G2B: Chief Minister’s Message

Retail trade turnover in the ACT,which measures how much money Canberrans are spending at our local shops, increased by 8.5% through the year to January 2016 - a significant increase that was more than double the national retail trade turnover. This comes after news that State Final Demand (SFD) in the ACT grew by a very strong 3.1 per cent...

The confirmation of direct international flights connecting Canberra to Singapore and Wellington is the realisation of a long held ambition for the city and the region. It is a game-changing moment for Canberra's economy and it is vital that the ACT and the surrounding region utilises this opportunity and leverages it to its fullest potential. The feedback I have received...

The Federal Government's innovation agenda announced by the Prime Minister and Minister Pyne is a significant policy shift that will certainly have some benefits for Canberra. At the very least, the agenda rights many of the wrongs inflicted by the Abbott-led government that put thousands of Canberra jobs at risk over the last few years. Canberra is fast becoming the...

Sydney's busy George Street was recently closed to cars as the construction of the city's light rail network began. This followed an announcement by the Queensland Government that Stage 2 of their light rail project will be completed in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Next year, work will start on Canberra's light rail and will mark the start of...

The Attorney-General and I recently announced that Juris Partnership is the preferred proponent to deliver the ACT's first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the new ACT Courts Facility. The new ACT Courts Facility, which will create around 350 jobs during construction, is an important pathfinder for the territory's future PPPs and has been designed to attract industry and to showcase the...

The ACT has been confirmed as the most innovative and entrepreneurial state in Australia according to a new report by the Office of the Chief Economist of the Commonwealth. The report, the Australian Geography of Innovative Entrepreneurship, found that the ACT is the highest performing of all Australia's States and Territories for both innovation and entrepreneurship on a population adjusted...

The latest Sensis business index report shows that business confidence in the ACT is at the highest levels in over a year and are above the national average. Small to medium enterprises are reporting improved sales profitability and wages, reflecting a positive attitude felt across the territory. These results demonstrate that the ACT has now turned the economic corner. With...

In early June, I delivered the 2015/16 ACT Budget for Canberra. This Budget will ensure Canberra remains the world's most liveable city and remains a place all Canberrans can be proud of, with an economy in which we can all feel confidence. The budget aims to ensure we maintain our core values - by continuing to invest in health and...

A strong and sustainable economy is essential for us to meet the needs of the Canberra community now and into the future. We know that our economy will grow as we are diversifying our private sector and that this in turn will create new jobs. That's why the ACT Government, through our renewed business development strategy, Confident and Business Ready;...

Canberra and South East New South Wales have a unique relationship due to our geographic proximity and shared vision for our region. Together we want to build a strong regional economy by creating local jobs, building a world class and accessible tertiary education sector, attracting tourists and encouraging business development and investment. That is why the South East Regional Organisation...

In late March, I delivered my first major speech to the ACT's business sector on the state of the territory. My speech highlighted the government's renewed vision for our city- with investment in infrastructure and an urban renewal agenda designed to reinvigorate the nation's capital. I am committed to this vision as it will continue the city's growth and help...

I recently visited the New Zealand city of Wellington which was labelled by popular travel publication Lonely Planet as the 'coolest little capital in the world'. I don't think my hosts were surprised to hear this title is something I'd like to take from them for our cool capital. There are many similarities between the two cities. Wellington has a...

In the first sitting week of the ACT Legislative Assembly for 2015, I announced the government's next reform- the introduction of a Local Industry Advocate to make sure that local businesses get a fair go in government procurement of goods, services and capital works. Part of the Local Industry Advocate's role will be to work with government directorates to ensure...

Welcome to the first of edition of B2B for 2015. I hope you all had a safe, happy and relaxed festive season. There has been a lot of change in the ACT Government of late and we used our time over the break to prepare for the year ahead. In my new role as Chief Minister, I will be out...

Earlier this month, the ACT Government provided matched-funding to seven, innovative Canberra based businesses and entrepreneurs to develop their exciting new products or services through the Innovation Connect program. The program is the government's flagship innovation initiative which provides grants up to $50,000 to assist early stage Canberra business and entrepreneurs. The program has delivered more than $3.5 Million to...

Last month I had the pleasure of leading a delegation to Singapore and Tokyo where I was able to highlight the great potential our city offers for foreign investors and promote Canberra as a tourist destination to a wider audience across Asia. I always enjoy these relationship building missions, and I am pleased to say that my latest trip to...