The Hon. John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia

Foreword

Prime Minister Howard

On behalf of the people of Australia, I warmly welcome you to Rugby Business Club Australia (RBCA) and Rugby World Cup 2003, hosted by the ARU and iRB.

Throughout the history of international Rugby, Australian teams and officials have played a leading role in the development of the game, with the Wallabies being the only side to have won two World Cups since the inaugural tournament in 1987.

Like many Australians, I take great pleasure in the success of the Wallabies, just as I have from the growth of international Rugby. I know, however, that success does not derive from talent alone, but is generated by passion, hard work, perseverance, a competitive spirit, and a commitment to the highest standards of excellence.

Prime Minister Howard congratulates Matt Burke and the Wallabies in front of a then world-record Bledisloe Cup crowd, August 1999, Sydney. Pic: Nick Wilson, Getty Images

These qualities will be displayed in abundance by the teams contesting the World Cup. The beauty of Rugby Business Club Australia is that its programme will help you to discover how these qualities have underpinned the domestic and international success of Australian businesses, and how you can be a part of this success.

The Australian business environment has much to recommend it. During the past seven years my government has put in place a sound macroeconomic policy framework which has delivered greater economic stability through low inflation and interest rates. This has been complemented by our suite of complementary microeconomic reforms. Tariff reductions, labour market reforms, and our improvements to Australia’s financial and taxation systems have been fundamental to the improved productivity of Australian businesses.

These reforms have produced falling unemployment, low inflation, low interest rates, strong consumer confidence, and a rise in exports, together with economic growth rates which are the envy of much of the developed world. In its April 2003 survey of Australia, the OECD praised my government’s macroeconomic structural policies, and forecast GDP growth in 2003 exceeding 3%.

These conditions have made doing business in Australia more certain and more profitable, and my government remains committed to improving the Australian business environment.

This is why I encourage you to experience another quality which will underpin the performances of the best World Cup teams: cooperation. Rugby Business Club Australia has been established to help you connect with leading Australian and international businesses during the World Cup.

By mixing business with pleasure through Rugby Business Club Australia’s programme of business events, you will have the opportunity to establish new international contacts, and improve your knowledge of, and access to, business developments in Australia and overseas markets.

Rugby Business Club Australia has my full support and I encourage you to make the most of the unique opportunities it offers you as you enjoy Rugby World Cup 2003.