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advancing australia’s productivity & global relevance

australia’s first multinational business council unifying the voice of the 10,000 local organisations headquartered globally employing one million aussies

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what is the council

The Abundium Multinational Business Council is an advisory and advocacy forum, not a lobby group, with a dual mandate to,

  • provide a sounding board to government, regulators and media on matters impacting and influenced by the global business community in Australia, and
  • support the local leaders of global companies when advocating for investment with global headquarters, given the increasingly competitive international business landscape.
"There has never been a more critical time for Australia to embrace a global mindframe to enhance our nation’s prosperity. The local leaders of global companies have a unique understanding of Australia’s place in the world and play a critical role in promoting our future growth."
rich hirst-2
Rich HirstCo-chair, Multinational Business Council

how global companies contribute locally

9,946 companies
966,200 employees
1/5th of employers with 200+ employees
30% of total corporate tax income
45% of all large companies with $250m+ revenue
$222b of industry value added
$1.3t total business income
$4.97t invested by foreign countries in Australia

* data references below.

why a unified voice for global companies is needed now

Beyond the numbers, globals help locally by strengthening Australia’s employment landscape, expanding consumer choice, sharpening competition, accelerating innovation, enhancing trade connectivity, and bringing onshore world-class technology, talent, products, services, infrastructure, and security capabilities.

Historically, Australia has been a great partner to globals for many reasons, including its consistent economic and population growth, strong governance, political stability, sovereign and private wealth, good infrastructure, natural resources, and proximity to fast growing markets.

Enhancing our nation's productivity and international relevance is key to ensuring the benefits above for both Australia and global companies in partnering together continue. By working across industries and drawing on expertise from around the world, global companies are uniquely positioned to help on the productivity and relevance fronts.

that is why we've launched the multinational business council

"Australia remains a safe haven in a sea of global uncertainty, but one that must continue to evolve to retain that edge."
amber matthews
Amber MatthewsCo-chair, Multinational Business Council

who is the council

The Multinational Business Council is an extension of the services Abundium has provided to over 200 of the world’s largest companies with operations in Australia since 2020.

See who's in the Abundium Multinational Network

The new Council will be co-chaired by seasoned multinational executive Amber Matthews, formerly the Australian Managing Partner and Global General Counsel for the world’s 3rd largest law firm DLA Piper. Abundium CEO and Co-founder Rich Hirst will co-chair with Amber, drawing on his extensive experience working in multinationals.

An Advisory Board predominately consisting of the local CEOs from the Global Fortune 500 will guide the strategic direction and initiatives of the Council.

The CEOs on the Advisory Board represent a range of industries including technology, healthcare, finance, FMCG, entertainment, retail, logistics, professional services, travel, industrials, manufacturing, and construction from countries including the USA, China, UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Canada, Holland and Japan.

amber matthews
amber matthews co-chairFormer global General Counsel & Australian Managing Partner of DLA Piper, Amber brings deep expertise in strategy, culture & governance. As Co-Chair of the Abundium Multinational Business Council, she advocates for the value multinationals bring to Australia’s economy and communities.Connect on Linkedin
amber matthews co-chair
rich hirst
rich hirst co-chair

Partnered with more than 2,000 multinational CEOs from nearly 1,000 global companies, giving him deep insight into the realities and opportunities of global leadership in Australia. As CEO & co-founder of Abundium, he champions the contribution multinationals make to Australia’s productivity, prosperity & global relevance.

Connect on Linkedin
rich hirst co-chair
Phil SchachtCEO, Heidelberg Materials Australia
"The Abundium Council allows us to collaboratively explore how global enterprise can drive innovation, create jobs, and bolster Australia's position in the global market."
Silke BarlowCountry General Manager, Lenovo
"Australia plays an important role in the global economy and has significant potential to continue leading in innovation and sustainable growth. However, to achieve that potential, we must continue to build on our diverse strengths and partner with multinational companies to accelerate transformation and drive long-term prosperity for Australia."
 
Nick PeschAustralian & New Zealand CEO, Randstad
"Australia is well known as a talent factory for the world. For many reasons we also attract some of the best and brightest to work here from offshore. That two way talent flow benefits the country enormously. Ensuring that continues is one of the reasons I’m part of the Multinational Business Council advisory board."
 

what is the unique value proposition of the council

Three key roles:
  • Sounding board to government, regulators and media on decisions impacting and influenced by global companies with operations in Australia
  • Advisor to the local leaders of global companies about successfully scaling the growth and positive impact of their Australian operations.
  • Advocate highlighting the benefits of locals and globals partnering together to drive the nation’s productivity and global relevance.
One unified voice:
  • Representing multiple industries and many of Australia’s major trading partners around the world.
  • Operating on the global stage daily yielding a unique and informed view on Australia’s place in the world.
  • Sharing a vested interest locally plus the resources and experience globally to advance Australia’s prosperity.

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