Business SA, South Australia’s peak Chamber of Commerce and Industry and peak employer body, can trace its origins back to 1839. Just three years after the state’s proclamation, the Adelaide Chamber of Commerce was formed, followed by the South Australian Chamber of Manufacturers in 1869 as a lobby and support group for manufacturers, and the South Australian Employers' Federation in 1889.
In 1972 the Adelaide Chamber of Commerce and the South Australian Chamber of Manufacturers merged to form the Chamber of Commerce and Industry SA Inc. In 1993, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South Australian Employers' Federation merged to form the South Australian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. The new entity was officially launched in 2000 with a new trading name, Business SA.
Historically, employer organisations in Australia formed to counter balance the union movement’s industrial relations influence, becoming increasingly relevant as more aggressive union tactics made it harder for individual employers to deal with their employees in good faith.
The modern-day Business SA continues to ensure employers achieve fair outcomes on industrial relations matters. However, we also work to ensure the broader economic environment is conducive to successful business in an increasingly-globalised economy, which requires local businesses to be highly cost-competitive. While Business SA is a state-based organisation, we recognise the need to work at a broader level to progress policy issues of national significance. We are a foundation member of the
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the nation’s peak business advocacy body.
We offer a range of services, products, advice and training to help businesses get on with the job and reach their potential, including in export markets. Our events provide excellent networking opportunities, with Business SA’s membership stretching across every sector of commerce and industry.
No differently to when our predecessors formed in the 19th century, we continue to lobby on behalf of our members without fear or favour to local, state and federal governments and their stakeholders, to ensure the collective voice of business is both heard and understood. Funded by member subscriptions and our products and services, Business SA is proud to be independent of any government or political party. This enables us to take long-term positions on policy issues in the interest of business and not just align with the political cycle.
We exist to help you grow your business, save you money and watch your back.
That means we’re there to help businesses raise concerns without fear of being targeted by unions or unfairly treated by governments. We have always worked for South Australian businesses and employers and the prosperity of our state. With the continued support of our members, we always will.