27 July 2009

120 CEOs, policy analysts and representatives of business and government will meet in Sydney on Monday to discuss ideas to boost the NSW economy.  The “Boosting the Economy” Symposium is the second in a series of high level gatherings in the NSW Business Chamber’s NSW Reclaiming 1^st program.

Patricia Forsythe, spokesperson for Reclaiming 1st said the Symposium today will look at issues including lifting exports, creating centres of industry excellence, skills and business opportunities from climate change, as ways of helping NSW regain its place as the economic engine room of Australia.

“Our focus today will be on solutions.  Government, business and the community will be working together to create real opportunities for growth.

“Growth is never an accident and the NSW Reclaiming 1^st agenda is about bringing the best minds from business, government and the community together to help develop an agenda for growth.

“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 symposium would be looking at how business can be deployed to find solutions to climate change. Sustainability matters to business.

“Adaptation, change and reform by government and within business, is essential if we are to make serious progress in tackling climate change and in preparing our businesses for the opportunities that will come from green industries.

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 1^st is about looking at solutions and focusing on the medium to long term”.

Mrs Forsythe said Monday’s symposiums was the second of four symposiums planned for this year, with future symposiums focusing on reducing the burden on business and reforming government.