People, productivity and performance: the importance of workplace relations reform to Australia’s resource future
Steve KnottAustralian Mines and Metals Association.
The APPEA Journal 55(2) 458-458 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ14093
Published: 2015
Abstract
After the past decade of unprecedented global investment into new resource projects and existing mine expansions in Australia, the next few years will see a large number of these new mega-projects finish construction and enter the production phase.
During this industry transition, the performance and productivity of Australia’s new resource projects will be critical for delivering the greatest returns to the nation and in determining whether more investment capital will find its way into the country.
As Australia’s resource industry rapidly transitions into this new long-term production phase, the author, Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) Chief Executive Steve Knott, discusses how leadership, productivity and workplace relations reform will maximise new production capacity and create ongoing opportunities for future generations. In particular, the author explores why Australia’s workplace relations system is an increasing concern for an industry subject to intensifying global competition and the reforms that could assist resources companies to do business, invest and create jobs. This extended abstract about all things people and productivity will examine:
Australia’s productivity performance against existing and emerging competitors.
The importance of workplace relations for boosting resource industry productivity and positioning Australia to secure further waves of global investment.
Key reform priorities for resource industry employers, and the workplace policy foundations that the industry needs for future productivity and competitiveness.
Labour productivity in the wider context of skills, leadership and technology usage.
Steve Knott is the chief executive of Australia’s national resource industry employer group, the Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA). Having led AMMA since 1997, Steve is well-recognised as one of the resource industry’s leading representatives across a range of state and federal policy issues, most notably workplace relations and other employment matters. Steve’s influence on workplace policy extends to the International Labour Organisation, the International Labour Advisory Council, the federal employment minister’s National Workplace Relations Consultative Council and the broader business community through his role as a board director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). With AMMA also delivering a range of employment consulting services direct to resource employers, Steve manages a diverse national team across a number of roles and disciplines, all working toward delivering value for AMMA members and ensuring Australia’s resource industry is an attractive place to invest, do business and employ people. |
References
Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).Schwab, K., and Sala-j-Martin, X., 2014—The Global Competitiveness Report 2014–2015. World Economic Forum, Geneva.
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014—Experimental Estimates of Industry Multifactor Productivity, Australia, Cat. No. 5260.0, Canberra.
Fair Work Amendment (Bargaining Process) Bill 2014 (Cth).
