climate change.

Letter to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry regarding the AQIS Horticulture Export Program

May 2009

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland wishes to express concerns in respect to the proposed changes that the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS) are proposing for the Horticulture Exports Program.

Specifically, our concern relates to the proposed cost recover model that is being proposed. For many years, the Australian Government has worked with industry to support and encourage exporters

Submission to the Fair Pay Commission regarding the 2009 Minimum Wage Review

May 2009

Further to our earlier submission to the Commission on the 2009 Minimum Wage Review, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) has had the opportunity to gather further information relevant to this process.

CCIQ has surveyed over 800 Queensland employers on the impact that a wage increase would have on their business.

Urgent Queensland Industry Association Roundtable on Payroll Tax

May 2009

On 7 May 2009 a special roundtable of Queensland industry associations met in Brisbane to discuss what could be done to assist the Queensland business community to retain and grow jobs through the global and national economic recessions.

These associations collectively represent the majority of the state's 405,000 businesses, which provide in excess of 1.8 million jobs.

Submission to the Treasurer regarding Commonwealth Government's Third Stimulus Package

April 2009

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) invites the Commonwealth Government to consider a reduction in payroll tax as part of its third stimulus package to be announced in the May Federal Budget.

CCIQ is proposing the Federal Government fund a temporary 50% payroll tax cut to the states for the next financial year (2009/10) to provide much needed relief for businesses.

Submission to the Senate Standing Committee - Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme

April 2009

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the exposure draft of the legislation which will implement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).

Queensland business acknowledges that it has a social responsibility to minimise the impact that its activities have on the environment. It is also aware that it needs to work co-operatively with all levels of government and the wider community to address important environmental issues such as climate change.

Blueprint for Growth - Policy Priorities for Queensland's State Government

March 2009

The single greatest thing a business can do to enhance the wellbeing of our state's community is to provide secure ongoing employment. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) believes Queensland's future is bright provided the next State Government is highly active in bringing down the barriers for business to employ and grow.

This Blueprint provides the foundations for growth building upon earlier 2004 and 2006 CCIQ Policy Blueprints. It was developed in consultation with our members and identifies the major issues of concern for the Queensland business community.


Blueprint for Growth - Policy Priorities for Queensland's State Government March 2009

The single greatest thing a business can do to enhance the wellbeing of our state's community is to provide secure ongoing employment. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) believes Queensland's future is bright provided the next State Government is highly active in bringing down the barriers for business to employ and grow.

Submission to the Queensland Government regarding the 2009-10 State Budget December 2008

As the state's peak business organisation, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (formerly Commerce Queensland) welcomes the opportunity to participate in the 2009-2010 budget consultation process. Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queenslandregards the State Budget as the Government's foremost instrument of economic management within Queensland. Our focus is on Budget fundamentals, business taxation and their resultant impact on the business operating environment.

Letter to the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia following the Small Business Summit on the Global Financial Crisis November 2008

Following the Prime Minister's Small Business Summit held in Brisbane on 24 October 2008 and our discussion in Sydney recently, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (formerly Commerce Queensland) undertook to provide the Prime Minister and Treasurer with the latest up to date information on how the global financial crisis (GFC) is impacting on the Queensland business community.

To this end the Chamber has just completed surveying the state's business community on how the GFC is impacting on their operations.

Letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd following the Small Business Summit on the Global Financial Crisis November 2008

On behalf of the Board and our 25,000 members, the Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Queensland (previously Commerce Queensland) would like to formally
thank you for attending and addressing the Small Business Summit on the Global
Financial Crisis.

The Summit provided an important opportunity for Queensland businesses to
engage directly with you, the Treasurer and Minister for Small Business on issues
of pressing importance to them.

Letters to the major banks regarding the global financial crisis November 2008

Following the Prime Minister's Small Business Summit held in Brisbane on 24 October 2008, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (formerly Commerce Queensland) undertook to update the Prime Minister and Treasurer on how the global financial crisis (GFC) is impacting on the Queensland business community.

To this end Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland has just completed surveying the State’s business community on how this issue is impacting on their operations.

Submission to the Producitivity Commission regarding paid parental leave November 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Producitivity Commission's draft inquiry report into paid parental leave.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland strongly opposes the Commission's draft recommendations that employers act as 'paymasters' for the government funded paid parental leave scheme, and that business provide superannuation contributions for employees for the period of leave taken.

