Business advisory group to assist workplace relations system

"The Advisory Group is an important body and there's a long way to go with the government's workplace relations agenda.

"The economic issues facing Australia are challenging but the opportunities are immense and it's important that we have a workplace relations framework that is consistent with this.  We need a system that will work for Australia in the long term and that gives certainty to business planning and investment.  And hopefully the Advisory Group will be able to contribute to this.

"Ai Group represents a huge spectrum of industries from ICT, through to construction, transport, manufacturing, food, infrastructure and labour hire.  We are therefore well placed to make a significant contribution to the work of the Group on behalf of Australian business and industry.

"All our members large and small have a vital interest in a well functioning and balanced industrial relations system which supports industries of all sizes and circumstances.

"In joining the Business Advisory Group, the Deputy Prime Minister has asked me to act as a link between the Group and the National Workplace Relations Consultative Council, with which we have had a deep involvement for many years, and I am pleased to take on this responsibility.

"Linking the groups will provide consistency that will contribute to understanding, better policy development and ultimately better legislation," Ridout said.