Latest news with #Willox
Sky News AU
7 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
‘Simply can't do it': Allan government's proposed work form home law branded ‘political stunt' it does not have power to implement
The Allan government has been accused of attempting to con voters with a new work from home law it does not have the power to implement. Premier Jacinta Allan has announced plans to make the ability to work from home two days per week a legal right, with the legislation to be introduced ahead of the 2026 Victorian election. However, Australian Industry Group CEO Inness Willox branded the move a 'political stunt' designed to capitalise on the pro-work from home sentiments which helped deliver Labor its landslide election victory at the May federal election. "It's hard not to think that the eyes are firmly on November 2026 with the Victorian Government here and they're trying to basically suck people in,' he said. 'It isn't a serious exercise at all. It's a little bit of snake oil peddling by the Premier and her cabinet. They're offering a pipe dream to what they hope are gullible people... (who will think) they will be able to work from home two days a week." While Labor is yet to reveal the precise details of its proposal, the Victorian government is reportedly planning to implement its plan using the state's Equal Opportunity Act. According to Mr Willox, though, the Victorian government does not have the legal power to implement its proposal. 'The Victorian Government has no legal right to meddle in this. They have no authority to order private sector workers back to work. They just simply can't do it,' he said. 'Victoria ceded their powers and responsibilities to the Commonwealth in 1995 when it comes to workplace relations, so they've got nowhere to go here.' The Australian Industry Group CEO said work from home arrangements were routinely worked out between businesses and their workforces and there was no need for the government's proposal. 'Different workplaces have different arrangements depending on the needs of the business and that's what the Fair Work Commission works on by the federal law. That's what business is doing, that's what employees are doing," he said. 'This is a solution in search of a problem.' Mr Willox also claimed if the government were able to implement its proposal it would have 'enormous' consequences for Victorian workers and the Victorian economy, with businesses likely to move their operations to other states. 'Victoria is already the highest taxing state for business, it's the worst compliance state for business and what this sends out is a message that Victoria is not open for business, that it's closed for business,' he said. 'It's the last thing the state needs. It's the last thing the country needs.' Citing Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock's warning Australians' living standards were under threat from low productivity growth, Mr Willox said ideas like the Allan government's work from home proposal would make things worse. 'If this sort of decision goes ahead, things are just going to get worse,' he said. 'We're going to be talking about declining living standards, not about improving things. It's a huge risk here for the national economy, but particularly for Victoria. It's a bit of a sham and a shambles, quite frankly.'
Fibre2Fashion
07-08-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Australian industry rebounds, manufacturing stalls in July: Ai Group
The July Australian Industry Index has revealed a sustained recovery in industrial sectors since late 2024, except for manufacturing. According to the monthly survey of business activity, manufacturing continues to contract while other parts of the industrial economy show steady improvement. Manufacturers reported deteriorating business conditions, citing demand-side trade disruptions and escalating energy costs as primary concerns. The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) noted that the sector has missed out on the broader industrial rebound. "Manufacturing has been left behind from the recovery in Australia's industrial sectors since the start of this year," said Innes Willox, chief executive of the national employer association, Australian Industry Group. The July Australian Industry Index shows a broad industrial recovery since late 2024, but manufacturing continues to weaken amid trade disruptions and rising energy costs. Ai Group's Innes Willox highlighted the sector's struggles, urging reform on energy, resilience and productivity at Treasurer Jim Chalmers' Roundtable to safeguard economic stability. Willox highlighted that industrial gas prices have surged by 48 per cent since 2019, eroding Australia's long-standing energy cost advantage. This has contributed to a wave of plant closures and broader structural challenges for the sector. 'Treasurer Jim Chalmers' Roundtable this month can begin a clear reform path around the issues of energy, resilience and productivity. Given its centrality to our economic success, the issues impacting manufacturing in turn impact the entire economy,' Willox said in a release. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
The Advertiser
25-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Nomads cycling group to fight proposed e-bike ban on public transport
Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025. Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025. Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025. Cyclists with mobility issues could be deprived of their rights, claim a long-standing cycling group, if plans to outlaw e-bikes on trains go ahead in NSW and Victoria. George Willox, 68, of the Nomads Cycling Group told The Senior more than just social connections are at stake, as many mature cyclists transition to assistive technology to keep them mobile and active. "It will have really negative ramifications for people not being able to exercise in the same way, but also not being able to participate in their communities," Mr Willox said. