2019: what were the biggest developments? – Leaders' Pulse

Thank you for taking the time to complete this three-minute AICD survey. We are keen to understand what impacted business and community leaders the most during 2019 in relation to: business decision making, organisational governance, and the state of the economy.

Question Title

* 1. Thinking about your primary role, over the course of 2019, what were the top three external/economic developments affecting your business decision-making?

RBA cash rate below one per cent for the first time

Low GDP growth

Low levels of household spending

The government returning the Commonwealth budget to (effective) balance

The US-China trade and technology war (tariffs, blacklisting of Huawei etc.)

The outcome of the 2019 federal election

Outcomes/impact of Royal Commissions

Increased regulation

Skills shortages

Energy prices / energy policy

Intensified climate pressures (drought, bushfires etc.)

Other (please specify)

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* 2. In your opinion, over the course of 2019, what were the three most significant developments affecting the Australian economy?

RBA cash rate below one per cent for the first time

Low GDP and productivity growth

Weak household spending

The government returning the Commonwealth budget to (effective) balance

Australia running its first consecutive quarterly current account surpluses for more than four decades

Sharp rebound in the Sydney and Melbourne property markets

The US-China trade and technology war (tariffs, blacklisting of Huawei etc.)

Australia-China relationship: intensified clash between security and economic interests

Signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement

Political uncertainty overseas (Brexit, US Impeachment)

The outcome of the 2019 federal election

Energy prices/energy policy

Intensified climate pressures (drought, bushfires etc.)

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. Over the course of 2019, what were the top three governance related challenges your organisation faced?

Outcomes/impact of Royal Commissions

Regulatory/compliance burden

Oversight of non-financial risks

Shareholder/member/investor activism

Cost/availability of directors and officers insurance

Risk of securities class actions

Director liability

Climate change risk (and related issues)

Board diversity matters

Reputational damage to the company or directors

Adequate board oversight/information flow to the board

Stakeholder management/community expectations and voice

Organisational culture and ethics

Remuneration structures/quantum

Demonstrating accountability

Hurdles/time allocated to strategic matters (e.g. innovation, long-term growth strategies)

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Thinking of your primary role, are you currently a board director or executive manager?

Director/chair

Executive manager

Other

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* 5. What size is your primary organisation

Small

Medium

Large

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* 6. Lastly, in which sector does your primary organisation operate?

Publicly Listed

Private

Not-for-profit

Public sector

Overseas entity