Annual Report 2008-2009

COMMITTED TO THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION

Affiliated with THE CANBERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES ITS PRINCIPAL MEMBERS

PRINCIPAL MEMBERS Annual Report 2008-2009

Affiliated with Canberra Business Council Annual Report

Canberra Business Council Limited

VISION: AN ORGANISATION THAT IS RESPECTED FOR THE QUALITY AND IMPACT OF ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE CAPITAL REGION. MISSION: PROVIDE BUSINESS LEADERSHIP IN THE PROMOTION OF ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAPITAL REGION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Criag Sloan: Chair Prof John Howard Tim Overall KPMG UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA QUEANBEYAN CITY COUNCIL

Brand Hoff: Vice Chair Glenn Keys Kristine Reithmiller NICTA ASPEN MEDICAL KMR CONSULTING

Michael Capezio David Marshall AUSTRALIAN HOTELS TALKFORCE CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION & TRAINERS

Hugh Chalmers Michelle Melbourne John Butt: Company Secretary MEYER VANDENBERG INTELLEDOX NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER

John Hindmarsh Stephen O’Brien Chris Faulks: CEO HINDMARSH NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER CANBERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL Canberra Business Council Annual Report

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS AT 30 JUNE 09

Colin Alexander OAM: Canberra Investment Corporation Limited John Smeeth: National Australia Bank Dale Budd: Dale Budd & Associates Pty Ltd Mary-Anne Waldren: ASF Limited Phillip Butler: Australian Institute of Company Directors Alison Walker-Kaye: National Capital Authority Andy Castle: ActivIdentity Sue Whelan: CRDB Hugh Chalmers: Meyer Vandenberg Todd Wills: PricewaterhouseCoopers Ian Davis: National Publishers James Willson: CRE8IVE Patti-Jane (PJ) Gould: Toll Priority Bob Winnel: The Village Building Company Lincoln Hawkins: BEACONHILL Consulting Chris Faulks: CEO - Canberra Business Council Robyn Hendry: Canberra Convention Bureau Inc STAFF John Hindmarsh: Hindmarsh CEO: Chris Faulks Brand Hoff: National ICT Australia Policy Officer: Koroush Ghazi Trish Kirkland: National Museum of Australia Business Development Manager: Dennis Hopper/Darryl Bozicevic Geoff Knuckey: Ernst & Young Services Trust Office Manager/PA: Elly Szkobel Kathy Korsch: Canberra Institute of Technology Events & Communication Manager: Kate Holland Elaine Kos: eKonsulting Administration: Amelia Sankey David Malloch: Malloch Digital Design Pty Ltd Export Development Manager: Brooke Anderson David Marshall: Talkforce Consultants & Trainers ScreenACT Manager: Brendan Walsh/Monica Penders David Mathews: Crystal Approach Pty Ltd John Miller: Master Builders Association (ACT) CONTACT DETAILS Denis Page: Denis Page Management Pty Ltd National Associations Centre Dr Neil Primrose: Primrose Solutions Pty Ltd Unit 4, 71 Constitution Ave Karsten Richert: Staging Connections (ACT) PO Box 132 Kristine Riethmiller: KMR Consulting Campbell ACT 2612 Ken Roberts: Ken Roberts Marketing P 02 6247 4199 Robin Schall: Life Member F 02 6257 4421 David Segrott: Australian Health and Safety Services E [email protected] Craig Sloan: KPMG W www.canberrabusinesscouncil.com.au Phil Sloper: Oracle Corporation Canberra Business Council Annual Report Canberra Business Council Annual Report

CONTENTS Chairman’s Report 8 CEO Report 12 Special Thank You 15 Canberra Business Council – Celebrating Thirty Years 16

Submissions 19 Life Membership – Denis Page 20 Events & Activities 22 ACT Exporters’ Network 26 ACT Chief Ministers Awards 28 ScreenACT 29 Economic Impact, Employment & Special Initiative Task Force 30 Planning and Infrastructure Task Force 33 Tourism, Sports & Arts Task Force 36 International Business Task Force 38 Innovation and Education Task Force 40 Business Environment Task Force 42 Small Business Task Force 45 ScreenACT Task Force by Michael Tear 48 Business Success Series 50 2008 Annual Winner – Business Achievment Award 53 Membership List 54 Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Chairman’s Report 8

Chairman’s Report

It is my pleasure to present the 2008-09 Canberra Business Council THE ECONOMY Annual Report. In the seven years that I have been privileged to be 2008-09 has been dominated by what was described by the Chairman of the Board, the Council has had many successes – and Treasurer in his 2009-10 Federal Budget speech (May 2009) this year has been no exception. as “the deepest global recession since the Great Depression.”

The severity of the global economic downturn was reflected in the THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY World Bank Global Development Report (June 22, 2009) which The Council reached a significant milestone in 2009 – its thirtieth painted an unprecedented picture: global output falling by 2.9 birthday. From relatively humble beginnings and only 22 members percent and world trade by nearly 10 percent; accompanied by in 1979, the Council has grown into the key business representative plummeting private capital flows; the US contracting by 3 per cent, organisation in the Canberra region. Thirty years ago, the Council the Euro area by 4.5 per cent, and Japan by 6.8 percent. – then called the ‘Committee of 22’ – had an important mission: As the global economy deteriorated rapidly throughout the year, “the growth of the private sector in the region, to create job governments around the world initiated extraordinary policy opportunities and conditions that encourage the development of responses which, according to the IMF, “helped save the global private enterprise.” That same important mission drives Canberra financial system from systemic collapse.” Business Council today. Australia and particularly the ACT were not immune from these To mark its thirtieth anniversary the Council produced a short international forces. However, we weathered the global financial history which highlights both the individuals who have worked crisis (GFC) much better than many other countries. The Federal tirelessly over many years to promote our mission and the Government acted decisively by implementing a targeted fiscal considerable influence that the Council policies have had on stimulus strategy. In addition, our financial system remained government decisions. What are also evident are the enormous soundly capitalised and well regulated; Australian banks retained changes that have taken place within the ACT during the period their high credit ratings, despite the difficult global environment; the Council has been in existence: in the devolution of government the Government’s bank guarantee arrangements successfully functions and improved relationships with government; in the sustained depositor confidence; our housing market held up much built environment; in the growth of employment opportunities better than in other countries, primarily because of lower interest and population; and in the development of the ACT as a place of rates, the Government’s First Home Owners Boost and unmet business innovation and export potential. demand; and, finally, Australia’s forecast net debt was expected to peak at 13.8 percent of GDP in 2013-14 whereas average net debt What is more important from the Council’s perspective has been levels in the major advanced economies were projected to increase the relative change that has taken place in the ratio of public to to over 80 per cent of GDP over the same period. private sector employment. The Council can rightly take great credit for the role it has played in that change and, as a result, Although Australia technically avoided a recession, and is the only for the part it has played in the economic development and major advanced economy not to have fallen into recession, the population growth of Canberra and the Capital Region. A shorter global financial crisis did have a significant impact on both the summary of that brief history is included elsewhere in this Annual ACT and Federal Government’s budget bottom lines. The Australian Report. budget was hit with a $210 billon collapse in Australian tax revenues – the greatest collapse in tax revenues in our nation’s The Council will celebrate its thirtieth birthday at the Annual Gala history. Similarly, while the ACT was largely shielded from the Dinner in late October 2009. full brunt of the GFC by the stabilising effect of government employment and procurement in the region, the impact was notable nonetheless. The Territory lost substantial amounts of revenue including half a billion dollars in GST revenue over five years. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Chairman’s Report 9

SUBMISSIONS NEW NATIONAL MEETING FACILITY

During the course of the year, the Council prepared 28 submissions The 2008-09 Budget included a commitment from the ACT on behalf of its members. These are listed separately in this report Government for $250,000, to be matched by the business and include submissions on Light Rail in the ACT, High Speed Rail, community, to develop the business case and a scoping study for the ACT Government 2009-10 Budget, Canberra Airport Master a new national facility for meetings and conferences in Australia’s Plan 2009, the ACT Government’s Review of ACT Work Safety National Capital. In mid-2009 the Council signed the Deed of Grant Regulations, and the Family and Community Day Public Holiday, with the ACT Government for this funding and moved quickly to to name but a few. In addition the Council released two discussion establish a Working Group headed by John Hindmarsh to drive the papers – one on Payroll Tax and the other on an Information project forward. A tender for the development of a Business Case Infrastructure Plan for the ACT. for a ‘Meeting Place for the Nation’ will be advertised late in 2009. This is an exciting project that will need the full support of the These submissions and research papers are an important part of private sector in the ACT and of the Federal Government if it is to the Council’s efforts to take a leadership role in economic policy succeed. development in the ACT.

The Council received largely positive responses to its submissions TASK FORCES throughout 2008-09. Especially its pre-election submission released in the lead up to the 2008 ACT Election, the majority Canberra Business Council’s seven Task Forces remain the engine of Council’s recommendations were included in the Labor room of our policy formulation and an important vehicle for Government’s policies. consultation with industry sectors. I will let the Task Force Chairs provide you with the details of their activities and achievements Payroll tax is a recurring issue for many of our members. Following this year in the individual Task Force reports which are provided the Council’s success in having the threshold for Payroll Tax lifted elsewhere in this Report. last year, many members asked the Council to pursue the abolition of payroll tax on their behalf. In response, the Council investigated However, as I commented last year, it is important to recognise the topic extensively and put together a Payroll Tax Discussion that the achievements of the Council are only as good as the Paper to clearly articulate the key issues in the debate. This paper efforts of our Task Force members in initiating policy positions proposes several practical options while recognising the current and providing expert input into the preparation of the Council’s reality of the importance of this tax to the Government’s revenue submissions to government. Our first Chairman, Robin Schall stream. The most appropriate course of action was to wait until captured this when he said recently “It is not enough to be a the findings of the Federal Government’s Henry Review of Taxation member of the Council. What are needed are members who work which will be this review are available early in 2010, before making to contribute to the Council’s achievements.” The Secretariat recommendations to the ACT Government. can do much of the work in preparing submissions, but the real expertise and business experience must come from our members. Canberra Business Council, in conjunction with the Australian Information Industry Association, has also begun tackling a I particularly want to thank the Task Force Chairs for their subject that is extremely important to the future of the ACT and dedication and the commitment of time they have made Capital Region: Information Infrastructure. An ICT Information throughout the year and also the members of the Task Forces for Infrastructure Discussion Paper has been prepared which examines their invaluable contributions. the requirements and opportunities of developing a plan which will capitalise on the competitive advantages which the ACT has as Australia’s premier knowledge-based economy. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Chairman’s Report 10

Chairman’s Report continued

PROJECTS involving the Australian Government, the ACT Government, the NCA and the Canberra business community, so that issues affecting 2008-09 has been a particularly successful year for the Council the National Capital and surrounding areas can be properly in terms of partnering on projects with the ACT Government and canvassed with the Australian Government. other organisations.