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) wants public feedback on plans to ban e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from September on Metro and V/Line trains, plus V/Line coaches due to fire risks. NSW Transport Minister John Graham said, like Victoria, they were seeking support from the Federal Government to "strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters" to reduce risk of lithium-ion battery fires as well as considering a ban. "In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority," Minister Graham said. "Some international jurisdictions, including London [already] have made this decision." Read more from The Senior Barring the bikes would threaten the existence of the Nomads, Mr Willox said, as their members come from all over greater Melbourne - from as far as Gippsland, to Fairfield, Frankston and Essendon - and rely on public transport. Mr Willox said the group had been meeting for planned Friday rides for more than 20 years, with most members retired and now above the age of 55. Each week they travel a different route, which varies from inner-city cycle paths to trails further afield like Lilydale or Geelong. Up to 80 people are registered with their group, said Mr Willox, with up to 40 per cent utilising e-bikes. Some Nomad cyclists choose to take the train home after lunch as their bodies can't quite complete the total 30 to 40 kilometre ride for the day, he said. "I'm just about to turn 69 and I am starting to feel it going up the hills," said Mr Willox. "I'd anticipate within a few years of looking at getting an electric bike, if not for every ride, but for rides that I know I would start to have difficulty with. This proposed ban would effectively stop me being part of the group and it would risk the existence of the group." Several members of the Nomads have signalled they will make individual submissions to the DTP over the proposed ban, with public comment accepted until August 18. It comes as an official sign popped up at Sydney train station requesting users to keep e-bikes off trains, though The Senior understands it was erected prematurely and has since been removed. Government data from AusPlay revealed cycling among the top four physical activities for people aged 65 and over between 2021 and 2023, an increase in rank compared with years prior. In NSW alone, there are around 1.35 million e-microbility devices in homes statewide (including e-bikes and e-scooters), according to the state government, while 47 per cent of people use them on public transport. "Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney," said Minister Graham. It's reported e-bike bans may come into effect in NSW on September 1, though no official decisions have been made, the government said. The new Victorian regulations are slated to come into force on September 30. Victorian transport regulation changes will also include requiring people to vacate priority areas for wheelchair users (without being asked), and refinement of penalties attached to feet on seats. Foldable e-scooters and e-bikes will still be allowed on trams and buses, while mobility scooters will also be allowed. "Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke," a summary paper of the regulations states. "The risk is heightened by the prevalence of poorly made or modified devices, including unregulated e-bike conversions and those used for commercial purposes." The DTP is also asking the public whether toddler bikes should be allowed on trams and buses. To view the proposed Regulations and the RIS and to provide feedback visit: Submissions must be provided to the Department on or before August 18, 2025.
Sky News AU
24-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Labor's reliance on government spending and employment a ‘detriment' to economy ‘as a whole'
Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox says the Albanese government's continued reliance on spending and government employment is a 'detriment' to the Australian economy 'as a whole'. 'We have one chance here to turn the ship around and start to get things heading in the right direction and the meeting next month is the launch pad for that,' Mr Willox told Sky News Australia. 'What we have seen over the past 18 months is a clear rise in government spending, a clear rise in government employment, to the detriment of the economy as a whole and to the detriment of our national productivity and our national wealth.'
Sky News AU
23-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Labor needs to 'turn the ship around' in second term, AI Group's Innes Willox declares ahead of economic roundtable
Labor needs to 'turn the ship around' through its upcoming economic roundtable where the Albanese government's goals to boost productivity and investment in Australia will take centre stage. Australia's ailing productivity will be the subject of the roundtable led by Treasurer Jim Chalmers next month where leaders across business, politics and unions will discuss the nation's poor growth. AI Group chief executive Innes Willox is one of the attendees and urged the Albanese government, which has returned to parliament with a massive majority, to develop a clear picture of how to drive the nation's economy forward at the roundtable. 'This is an opportunity for the government to … get clear understandings around the big challenges that we face around productivity and investment and all the things that go into that,' Mr Willox told Sky News' Business Now. 'This is sort of like a legacy moment, a watershed moment. Not only for the government but also for the country because we have one chance here to turn the ship around and start to get things heading in the right direction.' Mr Willox was hopeful of genuine change from the Albanese government as he said there had been an 'epiphany' from some Labor members about the nation's economic future. He said it came from a novel by two US journalists titled 'Abundance' that had become popular in Canberra. The shift, Mr Willox said, was a "recognition" that "governments have indulged in process over outcomes, dollars over delivery and complexity over certainty". 'We need to turn all of that around so that we get government focused on the things that matter," Mr Willox said. 'Government in many ways, whether business likes it or not, is a partner of business, but it's a partner that has to act in the interests of business as well. 'If they don't, we're just going to continue to see a decline in living standards.' Economic and productivity reform was a lower priority during the Albanese government's first term, despite slow growth and the country sitting in a per capita recession. Labor struggled with sky-high post-pandemic inflation during its first term - which ate into household budgets. Inflation rose more than 17 per cent over about three and a half years while wages fell behind, prompting Labor to introduce an array of cost of living assistance measures such as energy bill relief. Labor will look towards fostering long term economic prosperity at the productivity roundtable from August 19 to 21. Here, the government said it will strive to "enhance economic resilience and strengthen budget sustainability".
