Logistics News

Fox, Horsburgh included in new workplace initiative

Transport leaders Lindsay Fox and Ray Horsburg help set up a new body to improve leadership qualitites in the industry

Ocrober 16, 2012

Two of the transport industry’s most prominent representatives have been included in the membership of a new body aimed at improving the leadership qualities and productivity of Australian businesses.

Linfox founder Lindsay Fox and Toll Chairman Ray Horsburgh will join executives from Wesfarmers, Virgin Australia and Microsoft and representatives from unions, government and academia on the advisory group of the Centre for Workplace Leadership.

The Federal Government announced the establishment of the group on Sunday, pledging $12 million over four years in funding for it as part of a response to the review of the Fair Work Act.

“The centre will encourage higher performing, innovative workplaces and stronger leadership capability in Australian workplaces, to boost productivity and ensure Australian workers truly have quality jobs,” Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten says.

He says leadership, workplace culture and management practices have a significant impact on workplace performance, productivity, profitability and innovation. The advisory group will be responsible for outlining the centre’s priorities and strategic direction.

“This advisory group will provide expert advice to government and to the centre on the key issues and strategies that will help the centre reach and assist workplaces across the country,” Shorten says.

He says the centre will deliver quality training for managers on leadership, workplace culture and people management practices. It will also be responsible for promoting research on workplace change and improvement.

Shorten wants the membership involve itself in debates on the interdependencies between high performing and productive workplaces, effective management practices and quality jobs.

“Working across all industries, sectors and regions of Australia, the centre will improve the leadership capability in workplaces of all sizes, including businesses outside of our capital cities. There will be a significant focus on assisting small and medium enterprises,” he says.

“Australia needs higher performing and more profitable and competitive workplaces to continue to drive productivity growth and position Australia to take advantage of the opportunities of the Asian century. A key workplace level factor to achieve this is to boost workplace leadership capability.”

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