Although they each have their own sections in this Annual Report, THE YEAR AHEAD three projects that deserve a special mention are the ACT Exporters’ Network, the Chief Minister’s Export Awards and ScreenACT which The Council affiliated with the NSW Business Chamber in 2007 Canberra Business Council continues to manage in partnership specifically to become better resourced, more efficient and more with the ACT Government. influential in representing businesses in the ACT and Capital Region. Together, we remain committed and ready to play a leading During 2008-09 the Council was successful in securing three-year role in the next phase of growth of Canberra and the Region. funding for all of these projects which are vital to building the export and film industries, respectively, in the ACT. Our vision is for Australians to recognise and to be proud of their nation’s capital; to see Canberra as the centre of innovative The Council has also partnered with the ACT Government on a technologies with growing export potential; to see our city as a number of other projects: a Strategy for the Export of Education; destination for international business events and conventions, the Shanghai Expo 2010 business engagement strategy; and the linked to other international centres by direct flights to/from International Student Internship Pilot Program – Student Connect. our expanding international airport; to see a vibrant city centre These initiatives dovetail nicely with the Council’s aims of providing and the surrounding town centres linked by an efficient and assistance to key industry sectors in the ACT. They also demonstrate fully integrated public transport system; and finally to see our the level of confidence the ACT Government has in the Council by region connected in the future via a high speed rail link between continuing to entrust management of these important initiatives Melbourne and Brisbane via Canberra, Sydney and Newcastle. to CBC. In the year ahead the Council will continue to lead, or participate The Council is very pleased to be able to continue these important in all of the key initiatives and debates around economic initiatives which demonstrate that a collaborative effort between development and sustainability in the Capital Region. Government and the Council can deliver for the business community and meet the Government’s objectives. THANK YOU

In closing, I would like to place on the record my gratitude for the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT involvement and support of our valued partners and sponsors. In my report last year I wrote that the Federal Government was yet The Canberra Times and ActewAGL are both long-term and valued to engage in the key issues facing the ACT and surrounding region. supporters of the Council. I would like to particularly thank them I regret to say that this situation is largely unchanged. for their ongoing sponsoring of our Canberra Times Business The Federal Government remains unenthusiastic about meeting Series luncheons and ActewAGL Outlook 2020 lunch addresses with non-government business organisations in the ACT and and for their continuing joint support of the monthly Business reluctant to commit to major projects such as the Centenary Achievement Awards. of Canberra. Over the next year the Council will focus on I would also like to acknowledge the Australian Institute of developing a closer relationship with the Federal Government, Company Directors (AICD) for its ongoing partnership with the including lobbying for the re-establishment of the National Council to deliver the Canberra Times Business Series luncheons Capital Consultative Committee – a high-level consultative forum Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Chairman’s Report 11

and the Hyatt Hotel for their generous support of the Council, our hard-working and dedicated team in the Council which has again meetings and events. achieved an outstanding year-end result. 2008-09 has been an extraordinarily busy and demanding year in many ways and I am Meyer Vandenberg continued its sponsorship of the very popular grateful for their commitment to achieving the highest results on ACT Budget Breakfast in 2009. B2B in Canberra again sponsored behalf of members. the Connect after-work networking events and Oracle, ActewAGL, Cre8ive, The Hyatt Hotel and Staging Connections sponsored the In closing, I wish to thank the most important group of all – the 2008 Annual Dinner. The ANU and National Museum have also many businesses, individuals and organisations that are members supported the Council’s events throughout the year. of the Council. Without members the Council would simply not exist. It is their engagement, passion and commitment that makes Without this support the Council would not be able to deliver its the Council the dynamic, respected and effective organisation that increasingly popular event and networking program and I thank all it is today. of these sponsors.

A very special thank you also to my employer, KPMG, for their CONCLUSION understanding, patience and support over the last year as I frequently had my attention diverted by the business of the We are in an extremely strong position as we move into 2009-10 Council. with an established and robust reputation as an organisation that represents the best interests of members and is a constructive The Council has been extremely well-served over its history by contributor to the economic development of Canberra and the accounting firms in the ACT which have stepped forward to region. undertake the audit of the Council’s accounts on a pro bono basis. None is more deserving of our accolades than Ernst & Young who As we continue beyond our 30 year anniversary, Canberra Business have provided outstanding auditing services to Canberra Business Council retains the same spirit of commitment demonstrated by Council for the last four years. I express my particular thanks to the original Committee of 22 established in 1979 - namely the Geoff Knuckey at Ernst & Young for his support of the Council over desire to provide a strong voice for business and to bring together many years. our members and government in an effort to ensure that the future of the Canberra Region is prosperous and secure. Once again I greatly appreciated the advice, support, wise counsel and experience of my fellow Board members throughout this last year.

I thank the members of the full Consultative Committee of the Council which oversees the Council’s policy agenda, for their contribution. Similarly, the our Kindred Organisations provide invaluable advice that infuses our policy proposals. I thank all of the executive officers of those organisations for their input over CRAIG SLOAN the last year. The Council would be unable to lobby decision- Chairman makers so credibly and so successfully without the industry- specific knowledge and expertise contributed by our Kindred Organisations.

Lastly I thank the outstanding Canberra Business Council Secretariat led by our CEO, Chris Faulks. Chris heads a small Canberra Business Council Annual Report | CE0’S Report 12

CEO’s Report

My second year as Chief Executive Officer of Canberra Business The Council completed an intensive schedule of meetings and Council coincided with the most challenging economic period in briefings with Ministers, their offices and Government Departments over 50 years. Despite this, I am pleased to report that 2008-09 has dealing with policy across the spectrum of business and economic seen the Council make significant progress on a range of important development. These meetings and briefings ensured that the issues issues for business in the ACT. of concern to CBC members and the broader business community in the ACT and surrounding region were constantly put before I am also privileged to be CEO of the Council during its thirtieth policy makers. anniversary year. Having read through 30 years of CBC Annual Reports, I am deeply aware of the legacy of so many dedicated members of the business community who, over three decades, SUBMISSIONS have made an enormous contribution not just to the work and Formal submissions are a central part of the Council’s overall achievements of the Council but to the economic development of strategy of engagement with government and play an important the ACT and surrounding Region. I am committed to building on role in influencing policy outcomes. In 2008-09 the Council that strong foundation into the future. prepared 28 submissions and released two substantive discussion As the Chairman’s Report has noted, the turbulent market papers on policy issues that are particularly important to our conditions of the past 12 months have shaken the Australian members: Payroll Tax and an ICT Information Infrastructure Plan. economy. The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) created a climate of A full list of the submissions appears elsewhere in this report uncertainty that changed the political and economic landscape however one of the most significant achievements for the Council of Australia and the ACT. Fortunately, the ACT withstood the crisis during this reporting period was the ACT Pre-Election Submission. comparatively well enabling the Council’s focus to remain firmly on In September 2008, Canberra Business Council delivered to all the sustainable growth of Canberra and the surrounding region. political parties a detailed submission covering issues and projects The Council has delivered substantial benefits for its members that had been identified as priorities by CBC members and Kindred this year as a result of its success in representing the interests Organisations. ACT Labor, which was subsequently re-elected of business to government and influencing key decision makers to government adopted 36 of the 43 recommendations in this and policy outcomes. The Council has also increased information submission as part of their official policy platform for the election. and services for members and has organised a full calendar of The Council will monitor the implementation of these election events with outstanding guest speakers and other networking commitments over the next few years. opportunities. The Council developed two Discussion Papers in 2009.

ENGAGING WITH GOVERNMENT PAYROLL TAX In 2008-09 the Council stepped up its strategy of engagement Payroll tax is an issue which many businesses often ask the Council with key decision-makers at the Federal and ACT Government to pursue on their behalf. This year we investigated the topic levels to achieve outcomes that benefit our members extensively and put together a Payroll Tax Discussion Paper to The result was an outstanding level of success in achieving support clearly articulate the key issues in the debate. for a number of Canberra Business Council submissions. These This paper proposes several practical recommendations but submissions allowed the Council to take a leadership role on notes that the Henry Review of the taxation system is currently some very ambitious but important strategic issues, which have underway and the most appropriate course of action would be to the potential to contribute to the sustainable growth of the ACT wait until its findings are handed down late in 2009 before the economy in the future. Council makes a recommendation to government. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | CE0’S Report 13

ICT INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSION PAPER The Council was instrumental in achieving a lifting of tender thresholds for direct, select and open tenders; changes to public Canberra Business Council, in conjunction with the Australian liability and professional indemnity insurance requirements in Information Industry Association, has also begun tackling a subject contracts to more accurately reflect the risk associated with that is extremely important to the future of the ACT and Capital individual projects; fewer formalities for lower value procurement Region: Information Infrastructure. and the adoption of an e-tendering tool by Procurement Solutions, An ICT Information Infrastructure Discussion Paper has been resulting in greater flexibility and a quicker evaluation process for prepared which delves into the requirements and opportunities tenders. of developing a plan which will capitalise on the competitive advantages which the ACT has as Australia’s premier knowledge- TASK FORCES based economy. Once again our considerable policy agenda has been driven by Implementation of a co-ordinated ICT Information Infrastructure the Council’s seven Task Forces in conjunction with the Kindred Plan – or I3P for short – also helps address several significant issues Organisations and the Consultative Committee. The Task Forces which the ACT has experienced in recent times, including long- regularly attract ACT ministers and senior officials to their term skills shortages and the need to reduce carbon emissions. meetings. This facilitates a frank exchange of information about the issues of greatest importance to business. CHANGES TO ACT GOVERNMENT PLANNING PROCESSES During 2008-09 the Council’s Task Forces have pursued an The ACT has received substantial funding from the Commonwealth extensive range of policy issues which include: Planning, as part of the National Economic Stimulus Package and, as a result, Procurement, the Canberra International Airport, Supermarket the combined value of ACT and Federally funded capital works is Competition in the ACT, Light Rail, High Speed Rail for the east budgeted to be $1.66 billion over the next four years. However, coast of Australia, Paid Parental Leave, Infrastructure, Security of historically, the ACT Government has only been able to deliver at Payments, and ACT Work Safety Regulations – to name but a few. best approximately 67% of budgeted capital works in any given Across the Task Forces, Consultative Committee and Kindred year. Organisations there are over 200 members actively involved with During 2008-09 the Council worked closely with Government and the Council in developing policy and driving policy outcomes. other industry bodies to implement important changes to the ACT I thank those members for helping the Council achieve its Governments planning and procurement processes. As a result of successes during 2008-09. representations, the ACT Planning Minister, in consultation with

ACTPLA, established an Industry Monitoring Group (IMG) to achieve KEY PROJECTS improvements in the planning system and to provide a mechanism for industry views and concerns to be addressed. The IMG has Although they each have their own sections in this Annual Report, already delivered on a number of fronts. two CBC projects that deserve a special mention are The ACT Exporter’s Network and ScreenACT.

CHANGES TO PROCUREMENT POLICY AND PROCESSES The ACT Exporters’ Network is an initiative of Canberra Business Council supported by on the ACT Government. The Network The Council again worked closely with the ACT Government provides a range of valuable services to export-orientated throughout 2008-09 to make critical changes to procurement businesses in the ACT and the Council is very pleased to continue policy and processes which will improve opportunities for small to its close relationship with this important ACT Government medium businesses (SMEs) to access ACT Government contracts. initiative. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | CE0’S Report 14

CEO’s Report continued

ScreenACT is an ACT Government initiative which is administered by Canberra Business Council and, once again, I am pleased to report that the funding for this program has been renewed for another year. ScreenACT provides funding and support to ACT film, television and gaming companies which seek to enter or expand their presence in a growing and quite lucrative multimedia marketplace. In many cases, ScreenACT assistance makes the difference between success and a lack of viability for local projects and as such it has quite rightly earned much praise from both industry and government. There is considerable scope for the ACT Government to reap greater reward from an increased investment in both of these programs.

AFFILIATION WITH NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER

2008-09 saw the second year of the Council’s affiliation with NSW Business Chamber. During this time the full benefits of the association began to be realised in additional membership benefits, strong policy backup and administrative assistance to the Council.

THE YEAR AHEAD

The Council is now positioned well to grasp opportunities that will become apparent as the economy recovers in 2010 – opportunities to continue to grow the organisation; to improve our relevance and the services we provide to our members; to focus on robust policy development and positive engagement with government to represent business interests and influence policy outcomes.

My commitment in 2009-10 is to continue to strive to position Canberra Business Council as the leading business organisation in the Capital Region by delivering the ultimate combination in a business organisation – connection to information and services, connection to other businesses and a strong and effective voice to government.

I look forward to another year of serving the national capital through the Council’s many endeavours.