Submission on Australia's future tax system October 2008

Queensland's economy has become more dynamic, efficient and productive over recent decades. However, the state's tax system has not moved at the same pace. As a result, Commonwealth and state taxes are now considered by Queensland businesses to be a brake on the State economy achieving its full potential and being as internationally competitive as it can be.

Submission to Infrastructure Australia on Australia's Future Infrastructure Requirements October 2008

As the state's peak business organisation, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to provide an employer perspective to Infrastructure Australia on Australia's future infrastructure requirements.

Queensland is currently enjoying a period of sustained economic growth and prosperity. Queensland has experienced 17 consecutive years of economic growth with average per annum growth of 4.4% compared to the national rate of 3.3%. However such sustained economic growth creates its own challenges – Queensland is operating at beyond capacity.

Submission on the Australian Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper September 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Australian Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper ('the Green Paper'). Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland is the peak business organisation in Queensland, representing the interests of 25,000 businesses and 135 chambers of commerce across the state. All of these businesses will be impacted to some extent, either directly or indirectly, by the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme ('the CPRS').

Pulse Survey & the Queensland Economy August 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland recently wrote to Glenn Stevens, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, to highlight the results of the findings of teh June quarter Pulse Survey of Business Conditions. The survey showed business confidence again fell sharply in the June 2008 quarter as higher interest rates, oil prices and insufficient economic activity have unnerved businesses throughout Queensland.

Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review - Minimum Salary Level August 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland supports 457 visa holders having equal workplace and remuneration entitlements to those afforded to Australian residents.

However, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland is strongly opposed to the current arrangement of having a gazetted Minimum Salary Level (MSL) as it does not reflect the wages or conditions of Australian employees.

Submission to the Visa Subclass 457 Integrity Review - English Language Requirements/ Occupations Health & Safety August 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has over the past year identified a number of concerns regarding the english language requirements introduced on 1 July 2007.

The major concern relates to the requirement that 457 visa applicants need to have proficiency in english to an average band score of 4.5 across all four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)..

Letter to the Treasurer regarding infrastructure spending in Far North Queensland & on the Gold Coast July 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has written to Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser encouraging the immediate roll out of all infrastructure projects committed to by the State Government in both Far North Queensland and the Gold Coast.

These regions are highly dependent upon tourism as a driver of economic activity and have been significantly and negatively impacted by rising fuelprices, the appreciation of the Australian dollar and more recently by airline decisions to reduce services.

Discussion Paper on Business Subclass 457 and Related Temporary Visa Reforms July 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has had the opportunity to review the Business Subclass 457 and related temporary visa reforms discussion paper.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland wishes to highlight a number of issues in relation to the recommended employer obligations which we believe must be addressed in order to ensure that the 457 visa scheme can continue operating efficiently within Queensland.

Submission to the National Review on Model OHS Laws July 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland is committed to the achievement of a Workplace Health and Safety System in Queensland businesses where every person in the workplace has a safe place of work and a safe method of working.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland supports the creation of a nationally consistent WHS framework that recognises employers and employees have a joint responsibility to ensure that workplaces are health and safe.

Submission to the Reserve Bank of Australia on the Impact of Monetary Policy on the Queensland Economy and Tourism Industry June 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland strongly believes that the Reserve Bank of Australia's monetary policy settings are having a dramatic impact on the Queensland Economy, the State's Tourism Industry and Far North Queensland in particular.

Whilst Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland is aware that the various headline and underlying measures of inflation remain above the RBA's target range, we are imploring the Bank to hold firm on interest rates.

Submission to QLeave regarding the Proposed Amendment to Building and Construction Industry Regulation 2002 June 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has had the opportunity to examine the the proposed amendment to Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Regulation 2002, Regulatory Impact Statement concerning the increase in percentage rate of Portable Long Service Leave Levy.

Feedback from Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland's membership mainly highlights that it will not directly impact on operations as it is ultimately a cost borne by the customer. However, comments have been provided citing the increase will impact on the commercial feasibility of some projects for clients.

Submission to the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave June 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland believes that the primary objective of any Paid Parental Leave Scheme should be based on the notion of providing parents with supplementary family income linked to their absence from the workforce to have a baby.

There are however several other important issues that must be considered in developing a Paid Parental Leave Scheme.

Submission to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship regarding the Temporary Skill Migration (457 Visa) Program Scheme May 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has had the opportunity to review the recommendations of the 457 External Reference Group’s Inquiry and the subsequent response by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland wishes to highlight a number of issues in relation to the recommendations and the Department’s response which we believe must be addressed in order to ensure that the 457 visa scheme can operate efficiently within Queensland from July 2008.

