05.08.2021Our members told us so

Every year, we ask our members to share their thoughts with us through our member survey, to help shape our policy agenda and plan for the future.

In previous years, our members identified Transport, Housing, Future Skills and Digital Capability among their highest priorities. While the importance of these areas has not changed, there has been a clear shift in priorities, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, while in 2018/19, 90% of our members highlighted the need for an integrated Melbourne transport plan, new areas of focus like tourism, climate change, and arts and culture were identified in our latest member survey. This is what they told us:

1.      In 2021 41% of our members said that Climate Change and Sustainability was of major concern.

To accommodate the interests of our members on climate change and sustainability as highlighted through the member survey, we have:

• Hosted a roundtable discussion in collaboration with Accenture to discuss ‘Investing in a better future’ and considered Accenture’s ‘Clean Jobs Plan’ that looks to a more sustainable future for Australia.
• Worked with CSIRO to talk about A Roadmap for Hydrogen’s Future and looked at how Australia can take advantage of hydrogen to boost the economy and future technological use.
• Spoke to leading thinker Keryn James, CEO of ERM, to discuss road to recovery and the new sustainability agenda.
• Collaborated with MinterEllison on a renewable energy forum, exploring the state of renewable energy investment in Australia.
• Hosted an event on the topic of electric vehicles to discuss how Australia can increase its support for the innovation, manufacturing and deployment of electric vehicles under current and future policy landscapes.
• Released a thought leadership piece on Australia’s Climate Policy.

2.      40% in 2021 highlighted the importance of our Arts and Culture sector

Arts and Culture has been an ongoing part of the Committee’s agenda. Recently, The Honnourable. Martin Pakula MP joined us and our members to discuss how Victoria is attempting to navigate its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic. While acknowledging the challenges faced by business and the community, and the resilience displayed through adversity, the Minister was upbeat about our recovery and the long-term prospects for key economic sectors, including arts and culture, major events, tourism, international education, aviation and advanced manufacturing.

We provided a set of recommendations  for the arts and culture sector and continue to speak with government on how to further support the sector.

To read more about our ongoing work in this sector, click here.

3.      25% in 2021 highlighted our Visitor Economy as a focus area

Since setting up our Visitor Economy Reference Group in late 2019, we have been facilitating member forums and targeted submissions to government seeking to develop the ‘Greater Melbourne Visitor Experience’ and industry. These initiatives have highlighted the importance of the Greater Melbourne Visitor Economy, which underpins our central activity district and state, as an economic driver. The Committee:

• Looked at the future of Victoria’s aviation industry in a forum where we unpacked the future of the global aviation industry and what it means for our airports, communities and economies so reliant on aviation for passenger movement and freight.
• Prepared a submission for the Legislative Council Standing Committee on Economy and Infrastructure’s Inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism and events sectors.
• Released the Road to Recovery Greater Melbourne’s Visitor Economy report.

To learn more about our work on Melbourne’s Visitor Economy, click here.

4.      21% in 2021 highlighted the importance of International Students

Australia’s international education sector has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The closure of international borders and the subsequent loss of international students, has hit many universities hard, as well the local communities and economic sectors that service them. The Committee:

Established an International Student Action Group (ISAN) made of key representatives from our university members and broader community to determine priority initiatives on the road to recovery.

• Hosted a forum to unpack the extent of the challenges facing the international education sector.
• Prepared an overview discussion paper on international education.
• Wrote a submission for the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030.
• Called for authorities to get serious about international education

Click here to read more about our work in this sector.

We will continue to collaborate with our members, to develop practical ideas and initiatives that deliver positive and lasting outcomes.

Read the key findings of the 2021 member survey here.

To discuss the survey findings or to get involved please contact us.