CHRIS FAULKS Chief Executive Officer Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Special Thank You 15

Special Thank You

Canberra Business Council is an organisation that is supported Many of our events would simply not be possible without the by a very large number of dedicated members and other business generous support of our sponsors. The Canberra Times and people – all focussed on achieving joint business and community ActewAGL continued their long-standing and much-valued goals for the ACT and surrounding Region. My job would not be relationship with the Council during 2008-09. The Business Series possible without this support and I thank everyone I have been Lunches were again generously sponsored by the Canberra Times privileged to have worked with during 2008-09. with the support of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and ActewAGL once again sponsored the Outlook 2020 luncheon In particular I thank Craig Sloan, who has now served as the series with the support of ANU. Together the Canberra Times and Chair of the Council’s Board for seven years. Craig’s leadership is ActewAGL also sponsored the Canberra Times/ActewAGL Business inspirational. He is insightful, always available and enthusiastic Success Series Awards. I thank all of these companies for their and he adds significant intellectual value to every issue before the support. Council. Over the past seven years Craig has made an outstanding contribution to the success and growing reputation of the The Council also appreciates Meyer Vandenberg’s sponsorship of Council. His dedication has been remarkable, especially given his the 2009 ACT Budget Breakfast which was again a sell-out event in considerable professional and family commitments. Special thanks May 2009. B2B in Canberra magazine come on board this year as also to KPMG for “lending” Craig to the Council over so many years. a sponsor of the Connec. after-work networking functions. Finally, Having a senior partner involved in an organisation like Canberra the Annual Dinner in 2008 would not have been possible without Business Council carries a significant cost and KPMG have very the generous sponsorship of the ActewAGL, Oracle and Cre8ive and generously borne that cost in support of the Council. the support of the Hyatt Hotel and Staging Connections. I thank them all for their sponsorship. The members of the Board have all put in an exceptional effort and I thank them for the guidance and the leadership they have Major support to the functioning of the Council was also provided provided to the growth and development of the Council. Likewise in 2008-09 by Ernst & Young (EY) who performed the audit of our Kindred Organisations and Consultative Committee members Canberra Business Council Ltd for the fourth year. This support is have provided invaluable input into our policy documents and of enormous benefit to the Council and we are very grateful to EY the broader work undertaken by the Council. I am also grateful for their support of the Council and their generosity. to the Chairs and members of the Task Forces who, despite their Finally I thank our small but very efficient, productive and demanding jobs, so willingly provide expert input and critical professional Secretariat. Elly Szkobel, who heads up the team, is thinking to the key issues considered by the Task Forces. the “glue” of the organisation. I greatly appreciate her intimate James Willson and his exceptional team at Cre8ive continued knowledge of the members and workings of the Council and her to guide the Council’s branding strategy throughout 2008-09. calm and wise approach to her work. Thank you also to Kate for Under James’s leadership the Marketing Committee has worked managing an extremely busy and successful events and marketing to increase the Council’s positioning and to strengthen its brand year and to Brooke and Brendan for their dedication and for the identity and profile as a contemporary, forward-looking and outstanding contribution they made to the Exporters’ Network responsive organisation. I thank James and his staff for their and ScreenACT. Thanks also to Amelia who has been the smiling creativity and professionalism – and their patience! first point of contact for our members and visitors. Together, the Canberra Business Council team worked untiringly, often under Kevin McDonald (CEO), Stephen O’Brien and John Butt - all significant pressure, throughout 2008-09 to achieve outstanding from NSWBC - have been incredibly encouraging of the Council results on behalf of our members and the Canberra business throughout 2008-09 and I thank them for their interest and community. support. CHRIS FAULKS Chief Executive Officer Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Celebrating Thirty Years 16

Canberra Business Council – Celebrating Thirty Years

In 1979, the ‘Committee of 22’ business associations representing The mid-to-late eighties were of course, the period of transition the private sector interest in the medium and long-term economic to self-government. The Council had a fundamental concern development of Canberra and the Capital Region, joined together that any proposed form of self government should have suitable to present a submission to the then Minister for the Capital powers to achieve an expanded and more diverse economy with Territory. Their collective dissatisfaction with the handling of an administration that was fully accountable to the public. The Canberra’s economic problems was not helped by the 70:30 ratio of Council was strongly opposed to the form of self-government government to private sector business activity. They recommended put forward by the Federal Government based on single-member that the Federal Government provide inducements to ACT private electorates, limited powers and part-time members. industry similar to assistance provided by the States, involve the The bi-centennial year was an important milestone in Canberra’s private sector in planning and establish investor confidence by development because of the completion of the new Parliament transferring key government-owned businesses to the private House and its impact on regional tourism. Plans were announced sector. to develop the Civic Square Entertainment Centre. The Capital The organisation changed over time to the Canberra Association Parkroyal and National Convention Centre were progressing for Regional Development (CARD) and in the early nineties to the although the casino depended on casino legislation being passed Canberra Business Council including its Kindred Organisations. by the Senate. Given that the Federal Government was both the major employer The ACT economy had had a good year producing rising and responsible for all three levels of government in the Territory, employment despite restraints in the public sector. The building the impact of national economic measures on the National and construction segment of the private sector in particular Capital was not always apparent. From its earliest days then, the experienced great activity, reflecting finishing-off works of Council’s Budget Submissions to the Federal Government sought Parliament House and a number of large office buildings. The to encourage private investment in order to diversify the local tourism industry in the ACT enjoyed strong growth resulting economy. from opening of the new Parliament and numerous bi-centennial Policy development over many years, in one form or another, has activities and the addition of ‘five-star’ hotels. covered the areas of economic growth, international business, In March 1989, the elections were held for the first ACT planning and development, education and innovation, business Government. In acknowledging the important role that the private environment, and tourism, sport and the arts. But it was on sector played in job creation and economic diversity, the new the issue of the National Capital Development Commission’s minority Labor government had reaffirmed one of the Council’s publication of ‘Metropolitan Canberra’ that the Council first prime motivating factors since its formation. stamped its mark on Territory infrastructure planning. The Council strongly opposed the dispersed ‘Y Plan’ arguing that a ‘dominant In the early nineties, it was still apparent that earlier planning city centre with a distinctly higher level of service’ was needed if policies left Canberra with some serious problems. The Sustainable the city was to become ‘humanised.’ Canberra Project, involving the ACT Government and members of the Council, was a major study of Canberra’s transport, energy and The Council also published ‘CARDs on the Table’ in November land use needs. The six month study highlighted Canberra’s highly 1986. It was a summary of the aims and objectives of the Council dispersed residential pattern and low density inner area and CBD, to take them into the nineties and was frequently reissued to all findings consistent with cities planned around the automobile. political bodies in the ACT. This publication was strident in tone, The Report showed light rail to be a preferred option because it setting out its economic and planning manifesto. It noted that ‘all would begin the city’s transition to reduced car dependence. unnecessary and inappropriate public sector involvement should be reviewed by a future territorial administration.’ Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Celebrating Thirty Years 17

The early nineties also saw a name change from CARD to Canberra In the twelve months covered by the 1998 Annual Report, there Business Council. One of the Council’s two major concerns of that were 24 major submissions or representations made on behalf period was the planning and land use legislation finally gazetted of the Council. The Council was represented at a wide range after a difficult period involving both the earlier Liberal-led of forums dealing with issues of vital concern to the business Alliance Government and the minority Labor Government, before community. It was a period that saw expansion of a range the election in February 1992. of key industries including information and communications, environmental industries and education and sport. By 1994, there was a growing realisation it was the business sector that needed to create future economic and employment growth. In 2003-04 the Canberra Business Council with the support of the Areas offering a comparative advantage or presenting significant ACT Government and local businesses, formed a consortium that prospects for economic development included education and sought to capture business opportunities in China. Its aim was to training, sports and leisure, commercialised research and health promote the products and services of the many local and regional services. businesses. The ACT Exporters’ Network provided private sector leadership for Canberra’s regional export drive. Pursuit of openings in these areas led to a Government grant to the Council to develop significant business opportunities within With record low unemployment, the subject of skill shortages arose the Territory for management of training courses for public more frequently at Taskforce meetings. A project team was formed servants and to develop opportunities in the sports and leisure to consider how to strategically position the ACT to encourage areas. The Council sought to raise community understanding people with the skill sets needed to move to the ACT. The Council’s of standards needed in the tourism/hospitality sector. A public budget submission to the Federal Government also sought to awareness campaign was launched, targeting youths who might be address the skills issue by proposing increased numbers of skilled considering this career stream and their parents. migrants.

In the mid-nineties, the Council commissioned a submission In 2004, the ACT Government released its blueprint for the seen as a ‘snapshot’ of finances confronting the fledgling ACT future of the Territory. Key issues under consideration included Government. The message to the new ACT minority Liberal population growth, skill shortages, water, business taxes, tourism, Government was the need for a three-year budget strategy in planning reform and infrastructure development. These issues order to arrest the deteriorating situation and to avoid a growing drove the Council to set up an Implementation Summit, designed debt burden. The 1995/96 Budget was framed within a three year to ensure that the Canberra Plan was appropriately reviewed strategy and did address these areas of concern and sought to and an action agenda prepared that would identify respective establish a surplus in 1997/98; a commendable achievement in the economic development responsibilities. face of declining Commonwealth funding. Work emanating from the Summit culminated in the release of the Much of the Council’s agenda for 1996/97 was in response to Action Agenda: Eyes on the Future which highlighted the Council’s the reform agenda set following the election of the Federal views on the key issues facing the Canberra of the future. Coalition Government. An Outsourcing Committee was established The major event for the Council in 2007 was its affiliation with to identify opportunities for local and regional businesses the NSW Business Chamber (formerly Australian Business Limited) heralded by this changed emphasis in the way of doing business. Canberra and Southern Region Branch. The affiliation provided Seminars were conducted to assist regional businesses in much improved representational capacity and an expanded range gaining government work through exchanges of information on of services which better serve business interests in the region. procurement and industry development policies and procedures. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Celebrating Thirty Years 18

Canberra Business Council – Celebrating Thirty Years continued

Despite the ACT Government’s markedly improved financial position during 2007-08, the Council continued to call for a diversification away from a heavy reliance on property taxes and land sales and to give serious consideration to tax relief for businesses. The Council was supportive of the Government’s ACT Skills Future Initiative proving $51 million over four years which will go some way to addressing this ongoing problem.

The ACT Government also committed a $250,000 co-contribution to develop the business case for a new national convention centre in partnership with the Canberra business community through the Canberra Business Council. A trust has been established by the Council and a presentation to prospective business donors was held in March 2008 to raise matching funds. The Council is also lobbying the Federal Government for a matching contribution.

Twenty-one submissions to the Federal and ACT Governments and agencies were completed during 2008-09, providing ample evidence of the continuing effectiveness of Council members in lobbying governments constructively to achieve improved economic growth and employment opportunity.

It is for current and future business leaders to carry on this tradition of lobbying political and bureaucratic government leaders in pursuit of these goals and it is for this reason we continue to encourage businesses of all sizes to join as members of the Council and to contribute to this never-ending task.

CANBERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL October 2009 Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Submissions 19

Submissions

Throughout 2008-09 the work of the Task Forces in policy development plus input from the Kindred Organisations and the Consultative Committee contributed to an impressive list of substantial submissions which were presented to Government by Canberra Business Council.

