The AICD is confident about the future of SA’s economy
THE leaders of the local division of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) are optimistic about South Australia’s economic prospects following the State Government’s first six months in power.
THE leaders of the local division of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) are optimistic about South Australia’s economic prospects following the State Government’s first six months in power.
On the back of major defence contracts, tax reform and a focus on emerging industries including space, technology and advanced manufacturing, they believe the state is well placed to capitalise on the business community’s renewed sense of optimism.
AICD SA/NT division president Roger Sexton said the State Government’s reform agenda was inspiring confidence across the state’s business community.
“There is an increasingly buoyant outlook on the state’s economy,” he said.
“There is a clear plan from government and we are looking at that translating to directors and businesses having the confidence to invest and employ.”
The State Government’s 2036 vision – developed during the Liberal Party’s time in opposition – outlined its priorities through 47 reforms across nine key policy areas, including health, education, energy and infrastructure.
Former Infrastructure Australia chairmen Sir Rod Eddington and Mark Birrell – a Fellow of the AICD – are advising the State Government on the establishment of Infrastructure SA, which it is hoped will give the state a better chance of luring infrastructure funding from the Federal Government.
Infrastructure SA will have a seven-person board, an independent chair and three independent directors.
A new group of directors will also be required to oversee the State Government’s revamped health system.
A major change to the governance of the public health system will see the reintroduction of decentralised local and regional boards. The proposed changes will result in 10 Local Health Networks, each with its own governing board including six to eight directors.
Reporting annually, they will appoint chief executives, control the local health budgets, and consult with the community to ensure services reflect local priorities.
With changes to the governance of key industries, and recent reports from Business SA, the Property Council and Deloitte pointing to improved business confidence and conditions across the state, AICD SA/NT state manager Clinton Jury said there was “great energy” across the economy.
“We’re already seeing a buoyant attitude towards the state’s economy translate to strategic investment across all sectors,” he said.
SA Premier Steven Marshall will be the keynote speaker at the AICD’s lunch event on November 30.
Dinner with a global leader
MORE than 400 guests are expected to attend the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ SA Annual Dinner later this month, with the final tickets available to members and non-members.
The guest speaker is Mechai Viravaidya, who spearheaded Thailand’s response to the AIDS crisis in the 1990s. The country’s prevention program was credited with saving an estimated 7.7 million lives and earned Mr Viravaidya the nickname “Mr Condom”.
The dinner is on October 25 at the Convention Centre. For more information visit the AICD website or ph 8236 2800.
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Governing to Protect Vulnerable People
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Friday, November 30
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall on key reforms in health, education and energy and his party’s vision for the state moving into 2019.
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