June 2012.pdf - RCSA

CEO’s REPORT
Steve Granland
In this issue of the RCSA Journal we are looking
at the people aspect of our conference theme,
Recruitment at the Speed of Tomorrow. Steve
Shepherd looks at the Ciett report Adapting to
Change and there is a thought-provoking
Discussion Paper on flexible agency work.
By the time this issue of the RCSA Journal
hits the desks of RCSA members we will be
into a new financial year. The first half of 2012 has
certainly proved to be an interesting journey with
global economic challenges continuing to test us
all and the Australian political scene adding to a
general lack of business confidence which has a
flow-on effect for our industry. Over the first half
of 2012 I have had many conversations with
members who have indicated some clients have
held off on hiring decisions until such time as
they have a level of confidence around the global
economy and domestic politics. At the time of
writing, the global economic powerhouses are
meeting again to look for solutions to the Euro
crisis and the Australian political scene was
muddling through yet another challenge –
hopefully by the time this hits your desk we
have moved on both globally and domestically
as we did in 1998.
Recently I was reviewing some old RCSA Journal
publications and came across the first issue of
the Recruitment Journal from May 1998. In this
Journal there was a feature article in which RCSA
Board members at the time were asked three
questions: What do you think are the market
trends shaping the industry How do you think
the Asian Economic Crisis will hit Australia and
New Zealand and What factors will shape the
industry in 1998 It is very interesting to look
back on their responses and see that things
haven’t really changed.
Many respondents noted the increasing trend
towards contracting and agency work to create
more efficient workforces with the associated
need to increase focus on OH&S. While the Asian
Economic Crisis was seen as potentially eroding
business confidence and therefore affecting
hiring decisions, it was also noted that it may
have released skilled labour to assist in offsetting
the skills shortage in Australia. The explosion in
technology was noted by most as likely to have a
significant impact on how the business operated.
Fifteen years ago we faced circumstances
and challenges which, although different, are not
dissimilar to those we face today. Our industry
not only survived, it prospered by quickly and
efficiently adapting to business needs.
In 1997, in Australia our industry generated
approximately $5 billion in revenue; today in
Australia our industry generates approximately
$19 billion. This is not only solid growth, but
represents an important and significant part
of the economy.
Featured in this issue of the RCSA Journal are
the RCSA Awards and Gala Ball. I was very proud
to be part of the Awards night held on 10 May in
Melbourne. This event has quickly cemented itself
as the industry “night of nights” – not to be
missed. This year we had another record
attendance and everyone had a fantastic night! I
would like to publicly acknowledge the hard work
of the judges and thank all the applicants for
ensuring the judges had a very difficult task by
providing the highest quality entries.
Congratulations to the 2012 winners including
Sean Blanche MRCSA, winner of the Young
Recruitment Professional Award; Skilled Group,
winner of the McLean Award for Workplace
Safety; Beaumont Consulting, winner of the
new Corporate Social Responsibility Award;
and Robert Blanche FRCSA (Life), winner of the
Outstanding Contribution Award. I would also
like to congratulate Peter Gleeson FRCSA (Life),
Executive General Manager Recruitment at
Chandler Macleod who was inducted as a RSCA
Life Member. A warm welcome to Peter – I look
forward to his continuing contribution for many
years to come.
In closing, I would like to remind all readers that
the theme for this year’s conference is Recruitment
at the Speed of Tomorrow. The conference
will run from 29-31 August at the Sofitel in Fiji.
Last year was a great success and the line-up
of speakers for 2012 is looking very impressive.
Based on registrations we have received to date
(running ahead of last year) I urge you to book
early to avoid disappointment.
Steve Granland
RCSA CEO, Australia and New Zealand
The first half of 2012
has certainly proved
to be an interesting
journey with global
economic challenges
continuing to test us
all and the Australian
political scene adding
to a general lack of
business confidence
which has a flow-on
effect for our industry.
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RCSA JOURNAL