These included:

June 2008 Family & Community Day Public Holiday to move away from Melbourne Cup Day 25 June 2008 Submission re National Aviation Policy Statement July 2008 Canberra Technology City - Gas-fired Power Station & Data Centre July 2008 Submission re need for appropriate transitional arrangements following the closure of the Commercial Ready program. 15 July 2008 Submission on Light Rail System for Canberra 11 August 2008 Submission re Supermarket Competition in the ACT November 2008 Pre-election submission prior to the November 2008 ACT Election 18 November 2008 Submission to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Maternity, Parental Leave November 2008 Security of Payments submission November 2008 Diversifying ACT Revenue – Workshop December 2008 Procurement Issues in the ACT December 2008 Submission to Infrastructure Australia re an Infrastructure Priority List for the ACT 16 January 2009 Submission to the Australian Government on the 2009-10 Federal Budget January 2009 Submission to Infrastructure Australia re High Speed Rail March 2009 Combined Industry Round Table Submission on Planning 3 April 2009 Proposal for Industry Consultation through Regional Development Australia (RDA-ACT) 22 April 2009 Submission to ACT Treasurer’s Roundtable re Development Priorities Review Panel and Project Management by the Private Sector April 2009 Payroll Tax Discussion paper 8 May 2009 CBC response to the Canberra Airport Master Plan Preliminary Draft - Feb 2009. 6 & 13 May 2009 Summaries of the ACT and Federal Budgets June 2009 Gaming machines in the Canberra Casino 20 July 2009 Submission re ACT Work Safety Regulations 2009 July 2009 ACT Information Infrastructure Plan – Discussion Paper 21 July 2009 Submission on the Preliminary Draft Major Development Plan, Western Concourse Terminal Extension Sept 2009 Submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiry into Procurement August 2009 Shanghai Expo Strategy August 2009 Strategy for HSR – ACT Government and CBC August 2009 Taxi Review TOR Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Life Membership – Denis Page 20

Life Membership – Denis Page

AT THE ANNUAL DINNER ON 25 SEPTEMBER 2008, LIFE In those days, Canberra was a much smaller place, less than two MEMBERSHIP OF CANBERRA BUSINESS COUNCIL WAS BESTOWED thirds of the town it is today. Michael Hodgman was the Minister ON ONE OF THE COUNCIL’S LONGEST SERVING AND MOST for the Capital Territory and Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister. INFLUENTIAL MEMBERS – DENIS PAGE. Self-Government was on the far horizon and the built environment looked a lot different to what we see today. Many of our major public buildings, Territory and national, were still to come and the retail experience offered by our CBD was a pale shadow of what shoppers experience these days. Our suburbs finished much closer to the city and the NCDC was a dominant force in the Territory.

By 1988 Denis was a member of the Capital Gains Working Party and from 1989 to 1992 chaired the ACT Private Sector Budget Committee.

In 1990 Denis received the Annual Business Achievement Award for 1989 for his work with CARD in preparing a submission to the Follett Government on the 1989 Budget which led to his being invited to join the first ACT Government’s Budget Advisory Committee.

Denis didn’t take long to be part of to the CARD executive, becoming a board member in 1989 and Vice-Chair in 1990. He remained Vice-Chair for three years and in 1993 became Chairman of Canberra Business Council. He remained in that role until 2000.

This period was marked by a number of major developments. The Olympics were on the way and Denis and the CBC were active in Above: Craig Sloan presents Life membership of Canberra developing and eventually realizing the opportunities for Canberra Business Council to Denis Page at the Annual Dinner which flowed from the Games.

The Council was restructured in his first year. The Business Achievement Award that year went to Floriade.

DENIS PAGE – LIFE MEMBER CITATION In the 1990’s Canberra had a high unemployment rate and the Very few people have made as great a contribution to Canberra Council actively worked to create a better local economy by Business Council as Denis Page. He was an active participant in removing much of the red tape and planning restrictions which the then Canberra Association for Regional Development (CARD slowed development. – the predecessor to the Canberra Business Council) on the Local The change of Government federally in 1996 and funding cuts Industry Committee in 1982 as the representive of the Building initially impacted negatively on Canberra. But Denis, in his Annual Owners’ and Managers’ Association. He remained actively involved Report that year, encouraged a positive approach, looking for in that committee from 1982 to 1984. major opportunities for private sector growth.

Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Life Membership – Denis Page 21

The Prime Minister, John Howard, was Denis’s guest of honour at Throughout his 26 year connection with Canberra Business Council, a reception hosted in December 1996 by the Council. Other guests he has had a strong interest in economic development of Canberra included Chief Minister Kate Carnell and the Federal Minister for – as the National Capital, as a city-State and as the economic Territories, Warwick Smith. hub of a vibrant Capital region. He was also instrumental in the concept and development of a government liaison group within In 1997 the Very Fast Train was on the agenda and the Council the Council. actively promoted the concept to Government. (Nothing much has changed!) Beyond his contribution to Canberra Business Council, there are many organisations and individuals that have benefited from By 1998 the job cycle had turned and nearly 5000 more jobs were Denis’s knowledge, expertise and commitment to Canberra its created in that year. The Chairman’s report records the sale of economy and its people. From his role on the National Capital Canberra Airport and the Construction of the National Museum as Authority to our city’s relationship with Beijing; from the priorities. Alexander Downer attended the Third Annual Diplomatic Boards of public and private sector organisations to community Reception. organisations, Denis has been a brilliant contributor to the ACT, When the Council celebrated twenty years of operation in 1999, the National Capital and to the city of Canberra. Denis decided to stand down as Chair. Nick Minchin was the guest Denis Page has been with CBC through five Prime Ministers of of honour at the Annual Dinner in 1999 and Tower Software were Australia and five Chief Ministers of the ACT. The period has seen the winners of the Business Achievement Award. our city grow from a population of 220,000 to 350,000. Canberra is As Chairman, Denis directed the Council’s successes across a range a very different city today. Denis has been a major contributor to of program and policy initiatives, including: the growth of Canberra and the growth of the Canberra Business Council and is to be saluted. It is with great pleasure that we > Your Future is Our Business present Denis Page with Life Membership of Canberra Business > The restructure of the Council Council. > The Government Business Enterprises Forum

> The Ministerial / Business Forum

> The Annual Diplomatic Reception

> The Business Success Series

> The introduction of Industry Task Forces

All of this was supported by an annual program of member services, submissions to government, task force policy development and representation of members’ interests to government.

The new millennium saw a new Chair, but Denis remained a force within CBC, as Immediate Past Chairman until 2002, as Chair of the Canberra-China Consortium until 2008 and currently through continued involvement with Canberra Business Council Task Forces and the Strategic Finance Working Group. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Events & Activities 22

Events & Activities

CONNECT OUTLOOK 2020

Aimed at small to medium enterprises (SMEs), Connect is a popular The Outlook 2020 series invites prominent speakers to examine the after work networking series providing members and non-members important issues facing the national and Canberra business sectors with the opportunity to connect with each other and the broader into the future – 2020 and beyond. Presentations at Outlook 2020 business community. events included both a business perspective and a high-level academic assessment of the issues. The series focused on the future July 2: Parlour Wine Room of Canberra and the Capital Region. December 2: Commonwealth Club – Christmas Connect March 4: Hyatt Hotel 7 August 2008 June 22: ANU – Connecting Business and Research Professor Warwick McKibbin ANU & Matt Searson GHD Topic: Where Australian Climate Policy Should be Heading Proudly sponsored by 3 September 2008 Professor Peter Newman Director of the Institute for Sustainability and Technology at Murdoch University Partnered with Topic: Sustainable Transport

Proudly sponsored by

THE CANBERRA TIMES BUSINESS SERIES and supported by The Canberra Times Business Series is now in its seventh year. This is a high profile series of luncheons addressed by prominent business leaders who comment on the national economy and business environment and relate these to the ACT and Capital Region

19 November 2008 CHAIRMANS LUNCH The Hon. Warwick Smith AM LLB Invitation only events for Principal members hosted in corporate Chairman ANZ Banking Group boardrooms with an ACT or Federal Minister, as guest of honor. Topic: The Current Economic Situation in Australia & offshore 9 October 2008 29 May 2009 Guest: Zed Seselja MLA & Brendan Smyth MLA Jason Hart Entrepreneur Topic: Serial Entrepreneur and Public Company Director

Proudly sponsored by

and supported by Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Events & Activities 23

ROUND TABLES 2009 ACT BUDGET BREAKFAST 6 May 2009 Invitation-only events for Principal and Corporate members hosted by CBC with an ACT or a Federal Minister as guest of honor. The ACT Budget Breakfast, hosted in conjunction with the Council’s Kindred Organisations, was held at the National Press Club. Over 22 April 2009 300 guests attended. Guest: Katy Gallagher MLA The event featured a panel session which provides an important 14 May 2009 forum to help place the budget into context and outline the Guest: Zed Seselja MLA & Brendan Smyth MLA rationale behind the ACT Government’s budget decisions.

Guest Speakers & Panelists:

Jon Stanhope MLA: Chief Minister Katy Gallagher MLA: Treasurer Zed Seselja MLA: Opposition Leader Brendan Smyth MLA: Shadow Treasurer Meredith Hunter ACT Greens: Parliamentary Convenor David McLennan – Political commentator: Canberra Times Master of Ceremonies – Ross Solly: ABC Radio

Proudly sponsored by

L to R Glenn Keys, Eric Koundouris, Katy Gallagher MLA, Craig Sloan

Supported by

L to R Brendan Smyth MLA, Zed Seselja MLA, David McLennan, Katy Gallager MLA, Jon Stanhope MLA, Meredith Hunter ACT Greens Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Events & Activities 24

Events & Activities continued

2009 FEDERAL BUDGET BREAKFAST Supported By: 13 May 2009 > Australian Institute of Company Directors Held in the Great Hall at Parliament House, this event provided a > Australian Institute of Management great opportunity for both the Government and the Opposition > Capital Region BEC to put forward their views on the Federal Budget. Over 630 guests from industry and commerce, government, the diplomatic circuit and Departments attended.

Guest Speakers:

The Hon. Lindsay Tanner MP – Minister for Finance and Deregulation

Senator The Hon. Helen Coonan MP – Shadow Minister for Finance, Competition Policy and Deregulation

Robert Gottliebsen – Business & Investment Commentator

Jeremy Lasek – Master of Ceremonies

Partners: L to R Craig Sloan, Senator The Hon. Helen Coonan MP, The Hon. Lindsay Tanner MP, Chris Faulks

Sponsored by:

> Cantlie Recruitment Services > IMB Banking & Financial Services > Mallesons Stephen Jacques > Oracle > PricewaterhouseCoopers > Thomson Legal & Regulatory Limited Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Events & Activities 25

2008 ANNUAL DINNER INFORMATION SEMINARS 25 September 2008 Canberra Business Council held a series of information seminars on Canberra Business Council’s Annual Dinner is the premier event on selected topics throughout the year. These were aimed at small to the Council’s calendar. It celebrates the successes of the previous medium businesses, and attracted between 30-50 business people. year and acknowledges those who have made contributions to the The seminars are informal and include a panel discussion. strength of the ACT and the Capital Region economy. 14 October 2008 The Robin Schall Business Address was delivered by Graham Alford. Guest Speaker: Mark McCabe – ACT Commissioner OHS Topic: Occupational Health & Safety The 2008 Canberra Business Council Business Success Award, was presented to Seeing Machines in recognition of the contribution 13 November 2008 they have made to the ACT & Region’s economy. Guest Speaker: David Glen - Tax Counsel for TOWER Australia Topic: Business Succession Planning – Opportunities & Pitfalls Guest Speaker: 10 February 2009 Graham Alford Guest Speakers: Master of Ceremonies: Peter Norton – PricewaterhouseCoopers Mick Burgess – Urban Contractors John Blackman Deborah Gifford – Richardson O’Rourke Proudly sponsored by: Topic: How to Survive & Prosper in Tough Times

Supporters:

2008 Canberra Business Council Business Success Award winners Canberra Business Council Annual Report | ACT Exporters’ Network 26

ACT Exporters’ Network

2008/09 has been a very successful year for the ACT’s Exporters’ EXPORT OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Network and the export community. Major achievements included: The ACT Exporters’ Network in conjunction with Canberra Business > The Centre for Customs & Excise Studies (CCES), based Council convened a small group of representatives from across at the University of Canberra, became only the second the ACT’s higher education, VET and school sectors to discuss how ACT business in the history of the Australian Export government and business could better support the international Awards to win a National category award. growth of the ACT’s education services.

