Independence, informed debate, policy influence and reach.
CEDA – the Committee for Economic Development of Australia – is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation.
We identify policy issues that matter for Australia’s future and pursue solutions that deliver better economic, social and environmental outcomes for Australia.
CEDA's cross-sector membership spans every state and territory and includes more than 780 of Australia's leading businesses, community organisations, government departments and academic institutions.
We deliver on our purpose by:
- Leveraging insights from our members to identify and understand the most important issues Australia faces.
- Facilitating collaboration and idea sharing to invoke imaginative, innovative and progressive policy solutions.
- Providing a platform to stimulate thinking, raise new ideas and debate critical and challenging issues.
- Influencing decision makers in government, business and the community by delivering objective information and expert analysis and advocating in support of our positions.
CEDA provides thought leadership and policy perspectives on the economic and social issues affecting Australia. We achieve this through a rigorous and evidence-based research agenda, and forums and events that deliver lively debate and critical perspectives.
At the helm is CEDA Chief Executive, Melinda Cilento and National Chairman, Paul McClintock AO.
Our funding comes from membership fees, events, research grants and sponsorship.
Our history
Formed in 1960 by Sir Douglas Copland, CEDA's purpose was to harness the ideas and influence of leading thinkers from business, government, community and academia.
CEDA has led the way in highlighting emerging issues and new directions from the potential for a GST to be introduced to the National Broadband Network.
Its purpose remains unchanged. Today CEDA continues to deliver leading thinking, informed discourse and rigorous research to influence good public policy for Australia's economic and social development.
Read more about our history.
Objectives
CEDA advances Australia's economic development by:
- Engaging the brightest minds in the search for the best policy ideas;
- Informing our members on long-term economic, business and policy issues;
- Identifying business best practices, enabling leaders to make better decisions; and
- Influencing policymaking with independent ideas delivered in an understandable, accessible format.
CEDA's activities
CEDA research raises the level of public policy debate and discourse around the country. Recent CEDA research has delivered detailed reports on topics including:
Join leaders, be informed and be part of the discussion at one of CEDA’s events, which provide attendees with the opportunity to engage and discuss the economic development of Australia.
From the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, State Premiers, CEOs of the ASX Top 200 to leading academics, CEDA events deliver top speakers looking at the critical issues for business through more than 300 events annually. CEDA provides a range of event options for members, from intimate boardroom briefings to large public events.
CEDA's regular member only events for employees of member organisations and also Trustee only boardroom briefings for senior executives from member organisations provide a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and for speakers and attendees to talk candidly about key issues. At CEDA Trustee events, Chatham House Rule applies.
- For more than 30 years, CEDA's annual Economic and Political Overview (EPO) events are held in each capital city in February and March to coincide with the release of the EPO publication. The events and publication provide analysis to inform on the economic and political environment which we will be operating in for the year ahead.
- Each year in June, CEDA hosts an annual State of the Nation conference in Canberra. State of the Nation is an intensive day-and-a-half of briefings with government and shadow ministers, public servants, commentators and industry analysts, offering an insider's view of the Federal Government's policies.
- CEDA recognises the leadership and insight of its founder Sir Douglas Copland and responds to the contemporary demands on leaders operating in rapidly changing business environments by delivering the Copland Leadership Program. The program, delivered since 2003, is offered by CEDA in conjunction with leading education and management institutions across the country.
Seven hundred leading businesses and organisations choose CEDA. The diversity and depth of our membership is CEDA’s key strength. By joining CEDA’s network, you are showcasing your organisation as a thought leader in Australia committed to driving public policy debate.
CEDA membership benefits:
- Participate in thought leadership: engage and shape policy discussion on the critical issues facing Australia.
- Engage with colleagues, clients and stakeholders: gain access to significantly discounted rates for you and your guests at CEDA public and member only events.
- Peer-to-peer networking: receive invitations to CEDA’s Trustee only boardroom briefings.
- Position your organisation: profile and align your organisation with CEDA events relevant to your business and expertise..