From the CEO: Assistant Minister Leigh echoes the sounds of Club Nouveau

By Peter McDonald, MEA CEO

Some have questioned the value of industry associations over the past couple of years. As I’ve said when I’ve addressed this topic previously, I don’t seek to speak on behalf of any of the others representing particular segments in our industry.

What I will say to you is that it’s the federal government’s view that associations are valuable, and membership of one is good for Australians and Australia. How do I know this? I heard it firsthand.

I attended Associations Forum’s Leaders Symposium last week, where we were addressed by the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP – Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury. One of his verbatim statements was: “The work that associations do is so important for Australia”, after which he added “We need smart ideas and collaboration in order to build a stronger Australia” and “The work that you do in expanding education and training is a key part of that. A more educated Australia will be a higher waged, more productive Australia”.

He discussed how the conversations across associations about how to boost productivity are critical for building a more productive Australia, and the role that associations play in community connectedness. He elaborated on the declining numbers of Australians participating in groups and volunteering in their local community. Going on, he quantified that where once Australians attending religious services regularly or belonging to a trade union each sat at 50%, its now reduced to be a rate of 1 in 7 in both cases. We’re also less likely to play team sports, have as many friends or know our neighbours.

The Minister believes that associations such as MEA are key for reconnecting Australia and that we play a “vital” role. He reaffirmed how we bring people together for shared conversations. He went so far as to say that associations facilitate a high trust Australia, and that trust and friendships are the stuff of a good life. Continuing, he told how a high trust Australia means a more affluent Australia. It’s his opinion that networks of trust and reciprocity – as in those enabled by associations – are vital to our mental health.

The audience listened as the Minister spoke about associations not just sustaining the economy but being key for society and health of the community. In fact, the government is committed to doubling philanthropy by 2030, and boosting productivity in the NFP sector because it believes a society in which we spend more time with one another is a better place to live.

Dr Leigh declared a need to improve informal and on the job training in addition to award education and qualified that associations have been traditionally critical in informal training and connecting people with one another.

He wrapped up by saying that the work of associations couldn’t be more important or timely.

By default it’s the government’s view that MEA has an important role to play in underwriting the greater Australian events industry’s prosperity and its workforce’s connectedness, and that a sense of belonging to MEA will deliver mental health benefit to the individuals who constitute our industry’s workforce. The government sees that the way forward is for us to exist and lead, and for the industry’s people to commune and belong.

Government wanting us to exist means that they value our contribution and counsel.

In that vein, yesterday the Sydney Business Events Coalition – a group in which I represent MEA’s membership – circulated a report it commissioned through EY to the NSW Premier, appropriate NSW Ministers and Shadow Ministers which evidenced amongst other things that in FY19 business events were worth $10.4 billion annually to the NSW economy, of which $5.7 billion was spent in the Sydney metropolitan area. I think readers would agree that’s far from insignificant and justifies an active response by government to the groups’ call for investment in and support of the business events industry, in addition to maintenance of the current event market operating conditions.

In Victoria, senior representatives from MEA continue to work in collaboration with other industry associations and key industry stakeholders to actively engage with the State Government to discuss the issues impacting our businesses across the state, through the recently appointed Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos.

This week’s thought stream took me back to a time of shoulder pads, poofy taffeta skirts, tube tops, and Jazzercise fitness wear for the ladies, and when the men power dressed or wore parachute pants, Doc Martens, acid washed jeans and watches with Roman numerals. The year was 1987, the band was Club Nouveau, and they sang:

You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on...
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

The population recently saw fit to change the federal government with consensus being that their policies and perspectives are the way forward. On those grounds and Dr Leigh’s recent speech, I encourage readers to remain, become or rejoin as a MEA member. Its good for you and the nation.

Source:

Song – “Lean on me” 

Artist – Club Nouveau

Album – “Life, Love & Pain”