> The ACT Government committed over $600,000 over As a direct outcome of this meeting, Canberra Business Council four years in the ACT’s 2009/10 Budget to the ongoing agreed to convene a Steering Committee, chaired by Dr John support of the ACT Exporters’ Network and the ACT Howard of the University of Canberra to oversee the development Chief Minister’s Export Awards. of a strategic framework and implementation plan to guide sustainable growth in the export of education services in the ACT. > Canberra Business Council was successful in its tender

response for the management of the 2009 Chief MENTORING Minister’s Export Awards. The contract sees the Council managing the Awards Program on behalf of the ACT The Network has continued to take a leadership role in export Government until 2011 and mentorship. In late February the Network hosted a CEO Roundtable forum with Austrade’s Senior Trade Commissioners from around > The Network was successful in re-signing the Centre for the globe. The objective of the Roundtable was to provide Customs & Excise Studies (silver sponsor), St George Bank established exporting businesses with access to decision makers (Silver) and AusIndustry (bronze) as official sponsors for and influencers, to discuss market trends and intelligence. 2008/09. Since the Roundtable there has also been a strong level of interest In October 2008, the Network celebrated the success of its from new and emerging exporters in smaller, more intimate 2008 Export Award recipients with a panel discussion featuring mentoring sessions. Across the reporting period the Network ACT Emerging Exporter Award winner, Stratsec; Information & hosted several practical workshops and seminars including an e- Communications Technology category winner, Intelledox and Business workshop, a Legal Q&A with Moulis Legal, a Selling to the Education & Training Award winner the Centre for Customs & US Government with Alex Berger, Business Development Manager, Excise Studies (CCES). Each company discussed the different Washington and a Setting up a Business in the UK with Amit approaches and paths they took to establishing an international Aggarwal, Austrade’s Business Development Director in London. brand and presence. Boys’ clothing company Cackleberry Kids also provided excellent advice to Network members in March 2009 on PARTNERSHIPS engaging with and leveraging the media – both here and abroad. Over the year the Network has engaged in many successful The export mentorship, market briefings, training workshops, partnerships with like-minded organisations including the Centre networking opportunities and referrals offered through the ACT for Customs & Excise Studies, Beyond Business Connections, Exporters’ Network in 2008/09 were all highly valued by new the Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre, Austrade, the NSW exporters and have helped to contribute to the growth of the Business Chamber and Moulis Legal to deliver a variety of services entrepreneurial environment in the region. and programs for ACT exporters.

On 22 April, the Network partnered with the ACT Branch of the Australian Indonesian Business Council (AIBC) to host an Indonesian Business Breakfast with guest speakers including the Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Primo Alui Joelianto, Dr Peter McCawley from the ANU and Mr Glenn Keys, Aspen Medical. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | ACT Exporters’ Network 27

EXPORT AWARDS Finally, I would like to acknowledge the significant role the Network’s outgoing President, Mr Michael Cliff, has played over the Andrew Barr MLA, Minister for Education and Training, officially past two and a half years. Michael was particularly generous with launched the 2009 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards on 28 his time and knowledge while he was President of the Network. April 2009. The launch drew a strong turn-out across the business He will continue to be involved with the Network’s various community, media outlets and the government and affirmed the networking events and mentoring programs. Awards Program as the Territory’s most prestigious business awards for exporters. BROOKE ANDERSON Manager Another highlight of the 2009 events calendar was the 2nd Annual Export Leaders’ Breakfast held on 4 June 2009. Canberra’s business and export communities heard from a panel of inspirational business leaders and successful exporters including the 2008

Prime Minister’s Australian Exporter of the Year, Chris Vonwiller, Joint Managing Director of Appen, the world’s leading commercial provider of sophisticated text speech and language resources.

2010 SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO

The Network, assisted the Council’s International Business Taskforce (IBTF) in taking a strategic approach to the Expo and prepared a short concept paper which outlined the Council’s views of how Canberra and the ACT should be presented in the Australian Pavilion throughout May to October 2010. The paper has since been developed into a private sector submission which will feed into the ACT Government’s planning and preparations for the Expo.

COMMUNICATION WITH NETWORK MEMBERS

The Network’s online presence has increased significantly since the last reporting period. The Network’s bi-monthly e-newsletter, launched in December 2008 continues to disseminate useful and relevant information to the ACT exporting community. The newsletter also acts as a mechanism for drawing-in interested businesses to the Network’s re-vamped website. The new website utilises various social media tools to communicate with and engage local exporters. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | ACT Chief Ministers Awards 28

ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards

The 2008 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards were held on Ltd, CEA Technologies Pty Ltd, the Export Finance and Insurance Thursday 9 October 2008 at the National Convention Centre in Corporation (EFIC) and IELTS Australia Pty Ltd and kindly supported Canberra. by Aspen Medical, B2B in Canberra, Inland Trading Co (Aust) Pty Ltd, the National Convention Centre Canberra, Staging Over 200 business leaders, exporters and export supporters Connections, Waratah Paint (Shenzhen) Company Ltd and WIN attended the Award Lunch to celebrate the achievements of the Television. 18 finalists contending for Awards across seven Award categories. The Presentation Luncheon was also attended by a number of ACT politicians including the Chief Minister Jon Stanhope MLA, Minister Andrew Barr MLA, Minister John Hargreaves MLA, and the Leader of the Opposition Mr Zed Seselja MLA and Mr Brendan Smyth, as well as members of the diplomatic community including the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jolyon Welsh.

The Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES), based at the University of Canberra, took out the ACT’s top award as the Chief Minister’s Exporter of the Year for 2008. CCES provides customs research, consultancy and internationally endorsed educational programs.

CCES went on to represent the ACT at the National Export Awards and took out the National Exporter of the Year in the Education and Training Category.

The Awards were sponsored by the ACT Government, Canberra 2008 ACT Chief Minister’s Export Award presented to The Centre for Customs Business Council, the ACT Exporters’ Network, Austrade, BigWorld & Excise Studies – Professor David Widdowson

CATEGORY WINNERS, 2008 ACT CHIEF MINISTERS’ EXPORT AWARDS

AWARD CATEGORY CATEGORY WINNER Agribusiness Award DIVA Australia International Pty Ltd Education and Training Award The Centre for Customs and Excise Studies Emerging Exporter Award Stratsec Pty Ltd Information and Communication Technology Award Intelledox Pty Ltd Small Business Award Recruitment Systems Pty Ltd Small to Medium Manufacturer Award Australian Scientific Instruments Small to Medium Services Award Noetic Group Highly Commended in the Education and Training Category Professional Management Programs at the University of Canberra Highly Commended in the Small Business Category Sentinel Pty Ltd The 2008 Exporters’ Hall of Fame Award IELTS Australia Pty Ltd Canberra Business Council Annual Report | ScreenACT 29

ScreenACT

It has been a very busy year which has seen ScreenACT continue A further grant round has been announced and $50,000 will be to grow its range of offerings and support to the Canberra/ACT awarded at the end of 2009. Region’s film, TV and digital media practitioners and businesses. ScreenACT has offered a variety of professional development With the welcome news from the ACT Government that funding opportunities. Two workshops, “How To Run a Creative Business” is secure for the next three years, ScreenACT can concentrate on run by Australian Film Television & Radio School (AFTRS) and an servicing the local industry as well as building its profile at the occupational health and safety workshop, were very well attended. national level. A Children’s TV workshop, a cross-platform media seminar and The ScreenACT model is unique in the Australian screen landscape. presentations by industry professionals including representatives It is funded by Government but managed by Canberra Business from ABC3, Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s TV Council in conjunction with an industry advisory taskforce which Foundation have also been held. ScreenACT has also offered travel keeps the organisation well-grounded in business. The ScreenACT grants which assist screen practitioners in pursuing professional Task Force, has a cross-section of industry representatives who are development opportunities outside of the ACT. very aware of the everyday concerns facing the industry and who There is a high level of creativity and innovation in the Region are also able to lead the conversation about where the industry among film, TV and digital media practitioners. There are many should go in the future. projects in various stages of development and production. The The Task Force will continue to focus on its core priorities ScreenACT grants, although relatively small in dollar terms, do (Documentary and Government projects) but as well will explore have an impact and are an important part of the organisation’s the potential of new initiatives such as Children’s factual TV and offerings. However to be competitive with other States and links to the digital media businesses to provide cross-platform Territories, ScreenACT, in conjunction with the ACT Government, opportunities. is developing a strategy to keep projects and talent in the area and to ensure we do not lose that talent to regions offering more ScreenACT also aims to help build a cohesive industry supporting substantial financial support. all levels of film, TV and digital media practitioners by co- ordinating with other organisations within the region such as As Manager of ScreenACT I thank Michael Tear, Chair of the the ACT Filmmaker’s Network, the ACT Writer’s Centre and the ScreenACT Task Force, Chris Faulks CEO Canberra Business Council, Academy of Interactive Entertainment and linking into initiatives David George, ACT Government and for their support, accessibility from other State and national organisations. and guidance. Thanks also to the Task Force members for their continued enthusiastic and valuable input and their time. Some of the highlights of the past year: The first two rounds of the ScreenACT looks forward to continuing to support the growing ScreenACT Project Fund have awarded $100,000 to 10 different film, TV and digital media industry in the Canberra/ACT Region and projects with cumulative budgets of nearly $5,000,000. These to show-casing our talent and projects to the rest of the country projects showcase the unique talent the Region has to offer. – and the world. “Into the Shadows”, a documentary by first-time film maker Andrew Scarano, premiered at the Dugong Film Festival and will be MONICA PENDERS distributed by Ronin Films. Brendan Sloane’s feature “The Dinner Manager Party” has been accepted to screen at the Raindance Film Festival in London and has secured a DVD release. And Michael Jacobsen is working on a pilot for an animated TV project with a US network. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Economic Impact, Employment & Special Initiative Task Force 30

Economic Impact, Employment & Special Initiative Task Force

The Economic Development Task Force was established to focus The Task Force also oversaw the Council’s ACT and Federal Budget on key economic development issues and challenges faced by the submissions – important annual submissions which bring together Canberra economy. all of the issues raised by the other Task Forces, by the Council’s Kindred Organisations and by CBC members.

OBJECTIVES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND CHALLENGES The Economic Development Task will: Throughout the reporting period the Task Force began work on > Develop an Economic Development Strategy for the ACT an Industry and Business Development Strategy for the Capital > Identify key projects and initiatives that will make a sustained Region. This project builds on the CBC Eyes on the Future Report contribution to economic development (2006). The Task Force began with an absolute conviction that sustainable economic growth is about long-term viability – for > Provide advice on investment strategies for development business, the environment, population growth and the community. projects

> Liaise with key stakeholders in the development process THE “BUSINESS” OF ACT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT > Ensure appropriate linkages between land use planning and The Task Force began by identifying the ACT’s strategic assets and economic development planning distinctive competitive advantages which could be leveraged to > Promote the ACT as Australia’s leader in knowledge-based drive sustainable economic growth in the ACT and surrounding economic development region.

In 2008-09 the attention of the Task Force was diverted from the The strategic assets include that the ACT is the home of Australia’s long-term economic development issues facing the ACT by the National Government; that it has a strong Public Administration urgency of dealing with the impact of the global recession on the & Defence Industry; that it is home to Australia’s National Culture ACT. & Heritage Institutions and National Research & Education Institutions; that it is a “Planned” City – a City of Design; that it

has an educated, talented and skilled workforce; that it is within THE ECONOMY the Sydney-Melbourne growth corridor and is a regional hub; that 2008-09 saw the most severe global recession since the Great there is land available for development and that it has natural Depression. Capital Assets.

Australia – and the ACT - were not immune from the international These assets give the ACT/ Capital Region a distinctive competitive financial crisis. However, its impact was less severe here than in advantage in related industries such as: other countries. > Research and Education- Basic and Applied Research; The Council and members of the Economic Task Force participated Professional Education World class research; Professional over this period in a busy schedule of ACT Government Roundtable Education; “knowledge-based” training consultations with industry. The roundtables covered a broad > Business and Cultural Tourism - Business Conferences and range of issues and were aimed at identifying strategies to stabilise events; Cultural tourism the ACT economy, minimise the impact of the economic downturn and protect jobs. > ICT Industry - Mainframes, Data Centres, Services, Multimedia, Software development and Services, Security Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Economic Impact, Employment & Special Initiative Task Force 31

> Creative Industries - Art, Design, Film, Decorative Arts The ACT has a particular competitive advantage in this regard Advertising; Marketing etc Canberra is a national centre for education, science, and research. > Professional Services Industry - Services to (and by) Nearly two thirds of ACT residents aged 15 years and over hold a government; Accounting; Law post-school qualification. Around 42 percent of residents aged between 25 and 64 years hold a bachelor’s degree and above— > Logistics and Supply - Canberra Airport Development; Road compared to 24 percent for Australia as a whole. Canberra schools Freight Distribution Hub for SE Region of NSW have the highest school retention rates in Australia with 85.2 > Green City - Renewable energy; Building and construction percent of years 7 to 12 students remaining at school compared to technologies, Regulation, Energy, Community, Health 74.3 percent for Australia as a whole.

