NSW – Reclaiming 1st symposium to tackle reforming government

18 November 2009

Making government more accountable, fiscally responsible and ending the blame game will be the main topics of discussion for CEOs, policy analysts and representatives of business and government who are meeting in Sydney today to discuss ideas to reform government. 

The “Reforming Government” Symposium is the fourth and final in a series of high level gatherings in the NSW Business Chamber’s NSW–Reclaiming 1st program.

NSW–Reclaiming 1st symposium will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel between 9am–1pm.

Patricia Forsythe, spokesperson for NSW–Reclaiming 1st said today’s symposium will look at issues including redefining Federal-State roles and responsibilities for better service delivery; improving accountability and fiscal responsibility; reforming public sector work practices; and strengthening local government.

“The NSW–Reclaiming 1st agenda is about bringing the best minds from business, government and the community together to help develop an agenda for a stronger and more competitive NSW.

“Our focus today will be on making government work better for the community. Business is tired of the blame shifting and a lack of financial rigour that causes blowouts in budgets and inevitably leads to higher taxes to cover the shortfall.

“The way to secure long term prosperity in NSW is through developing and pursuing a reform agenda that is centred on removing the impediments to business and improving the performance of government.”

Mrs Forsythe said the economic downturn was a “wake-up call” to government, business and the community that NSW couldn’t run on autopilot anymore.

“The challenge for business and government is to take a long term view rather than just react to immediate issues.

“NSW–Reclaiming 1st is about looking at solutions and focusing on the medium to long term.”

Mrs Forsythe said this symposium was the last of four symposiums held this year.  NSW Business Chamber will use the ideas raised through the year as the basis for a blueprint to lead NSW back to its place as the premier state.  The blueprint will be released in March 2010.