Submission to the EPA regarding the Regulatory Impact Statement and draft Public Benefit Test for the Environmental Protection Regulation 1998 March 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Regulatory Impact Statement and draft Public Benefit Test for the Environmental Protection Regulation 1998 (EPReg).

As previously advised, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland generally supports the move towards an evidence-based approach to the assessment and regulation of Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs). We do, however, have some concerns about certain aspects of the proposed new approach.

Submission to the Visa subclass 457 External Reference Group March 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland represents the interests of 25,000 businesses across Queensland, many of which operate in rural and regional areas. Approximately 100 of the State's 132 Chambers of Commerce are in regional and rural centres.

The changing dynamics, efficiencies and productivity of the Queensland economy over recent decades has resulted in significant changes to Queensland's workforce. Queensland, like the rest of Australia, is facing one of the greatest economic challenges of the 21st century - skill shortages.

Submission to the Review of the Role & Responsibilities of Queensland Government Agencies in the Administration of WHS Regulation March 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to provide comment on the Service Delivery and Performance Commission's Review of the Role and Responsibilities of Queensland Government Agencies in the Administration of Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) Regulation.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland supports a workplace health and safety culture that recognises that Government, employers and employees all have a joint responsibility to ensure that workplaces are healthy and safe.

Submission to the Senate Select Committee on State Government Financial Management March 2008

As the peak business organisation, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to participate in the Senate Select Committee Inquiry on State Government Financial Management.

This Inquiry is taking place in an economic environment that has changed dramatically over recent months. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland's Pulse Survey of Business Conditions (for the December Quarter 2007) revealed a significant deterioration in business confidence as measured by the 12 month outlook for both the Queensland and national economies.

Submission to the Queensland Competition Authority regarding the Benchmark Retail Cost Index for Electricity February 2008

As the peak business organisation, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to provide comment on the Queensland Competition Authority's (QCA) draft decision on the Benchmark Retail Cost Index (BRCI) for Electricity for 2008-09.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland recognises the vital role that energy plays in building and sustaining the Queensland economy and consequently has been actively involved in facilitating discussion and understanding of energy issues in Queensland. This inquiry is particularly important for regional Queensland businesses where competition has been slower to emerge.

Business priorities for Taxation Reform February 2008

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has provided supplementing information for consideration following the December Quarter Pulse Survey of Business Conditions. The survey revealed a significant deterioration in business confidence as measured by the 12 month outlook for both Queensland and the national economies. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland emphasises that the state budget has the significant potential to buoy declining business confidence and a softening state economy outside the resource sector.

Submission to Department of Natural Resources & Water regarding guidelines for Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs) in Regional Queensland December 2007
Water is an essential input for services and products provided by the Queensland business community. There is an increasing level of complexity being introduced to the regulatory environment surrounding the usage of water. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland consequently has a significant interest in the issue of water regulation and water demand management.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland's Submission to the 2008-09 State Budget December 2007

As the State's peak business organisation, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to participate in the 2008-2009 budget consultation process. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland regards the State Budget as the Government's foremost instrument of economic management within Queensland. Our focus is on Budget fundamentals and business taxation and their resultant impact on the business operating environment.

This submission has been prepared as a blueprint document for the economic development of the Queensland economy and identifies key recommendations that should be delivered as part of the 2008 - 2009 State Budget.

Submission on the Environmental Protection Agency's Let's Not Waste Our Future Discussion Paper December 2007

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) discussion paper, Let's Not Waste Our Future.

Queensland business is aware that it has a social responsibility to minimise the impact that its activities have on the environment and to work co-operatively with government and the wider community to find feasible solutions to important environmental issues, including climate change and environmental degradation. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has and will therefore continue to work cooperatively with the Queensland Government to address these issues in an efficient and effective manner.

Workplace Health & Safety Review of the Enforcement & Prosecutions Framework October 2007

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to provide comment on the Workplace Health & Safety Review of the Enforcement and Prosecutions Framework.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland supports the creation of an enforcement and prosecution framework that recognises employees and employers have a joint responsibility to ensure that workplaces are healthy and safe. Accordingly, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland encourages both employees and employers to take actions that improve health and safety in their workplaces.

Submission to the Queensland Water Commission regarding draft Level 6 Water Restrictions for South East Queensland October 2007

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland welcomes the opportunity to comment on the draft Level 6 Water Restrictions announced by the Queensland Water Commission (QWC) on Sunday 30 September 2007.

Water is an essential input to many services and products provided by the business community in South East Queensland and Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has a strong interest in the issue of water restrictions.

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