Canberra’s lead industries - Public Administration and Defence, Canberra is home to Australia’s only National University and a Education and Research, and Cultural Heritage - stimulate other University established specifically to meet the education and industries and businesses. They have given rise to a strong building development needs of government and the professions that are and construction sector, a burgeoning ICT industry, growing associated with Canberra’s growth. Canberra also has a robust capabilities in biotechnology and environmental services, growth TAFE and a vibrant private training sector for a population of in the broader creative industries, as well as in financial and 350,000—and a broader region totalling 500,000. The CSIRO has a professional services, tourism and hospitality. Canberra has a large substantial presence in Canberra. and diverse retail sector. It is a global centre for research. Over 10 percent of Australia’s Canberra is also a major regional centre, acting as a health, publicly funded research is undertaken in the ACT—by the ANU, education, transport and services hub for the ‘Capital Region’ of the University of Canberra, the CSIRO, the National ICT Centre NSW. Within roughly 150 kilometres of Canberra, another 250,000 of Excellence (NICTA), DSTO, and a number of other government NSW residents have a level of social or economic attachment to agencies. the city and its services. Canberra is a hub for knowledge intensive-industries and Canberra is a city which naturally “looks out”, both at the national businesses—public and private. There is a talent pool of highly and international levels. As the nation’s Capital it has unique educated people. international connections through the Australian Government’s But we cannot be complacent or stand still. Regions, as well as responsibilities for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Defence, businesses, compete. Our Research and Learning Institutions, and Immigration. Canberra is the centre of Australia’s diplomatic Business, and Government are committed to the development and community. growth of Canberra based on our strategic knowledge assets and The Task Force incorporated into this framework the findings in the the application and use of knowledge as a distinctive capability ACT Government’s Study of the ACT Innovation System, Innovation, and source of competitive advantage Creativity and Leadership. This report identified areas where While there are opportunities in the knowledge-based economy, improvements in innovation could bring substantial benefits to the there are constraints. Unlike many other cities and regions, ACT, including sustaining economic growth and creating more high Canberra’s economic opportunities are limited by capacity quality employment opportunities. constraints. In particular, Canberra’s growth potential is severely High levels of educational attainment are associated with high constrained by an acute skills shortage. levels of innovation—the successful exploitation of new ideas—not only in business but also in social, environmental, and community contexts. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Economic Impact, Employment & Special Initiative Task Force 32

These skills are most severe in: MEMBERS OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT, EMPLOYMENT & SPECIAL INITIATIVE TASK FORCE > Computing professionals Chair - Professor John H Howard: University of Canberra > Human Resource professionals Michael Capezio: FM Projects > Accountants Mr Ian Cox: ACT Chief Minister’s Department (observer) > Electrical and Electronics Engineers Professor Lawrence Cram, Deputy Vice Chancellor: ANU > Librarians Ian Davis: National Publishers > Psychologists Chris Faulks: Canberra Business Council

THE FUTURE Ian Gash: Westpac Banking Corporation

Canberra is now at the tipping point of sustained growth through Peter Gordon: Economic Futures Australia industry and business development founded on the platform of Craig Harris: Canberra Investment Corporation Limited unique knowledge assets and capabilities Robyn Hendry: Canberra Convention Bureau Inc Moving into next year, Task Force members will be giving attention to ways that government, industry and tertiary education Mr John Hindmarsh: Hindmarsh Group institutions can work in partnership to address the skills shortage Mr Brand Hoff: Director NICTA and to identify those skills that are necessary to support major business opportunities in new and emerging knowledge-based Glen Keys: Aspen Medical industries. A particular focus of attention will be in the area of Karen Macdonald: Australian Bureau of Statistics ‘green’ industries. Noel McCann: Canberra International Airport PROFESSOR JOHN H HOWARD Chairman Ms Michelle Melbourne: Intelledox Denis Page: Denis Page Management Pty Ltd

Professor Annabelle Pegrum, Professorial Fellow, Faculty of Arts and Design: University of Canberra

Neil Primrose: Primrose Solutions Pty Ltd

Geoff Pryor: Pryor Knowledge Pty Ltd

Craig Sloan: KPMG

Ron Thompson: Electro Optic Systems

David White: Commonwealth Bank of Australia Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Planning and Infrastructure Task Force 33

Planning and Infrastructure Task Force

OBJECTIVES been on working with the ACT Government to streamline processes for construction and development approvals. The Objectives of the Planning and Infrastructure Task Force In tandem with the meetings of the Planning and Infrastructure are to: Taskforce throughout the year have been a series of parallel > Identify critical infrastructure needed and/or key infrastructure meetings, which were aimed at seeing the ACT and Region through maintenance required to support Canberra and the Region to this difficult economic period and which involved planning exploit its obvious capacity and potential as a major growth and infrastructure issues. In particular, I speak of the Council’s centre. involvement with the ACT Government’s Roundtables which have examined planning and infrastructure issues. > Examine planning systems and issues relating to planning which impact on the development and growth of Canberra and the Region PLANNING

> Provide advice to the Executive Committee and Consultative The Council, through the Taskforce presented a paper to the ACT Committee on matters relating to planning and infrastructure Government during the roundtables which sought changes to the which could be used in written and/or oral submissions to planning system to deliver greater efficiency for all concerned. government(s) and other key stakeholders. As a result of representations, the ACT Planning Minister, in consultation with ACTPLA, established an Industry Monitoring

Group (IMG) to achieve improvements in the planning system 2008-2009 and to provide a mechanism for industry views and concerns In what has been a most trying year for world economies, as to be addressed. Through a number of amendments and the everyone has grappled with the impacts of the Global Financial development of an action plan, the IMG has delivered on a number Crisis (GFC), never far from the minds of decision makers seeking a of fronts although more needs to be and will be done. more rapid rescue of deteriorating circumstances, has been a focus on infrastructure development SUBMISSION TO INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA In March 2009 the ACT Government, faced with a deteriorating The Taskforce provided a comprehensive submission to economic outlook, announced a special appropriation - the Local Infrastructure Australia for funding under the $26 billion Building Initiatives Package - which delivered $25 million of additional Australia grants. This submission included five recommendations: capital projects over two years targeted at works that were already Water security; Energy Security including Solar Power; High at an advanced stage of procurement or design. Speed Rail from Melbourne to Brisbane via Canberra, Sydney In May 2009, the centrepiece of the 2009-10 Federal Budget was and Newcastle; Light Rail and Roadworks including the Majura a $22 billion investment in infrastructure - the Nation Building Parkway. All of these proposals were also included in the ACT for Recovery program which focused on investment in transport Government’s submission to Infrastructure Australia. - roads, rail, ports, broadband, clean energy, universities and health Unfortunately, none of these proposals was accepted in the first care. round of announcements made earlier this year although the Again in May 2009 the ACT Budget provided for capital spending proposal to upgrade Majura Road fell just short and remains on a of $762 million in 2009-10 including almost $334.5 million in future short-list. It is most disappointing that the Territory and schools and public housing through the Federal Government’s Region was ignored for critical infrastructure funding in this first Nation Building and Jobs Plan. round especially given the continued growth of this Region and the vital linkages it has with other parts of Australia. With that focus on infrastructure has come the need for planning reform in the ACT to adapt to the current situation. As a result, Dorte Ekulund, manager of the Major Cities Unit of Infrastructure much of the attention of the Task Force throughout 2008-09 has Australia, briefed the Taskforce on the role of her unit and the Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Planning and Infrastructure Task Force 34

Planning and Infrastructure Task Force continued

impacts and/or benefits which may flow through to the Territory SUBMISSIONS and Region in the future and how we might engage Infrastructure Throughout 2008-09 the Council, with the support of the Planning Australia on a possible joint venture for future proposals. The ACT and Infrastructure Task Force, has lodged the following planning Government and the Council need to maintain a dialogue with and infrastructure submissions to government: Infrastructure Australia to give ourselves every opportunity to attract support in the future for project proposals for the ACT. > Light Rail submission (ACT Government)

> High Speed Rail submission (Federal & ACT Governments) ACT INFRASTRUCTURE COMMISSION > Response to the Canberra Airport Draft Master Plan

Another initiative of the Taskforce over the past year has been > Combined Industry Planning paper – now part of ACTPLA a proposal, put to the ACT Government, to establish an ACT workplan Infrastructure Commission, with public and private sector > ACT Infrastructure Plan and Commission submission members, based on the Skills Commission model. The idea > ICT Information Infrastructure Plan for the ACT proposal would be to work within an agreed timeframe to examine all > Proposal for a high-level Task Force reporting directly to CM critical infrastructure needed to maintain and/or replace aging to fast-track large development projects infrastructure and to develop models of delivery to bring projects to fruition. The Commission would be responsible for developing > Proposal for private firms to project-manage large an ACT Infrastructure Plan which would assign short, medium and infrastructure projects. long term planning and priorities to an ever-increasing wish-list that risks ad hoc attention and diminishes future economic and, NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK subsequently, community benefit. The Federal Government’s announcement regarding a National Broadband Network (NBN) is one area which the Taskforce will INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN need to address in the next 12 months. It represents a serious dollar investment by the Commonwealth and we need to know if The Planning and Infrastructure Task Force has also supported the and how the ACT and Region will benefit and, if indeed, this is a work of the Innovation Task Force in developing a Discussion Paper good investment. on an Information Infrastructure Plan for the ACT. Once again the proposal is that the ACT would develop a comprehensive and fully- integrated ICT Infrastructure Plan covering data centres, the NBN THE FUTURE and ICT workforce capabilities - including education and training. Despite the slowdown brought on by the GFC, activity levels in the Territory and Region have been solid, if not at the high levels of PRIVATE SECTOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT recent years. Indications are that there is a lot of work proposed to occur in the ACT in the next few years, subject to finance becoming In recent years the ACT Government has only delivered about 67% available to the private sector. There have been murmurings of of its capital works program. The Council has worked over recent Commonwealth reductions in the public sector although that months to convince the ACT Government that it could increase has not yet come to pass. Just how accurate those predictions its capacity to deliver on its capital works program by making are remains to be seen. Either way, this could have an impact on use of private sector firms to project manage large programs or future infrastructure and planning in the Territory. This situation developments. The Government has agreed to pilot using private will be monitored by the Taskforce. sector project managers on a number of projects over the next 6-12 months. JOHN MILLER Chairman Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Planning and Infrastructure Task Force 35

PLANNING, INFRASTRUCTURE & THE ENVIRONMENT TASK FORCE Chair - John Miller: Master Builders Association Tony Adams: CR Richard Ellis Dale Budd: Dale Budd & Associate Pty Ltd Michael Capezio: FM Projects Catherine Carter: Property Council of Australian (ACT Division) Sophie Clement: Royal Australian Institute of Architecture Ross Cottrill: Cottrill Holdings Peter Dunn: GHD Michael Ensor: Kell & Rigby Pty Ltd JF Gould: Toll Priority David Gribble: GHD Craig Harris: Canberra Investment Corporation ltd Daniel Huby: Meyer Vandenberg Ken Ineson: The Village Building Co Barry Jackson: United Group Services Kristine Riethmiller: KMR Consulting Noel McCann: Canberra International Airport Bob Nairn: Engineers Australia, Canberra Division Mark Nixon: Ernst & Young Geoff Pryor: Pryor Knowledge Pty Ltd Rob Purdon: Purdon Associates Pty Ltd Rod Sutherland: Macquarie Equities Ltd Rob Smyth: Ernst & Young Mike Stapleton: Institution of Surveyors Australia Colin Stewart: Colin Stewart Architects Pty Ltd Vesna Strika: Engineers Australia, Canberra Division Greg Taylor: APP Corporation Pty Ltd Councillor Sue Whelan: Queanbeyan City Council Bob Winnel: The Village Building Co Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Tourism, Sports & Arts Task Force 36

