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multinational business council

advancing australia’s productivity & global relevance

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australia’s first council unifying the voice of 10,000 locally operating multinationals

about mbc

australia’s future prosperity depends on its productivity and its relevance in a rapidly changing global economy

At a time when capital, talent and innovation are more mobile than ever, collaboration across industries and across borders matters more than ever.

Multinational companies sit at the intersection of global expertise and local execution. By drawing on knowledge, technology and experience from around the world, they are uniquely positioned to help lift productivity, strengthen competitiveness and ensure Australia remains a compelling partner on the global stage.

three key roles 

  • Sounding board to government, regulators and media on decisions shaping global companies operating in Australia

  • Advisor to local leaders on decisions that scale growth and positive impact in Australia

  • Advocate for locals and globals partnering on decisions that lift productivity and global relevance
what is the council?

The Multinational Business Council is Australia’s first unified voice for foreign-owned business, with a dual mandate to:

 Be a sounding board to government, regulators and media on decisions shaping multinationals in Australia.
 Support CEOs to build stronger investment cases with regional and global HQ.
what we're not

We are an advisory and advocacy forum, not a lobby group. We work alongside existing peak bodies and chambers, complementing their efforts rather than competing with them.
who is it for?

The Council is for local CEOs of the world’s largest foreign-owned companies operating in Australia, including Global Fortune 500 leaders and organisations with significant local scale.
why now?

Australia’s productivity and global competitiveness are under pressure, and global investment is more contested than ever. Multinationals bring capital, jobs, innovation and global connectivity, but the sector has lacked one credible, cross-industry voice to inform policy, shape public narrative and strengthen confidence in Australia as an investment destination.
who leads the council?

The Multinational Business Council builds on the work Abundium has delivered with 200+ of the world’s largest multinationals operating in Australia since 2020.

It is co-chaired by Amber Matthews, a seasoned multinational executive and former Australian Managing Partner and Global General Counsel of DLA Piper, alongside Rich Hirst, Abundium CEO and Co-founder.

Strategic direction is guided by an Advisory Board predominantly made up of local CEOs from the Global Fortune 500, representing a broad mix of industries and countries of origin across Australia’s multinational community.
what makes it different?

It is CEO-led, cross-industry and purpose-built for multinationals. The Council combines peer leadership with research and influence, creating a practical platform that strengthens the operating environment for global companies and Australia’s relevance on the world stage.

"There has never been a more critical time for australia to embrace a global mindframe to enhance our nation's prosperity. the local leaders of global companies have a unique understanding of australia's place in the world and play a critical role in promoting our future growth.”

rich hirst blue
Rich HirstCo-chair, Multinational Business Council

how global companies contribute locally

9946 companies
966200 employees
25% of employers with 200+ employees
30% of total corporate tax income
45% of all large companies with $250m+ revenue
$222b of industry value added
$1.3t total business income
$4.97t invested by foreign countries in Australia

"Australia remains a safe haven in a sea of global uncertainty, but one that must continue to evolve to retain that edge.”

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Amber MatthewsCo-chair, Multinational Business Council
media

rich hirst

co-chair

Partnered with more than 2,000 multinational CEOs from nearly 1,000 global companies, giving him deep insight into the realities and opportunities of global leadership in Australia. As CEO & co-founder of Abundium, he champions the contribution multinationals make to Australia’s productivity, prosperity & global relevance.

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amber matthews

co-chair

Seasoned multinational executive Amber Matthews, CEO of Nexia Sydney and formerly the Australian Managing Partner and Global General Counsel for the world’s 3rd largest law firm DLA Piper, Amber brings deep expertise in strategy, culture & governance. As Co-Chair of the Abundium Multinational Business Council, she advocates for the value multinationals bring to Australia’s economy and communities.

connect on linkedin
amber matthews blue

from the council

"As an Australian leading the local arm of a global food and beverage business, I'm proud of how we partner with local farmers, suppliers and retailers to strengthen productivity, resilience and growth. When global and local expertise combine, we create shared value, bringing better jobs, greater choice, and a more competitive, connected Australia."

Alexia HorleyCEO Australia & New Zealand, Foods at PepsiCo

"The DHL Group is delighted to participate in the Multinational Business Council and add to the conversation around how we strive for a productive , competitive & skilled workforce and an effective infrastructure to drive positive outcomes for the Australian economy."

Steve ThompsettCEO, DHL Supply Chain Australia & New Zealand

"Multiculturalism is one of Australia's sources of prosperity. When people and corporations from different backgrounds come together, they create opportunities that no single group could achieve alone. The Multinational Business Council will champion this strength and ensure that collaboration, inclusion and cultural understanding continue to shape Australia's economic future."

Stefan FeldmannManaging Director, HDI Global Asia Pacific

we help you leader better locally, so you can win bigger globally

one unified voice

   Representing multiple industries and many of Australia’s major trading partners around the world

   Operating on the global stage daily yielding a unique and informed view on Australia’s place in the world

   Sharing a vested interest locally plus the resources and experience globally to advance Australia’s prosperity
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