CEDA announces staff cuts

The Committee for Economic Development of Australia has announced it will cut staff as part of what it is characterising as a broader operational transition.

Announcing the news in an email sent late this afternoon, CEDA chief executive Melinda Cilento said the committee had spent the past two years reviewing its strategic focus and responding to feedback from members.

Ms Cilento said the impact of COVID-19 meant there was now a need to accelerate changes and reshape operations.

CEDA reportedly employs five people in Western Australia, with state director Paula Rogers believed to be among the staff who have been let go.

"While we have already moved to digital events and expanded content delivery in response to the crisis, more substantial changes to our organisation are required,” she said.

“We are moving to realign responsibilities across the organisation to maintain financial resilience and enable us to engage more effectively with members across the country and better manage the programming of events and content. 

“I am confident the changes being implemented will position CEDA well for the future.”

Ms Cilento also said that while CEDA will reduce its overall number of staff, the committee would create new policy and research roles as well as retaining employees in every state in which it currently operates.

A spokesperson for CEDA confirmed two team members from WA will be leaving in July as part of a restructure, but will hire for a new senior economist role.

"That role will help ensure we are capturing economic and policy insights from our members and other stakeholders in WA at this critical time in Australia’s national policy debate," the spokesperson said.

"As economic and social activity continues to normalise, you can expect to see the return of CEDA’s high quality face-to-face program including both public and member only events around the country, including in Perth.

"Further detail regarding the structure of the organisation and key accountabilities will be detailed in coming weeks."