Tourism, Sports & Arts Task Force

The Taskforce has enjoyed record attendances and outstanding These initiatives, coupled with the opening of the National Portrait guests for our meetings during the year. I acknowledge the Gallery, the launch of the Museum for Australian Democracy, the attendance of Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, Treasurer Katy developments at the Australian War Memorial, the Royal Australian Gallagher, Tourism, Sport and Recreation Minister, Andrew Barr, Mint, the Institute of Sport, the expansion of the National Gallery Shane Rattenbury the Green’s Tourism Spokesperson, Brendan of Australia and the incredible exhibitions Ron Radford and his Smyth, Opposition Tourism and Business spokesperson, Steve team have been able to secure, a new Gallery at the National Doszpot Shadow Sports Minister and Alistair Coe, Urban Services Museum, the construction and improvements at the National Shadow Minister. Also addressing one of our meetings was the Library of Australia as part of the development of the Science and head of the Chief Minister’s Department Andrew Cappe-Wood. The Humanities Precinct, the National Capital Authority’s $7 million Taskforce greatly appreciates the interest shown by Government Menzies Walk improvements, all combine to show how the Nation’s Ministers, the Chief Minister’s Department, along with other Capital is expanding its tourism products and general amenities for members of the Assembly in the work of the Taskforce and the locals and visitors alike. These are very significant projects and are giving of their time to speak to our members. applauded by the tourism, sports and arts industry.

There has been much good news for tourism, sports and the arts Funding is always an issue for tourism and events and the ACT over the past 12 months. The ACT Government’s announcement Government’s $5 million commitment for the establishment of of a $350 million Sports Mecca was an outstanding initiative. a new Autumn event over 4 years was very welcome. There was The foresight in announcing potential options for upgrading also the funding of a winter campaign and the joint-marketing Canberra Stadium and Manuka Oval shows great vision and is fully initiatives mounted with the National Institutions and spearheaded supported by the Council and the Taskforce. by Australian Capital Tourism and the National Capital Attractions Association were outstanding examples of how Canberra’s tourism The ongoing investment in the Canberra International Arboretum industry is approaching the challenges of promoting our city and Gardens (CIAG) is also greatly appreciated and I now have around Australia. the pleasure of serving on CIAG’s Governing Board. This is a project of national significance and one our city will benefit from Tourism drives over $1.2 billion into the ACT economy and employs for generations to come. If we add the ongoing development of around 13,000 people. It is one of Canberra’s largest industries Stromlo Forest Park, the feasibility study into a new permanent site and a major employer of young people. We have urged the ACT for Floriade, and the earmarking of new hotel sites in Civic, Stromlo Government to continue to increase funding to Australian Capital and North Canberra, it demonstrates the importance the ACT Tourism as tourism, sports and arts events are major economic Government places on the tourism, sports and arts markets. drivers for the city.

We cannot overemphasise the importance of the developments In relation to the Commonwealth Government, a number of at the Canberra International Airport. Terry Snow and Stephen meetings have been held between the Council and Federal Byron have shown great courage in a difficult economic climate Ministers and staffers. One of the most critical challenges is to to commence their $350m airport terminal and associated encourage the Commonwealth to join the ACT and private sector infrastructure projects. This shows great confidence in the National in the building of a new iconic meeting facility that could reflect Capital. each state and territory and showcase our country’s excellence in Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Tourism, Sports & Arts Task Force 37

industry, medicine, science, technology, and commerce. Based on MEMBERS OF THE TOURISM, SPORTS & ARTS TASK FORCE the Kennedy Centre in Washington, this building would incorporate Chair - David Marshall: Talkforce Consultants & Trainers convention and meeting facilities and host events of national and Helen Ayres: University of Canberra international significance. It would also become one of the most Peter Barclay: King O’Malley’s Irish Pub secure buildings in the country. Our current convention centre has a limited life-span and planning for its replacement is of the Tony Bryce: Canberra Taxi Industry Association utmost importance. Dana Busic: Meetings and Events Association

Another area of major interest is the Federal Government’s budget Anne Caine: Canberra District Wine Industry decisions and the impact funding cuts have had on Canberra’s Carol Cartwright: Arts, Communications, Events & Protocol national institutions. The Taskforce has urged the Federal Peter Cursley: Casino Canberra Limited Government to reinstate funding to these institutions and exclude Harriet Elvin: Cultural Facilities Corporation them from ‘efficiency dividends’ that impact unfairly on smaller Steven Fanner: Australian Hotels Association departments and, in the institutions case, put their very existence Steve Gower: Australian War Memorial in jeopardy. Joseph Griffiths: Tourism Industry Council (ACT & Region) The Taskforce totally supports Canberra’s Centenary celebrations in Neale Guthrie: Canberra Stadium 2013 and was delighted with the appointment of Robyn Archer as Artistic Director. Robyn Hendry: Canberra Convention Bureau Inc Kris Kerehona: ACT Film Makers’ Network Inc We have maintained a watching brief on the future of the National Trish Kirkland: National Museum of Australia Capital Authority, the health and efficiency of the Canberra Taxi Industry, the developments at Kingston Foreshore and the growth Jeremy Lasek: Chief Minister’s Department of West Basin, and the proposal for a new Performing Arts Centre Gavin Macdonald: ACTSPORT to complement existing performance venues in the city. Shanthini Naidoo: National Gallery of Australia I would take this opportunity to thank the many individuals and Jim Paterson: Canberra Region Tour Operators organisations who contributed to and supported the work of the Geoff Pryor: Pryor Knowledge Pty Ltd Taskforce during the year. I commend the 30 members of the Simonne Shepherd: Australian Capital Tourism Taskforce for their continued involvement and their desire to see Caroline Stacey: The Street theatre the tourism, sports and arts sectors continue to grow and develop Linda Staite: Canberra CBD Ltd in the National Capital. Karen Stewart-Moore: Centenary of Canberra – ACT Project DAVID MARSHALL Barbara Walsh: Australian Sports Commission Chairman David Whitney: Arts ACT Allan Williams: Qantas Airways Ltd Fiona Wright: Restaurant & Caterers Association Canberra Business Council Annual Report | International Business Task Force 38

International Business Task Force

OVERVIEW 2008-09 – THE YEAR THAT WAS:

The International Business Taskforce (IBTF) is made up of The past year has been a busy and exciting year for the IBTF. representatives from business, government, industry associations The major highlights for 2008-09 being; and educational institutions and has a charter to formulate ACT Chief Minister’s Export Awards – Canberra Business Council and develop policy in relation to international trade. In doing was awarded the contract to manage the 2009 ACT Chief Minister’s so it seeks to raise awareness of international trade, promote Export Awards for the next three years, 2009 through 2011 opportunities for the region’s exporters and importers and increase following a competitive tender process. The IBTF will oversee the export and inward investment knowledge amongst local businesses delivery of this contract and the management of the Awards. This and government. The Task Force plays a pivotal role in formulating follows on from the IBTF’s successful management of the Export the vision, objectives and policies that guide the ACT Exporters’ Awards over the past two years. Network activities. Preparations for the 2009 Awards are well underway with an

increased number of ACT exporters expressing an interest in MISSION lodging applications for the Awards. The increased interest has The IBTF’s mission is to create an effective, business-driven and been sparked in no small way, by the outstanding achievement of globally-focused Capital Region international trade community the University of Canberra’s Centre for Customs and Excise Studies with a high level of co-operation and mutual support aimed at in winning the 2008 ACT Chief Minister’s Exporter of the Year building the region’s exports and inwards investment. Award and then going on to win the Australian Exporter of the Year in the Education and Training category at the 2008 National

awards. PURPOSE ACT Education Services Export Capability Steering Committee The IBTF is founded on a set of guiding principles to: - With the support of the ACT Government, the IBTF established > facilitate and guide the ACT Exporters’ Network and its the ACT Education Services Export Capability Steering Committee, activities; positioning itself as the driver in the Education Services Export Capability area. > consult with and provide advice to the ACT and Federal Governments in relation to international trade development A Statement of Requirement was drafted to guide a successful and related matters; consultant in preparing a strategic framework and implementation plan for generating sustainable growth in ACT education exports. > promote opportunities for the Region’s exporters and importers; 2010 Shanghai Expo - The IBTF is supporting the ACT Government’s participation at the 2010 Shanghai Expo and prepared a short > raise awareness of international trade, including inwards and concept paper for the Government’s consideration. outwards missions and delegations; ACT Exporters’ Network and Inward investment - The IBTF > increase general export knowledge among local businesses; continues to guide the ACT Exporters’ Network as well as providing > facilitate export-related networking opportunities to build input to the ACT Government on matters that will assist our ACT relationships and share knowledge; Exporting and inwards investment communities to be better placed to grow their respective industries and ultimately benefit the ACT > manage and/or participate in projects related to international economy. business from time to time; and

> other international issues as directed by the Canberra Business Council. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | International Business Task Force 39

The IBTF offers its sincere thanks and appreciation to all of its MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TASK FORCE sponsors for their on-going support throughout 2008-09: Chair - Kevin Reilly: Global Trade Remedies Pty Ltd, PLATINUM SPONSOR Immediate Past Chair - Peter Dawson: P J Dawson & Associates > the ACT Government (continuing contribution to support the Brooke Anderson: Export Development Manager position of Export Development Manager) Andy Castle: ActivIdentity SILVER SPONSORS Michael Cliff (President ACT Exporters’ Network): Cliff & Associates

> The Centre for Customs & Excise Studies, University of Marita Corra: Inland Trading Canberra Chris Faulks: Canberra Business Council

> St George Bank Chris Horsburgh: Austrade Brent Juratowitch: Recruitment Systems Pty Ltd BRONZE SPONSOR Glenn Keys: Aspen Medical > AusIndustry David Malloch: Malloch Digital Design Pty Ltd The IBTF looks forward to a strong on-going relationship with Chris Nailer: Australian National University our sponsors throughout 2009-10 in continuing to support and develop the ACT and Region exporting and inwards investment Paul Stapleton: NICTA communities. Professor David Widdowson: Centre for Customs & Excise Studies, University of Canberra I would like to specifically thank the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of the Canberra Business Council, the President Phil Williamson: Intelledox of the Exporters’ Network, the Export Development Manager and my fellow committee members of the IBTF, present and past, for their ongoing support. I am personally very grateful for their guidance over the past year. Their support has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of the IBTF and its associated activities.

The IBTF looks forward to the challenges of the year ahead and will continue to guide the ACT Exporters’ Network in the development of mentoring programs for emerging/new exporters as well as improving support for established exporters and the inwards investment communities in order that these businesses prosper and grow in these difficult times. I am confident that we will overcome the challenges of 2008-09 and look forward to another successful year.

I wish everyone good luck and every success in 2009-10.

KEVIN REILLY Chairman Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Innovation and Education Task Force 40

Innovation and Education Task Force

The Innovation Task Force focuses on innovation and sustainability as Australia’s foremost knowledge-based economy. In the coming as a competitive advantage for Canberra and the Region. The months, the Task Force will pursue the development of the plan aim of the Task Force is to identify and promote opportunities to to its completion and ultimate implementation in conjunction position the ACT as the Innovation and Sustainability Capital of with the ACT Government and the Australian Information Industry Australia. Association, as well as other relevant stakeholders.

