AICD Index: 82% Of Company Directors Call For Major Deregulation Push

A survey by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and Roy Morgan shows that 82% of company Directors supports a regulatory overhaul to improve productivity and economic growth.

Findings from the Director Sentiment Index for the second half of 2025 indicate that 42% of Directors see low productivity as the main economic issue, followed by global uncertainty at 39% and regulatory red tape at 35%. Two-thirds say compliance pressures limit productivity, and over half cite regulation as the main barrier to new investment. The index shows sentiment has declined by 5.2 points to negative 29.1, marking a seventh consecutive negative reading. Three-quarters of Directors expect compliance burdens to rise in 2026. Cybercrime, data security, and regulatory compliance remain key concerns. AICD leaders say stronger regulatory coordination, innovation support, and tax reform are needed to lift productivity and restore confidence.