Andrew Leigh 2022

I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, the traditional owners of these lands, and pay respects to all First Nations people present.

The Albanese Government is consulting on notification thresholds as part of reforms to Australia’s merger rules to boost competition and productivity in our economy.

Our reforms will make Australia’s merger approval system faster, stronger, simpler, more targeted and more transparent.

Thanks very much, Andrew. Like Uncle Charles, I’d like to acknowledge the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation on whose lands we meet today, to pay respects to all First Nations people present, and to acknowledge so much that the not‑for‑profits in the room do for supporting First Nations communities.

When I took on the competition portfolio for Labor, a friend issued me a challenge: how many Australian industries can you name that are not dominated by a few big firms?

Today the Albanese Government and the states and territories are taking the next step to revitalise National Competition Policy (NCP) to make our economy more productive, more dynamic and more competitive.

Increasing competition and dynamism is good for businesses, good for consumers and good for the economy.

Today the ABS has released its first annual Measuring What Matters dashboard, housing Australia’s wellbeing framework established by the Albanese Government.

This newly renovated dashboard will place a national focus on wellbeing beyond other critical indicators like GDP, employment and wages – embedding the framework as a robust and permanent source of accountability.

ROSS SOLLY:

Watching it all unfold on the hill today. Maybe he even took part in some of the discussions, some of the debate, local member Andrew Leigh. Good afternoon to you, Andrew Leigh.

ANDREW LEIGH:

Good afternoon, Ross. Great to be with you and your listeners.

SOLLY:

Thank you to Commissioner Sue Woodward AM and to the staff of the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission for the invitation to speak to you today.

And thank you to all of you who are joining the event, for the contributions you’ve made to develop and improve the regulatory environment of Australia’s charities and not‑for‑profits.

KIERAN GILBERT:

Joining me live in the studio as the Assistant Employment and Competition Minister, along with the responsibility for Charities and Treasury too, Andrew Leigh. Thanks for your time. Looks like there will be a deal on this legislation to put in administrators for the CFMEU. Many in the construction sector say it’s not a day too soon.

STEPHEN CENATIEMPO:

Time to talk federal politics with Andrew Leigh. He is the Assistant Minister for Charity, Competition, Charities and Treasury and Member for Fenner. Andrew, good morning.

ANDREW LEIGH:

Good morning, Stephen. So, great that you did that shout out to the women Olympians. They’re remarkable aren’t they?