HIGH LEVEL OBJECTIVES: Australia, like much of the world, is moving rapidly towards the New Economy. The knowledge-intensive services sector > Develop a set of key strategies to promote, energise and assist is becoming dominant as a substantial source of growth the business, education, community, research and government and productivity driven by a vast amount of expenditure on sectors through innovation and sustainability. Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The Australian > Enhance the image of Canberra to facilitate greater awareness ICT market has grown to be worth $120 billion, employing around and acceptance of Canberra as the Innovation and 300,000 people. Sustainability Capital of Australia. The ACT / Capital Region is in a unique position in this > Identify and encourage opportunities for business growth in environment. By virtue of its size and social and economic areas of development and application of new technologies. structures, it is better positioned than many other cities to foster a culture of innovation and sustainability. > Identify potential partnerships and projects which could provide funding and development opportunities, related to The ACT is the most knowledge-intensive regional economy in innovation and sustainability, for business in the region. Australia. Canberrans are well-educated and technologically literate. Canberra’s companies have high levels of access to their > Promote the development of government policy to encourage peers, government, research, education and industry organisations. innovation and sustainability in entrepreneurship and Many Canberra businesses are well-placed to take advantage of the education. dynamic force of innovation and sustainability. To achieve these objectives the Task Force recognises that it needs The ACT is a geographically small, relatively centralised city-state to capture and build on the enormous capital of innovation which with a highly suitable climate for infrastructure like data centres. already exists in the significant levels of resources, knowledge, It is home to Federal Government agencies and world-class research and innovation in our higher education and research research institutions that gives it a distinctive competitive institutions and in our innovative business organisations. advantage.

The ICT Information Infrastructure Plan Discussion Paper suggests AN ICT INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN FOR THE ACT how the ACT might capitalise on these competitive advantages in - DISCUSSION PAPER a strategic and sustainable way. The Task Force believes that the In 2008-09 the Task Force oversaw the development of the ICT answer lies not simply in spending large sums of money on ICT, Information Infrastructure Plan Discussion Paper - an important but in developing an integrated plan around the overall business step in achieving greater innovation and sustainability in Canberra. environment; physical ICT infrastructure; human capital; the legal The Task Force believes that an ICT Information Infrastructure environment; research and development and support for ICT Plan (I3P) is essential if the ACT Government is to implement industry development. appropriate technology and related processes in a coordinated and As a city with a small but highly-educated population and world- efficient way, maximising the economic and social benefits for the class research institutions, a focus on efficiently expanding our community. knowledge-based economy appears to be the best strategy to The release of this paper is the beginning of a long-term strategy pursue for ensuring environmentally sustainable economic growth designed to capitalise on the ACT and Capital Region’s strengths and a prosperous future for Canberra. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Innovation and Education Task Force 41

If successful, the benefits to the ACT and Capital Region will be The Task Force ended the year with a very strong focus on taking substantial including enhanced economic and social growth; a leadership role in making the connection between “Canberra as improved service delivery to ACT and Capital Region residents an Innovation Capital” and “Canberra as a Sustainable City” to and businesses; the ability for the ACT to attract and retain more position Canberra as a national and international showcase for public and private investment into the Region and reduced carbon 21st Century living and lifestyle. The lighthouse project for this emissions. agenda will be solar energy.

Capitalising on these competitive advantages in a strategic and sustainable way has the potential to position the ACT as the MEMBERS OF THE INNOVATION & EDUCATION TASK FORCE leading region for environmentally sustainable economic growth. Chair - Tony Henshaw: Unisys It will enhance the functional capabilities of the educational, Paul Statleton: National ICT Australia research, public sector and defence industries that are central Bill Andrews: Snedden Hall & Gallop to the ACT economy. Importantly, it will boost the Territory’s reputation as a knowledge-based economy. Hugh Chalmers: Meyer Vandenberg Walter Fernandez: ANU

THE FUTURE Peter Gordon: University of Canberra Tony Henshaw: Unisys The Task Force will focus over the next 12 months on initiatives Chris Faulks: Canberra Business Council which will retain this competitive advantage by: Michelle Melbourne: Intelledox > creating a business environment which genuinely encourages Eugene Kalenjuk : Deloitts innovation Tony Hill: Capital Hill Consulting > developing world class physical ICT infrastructure, including Roslyn Hughes: Origin Ventures adequate data centre facilities and network infrastructure Richard Jones: The Distillery Pty Ltd capable of providing high-speed services to business and government but also capable of meeting the needs of David Malloch: Malloch Digital Design Pty Ltd specialised services such as Utility Computing and e-Health Edwina Menzies: Deacons

> addressing the skills shortages in the ICT industry and Peter Murphy: Noetic solutions Pty Ltd Anne-Marie Perret: Ernst & Young > developing a legislative and legal environment which Geoff Pryor: Pryor Knowledge Pty Ltd encourages growth and innovation and protects intellectual property. Jack Radik: AIIA Tony Robey: Wizard Power Finally, research and development is critical for a knowledge economy. Canberra has a natural advantage because it is already Sean Rooney: CSIRO a well-known research centre. However, much more can be done Mario Rosi: Systematica to encourage both public and privately funded research within the Phil Sloper : Oracle Region. Lyndal Thorburn: Innovation Dynamics The Canberra Region is extremely fortunate to be in such a Mary-Anne Waldren: ASF Limited strong position to take advantage of the significant benefits of a Phillip Williamson: DPM knowledge-based economy. It is now incumbent on business and government to work together to capitalise on that strong position. TONY HENSHAW Chairman Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Business Environment Task Force 42

Business Environment Task Force

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES budget. It also brought greater understanding of the effect on the ACT’s revenue of the principle of fiscal equalisation used by the The objectives of the Task Force are: Commonwealth Grants Commission in the reallocation of GST and > To ensure that governments and the community fully other Commonwealth funding to the states and territories. appreciate and welcome the central role business plays in the The Workshop also noted that the ACT’s revenue base is probably health and well-being of the whole community; no more narrow than most of the other states and territories. > To promote a business environment which supports long-term In the light of this, the aspiration to diversify the ACT’s revenue viability for current businesses but also attracts new base through increased business activity leading to an increased businesses and investment to the Capital Region return of GST to the ACT is clearly misplaced. It is now time for the business community to move on from that conversation. HEIGHTENING AWARENESS OF THE NEXUS BETWEEN PUBLIC Most importantly, the Workshop agreed that the allocation of GST ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS should not be the prime determinant of whether the ACT seeks and Early discussions with the ACT Chief Minister’s Department agreed supports further growth in the business sector of the economy. on the worth of establishing a dialogue between senior officials The Workshop concluded that there is substantial reason for the and senior business people specifically focussed on the ways whole community to vigorously pursue and support business in which government policy and legislation/regulation affects growth as a contributor to a vibrant economy and healthy business productivity. Implementation of this initiative was community. This should be the primary determinant of continuing overtaken by the ACT Government’s decision to initiate a busy to grow the business sector, including maximising the unique program of targeted consultations and round-table meetings competitive advantage of having the Australian Government as between Government ministers, senior officials and business a major client, along with all the other advantages of being the people. national capital. Top-level discussions resulted in an “alternative revenue workshop” We should focus on making the most of our many unique which progressed the understanding of both government and competitive advantages. business about the potential of the other to contribute to broadening the revenue base in the ACT. The Workshop noted the danger of the ACT falling behind other regional cities as they grow their economies and compete for This same dialogue needs to be undertaken with the Australian skilled people and investment, in many cases with the support of Public Service and the Team will focus on this in the coming their state governments. Complacency could leave the amenity and period. lifestyle of the ACT in decline.

A clear and compelling rationale for growth needs to be developed WORKSHOP: EXPLORING THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE WAY AHEAD and, inter alia, presented to the wider community in order to On 18 November 2008 the Council hosted an alternative revenue change present mindsets. This will be a major task for the business workshop which was co-chaired by Ian and Neil Primrose, with community and the ACT Government, working together to better presentations by Megan Smithies, ACT Under-Treasurer and John educate the electorate. Spasojevic, Secretary, Commonwealth Grants Commission. A copy of the Report of the Workshop is posted on the Council’s This very successful workshop provided participants with a greater website understanding of the complexity and challenges of the ACT Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Business Environment Task Force 43

FLEXIBLE WORK STYLES > Attraction/retention of mature workers through wise workstyles and During the reporting period, the Flexible Workstyles team has: > The impact of superannuation rules on the retirement age > Responded to policy issues such as the proposed national Paid Parental Leave scheme; WORK PLACE REGULATION > Collected case studies of flexible businesses in the ACT to promote flexible employment models to the ACT business The Work Place Regulation Team has had a very busy year. community; In the last stages of the previous ACT Assembly a new Work Safety > Submitted potential ‘flexible workplace’ projects to the ACT Act was passed as its last piece of legislation. This came as a result Government. of a two year review process undertaken by the OHS Council on which the Council is represented. Originally scheduled to The context in which the message about the benefits of flexible commence from 1 July 2009 this was delayed until 1 October 2009 work arrangements has been developed has changed extensively because of the need for supporting Regulations to be framed. over the past year. At the start of the period, the primary benefit was to equip businesses to be “employers of choice” in order to Despite the input from the OHS Council, the ACT Government compete in a severe skills shortage. This changed very quickly with have included some provisions that are contrary to those it has the global financial crisis which caused many businesses to use subsequently agreed to as part of the National Harmonisation of flexible working arrangements more as a cost-cutting measure or OH&S process. This will result in some elements needing to be to retain valued staff. repealed.

As the economy recovers and grows, the benefits will be focused Supporting Work Safety Regulations have been released in on the heightened productivity from a committed and enthusiastic the form of a discussion draft and the Council has taken the workforce. The Team’s refocused work is to position managers for opportunity, as one of 16 respondents, to provide substantial the time ahead when flexible work arrangements are mainstream. comment on these regulations. These provisions will come into effect from 1 October 2009 and will require significant refinement A close working relationship has been established with a number of the business approach to the management of safety in the of businesses and organisations working in this field, especially workplace if businesses are to achieve full compliance. CareerMums, the ACT Council of the Ageing and The Chief Minister’s Department of the ACT Government. Building on work to date, the coming two years will continue to present challenges to the Council as the Harmonisation process The Team has been able to make use of the “Working Parents gathers momentum with the release of the draft legislation, due in Toolkit”, and the “Flexible Work Proposal Toolkit” developed September of 2009, and full passage due by the end of 2011. by CareerMums as support for employees and managers to research, negotiate and implement flexible working arrangements. On the workers compensation front the Government has been Information about these tools is available on the Council’s website. slow to move on the 50-plus recommendations made in the 2007 review and this lack of change and modernisation continues to We expect the recovering economy and its need to lift productivity present challenges and increased financial costs to the business will require a strategy in the coming period that focuses on: community. > The impact of skills gaps as the economy recovers Through the OHS Council, the Canberra Business Council continues > The introduction of the National Employment Standards and to pursue this so that ACT businesses can be treated on a in particular, the value of parents’ right to request flexible comparable basis with other businesses in Australia. work arrangements Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Business Environment Task Force 44

Business Environment Task Force continued

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FROM ENVIRONMENT/CLIMATE CHANGE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT TASK FORCE

New work commenced during this reporting period to identify Chair - Neil Primrose: Primrose Solutions Pty Ltd and support development of the business opportunities from environment and climate change. The initial brief for the Team Business Friendly Jurisdiction Team was to map the businesses which already operate in this area Team Leader, Phil Butler: Australian Institute of Company Directors of work in the Capital Region. There are currently a number of mapping projects underway in the ACT: David Gaul - Retired: (CEA Technology)

> The ACT Government is compiling a Directory of Kathy Kostyrko: Hays Environmental Industries and Services Workplace Regulation Team > The Federal Department of the Environment is compiling a Directory of Solar energy providers/projects Team Leader, David Segrott: Australian Health & Safety Services

> The Federal Department of the Environment has also compiled Alan Campbell: Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers a directory of local home insulations contractors Peter Fairburn: CE Industries The Team is liaising with this work and exploring other work under Richard Faulks: Snedden Hall & Gallop way in Government in order to support their efforts and to avoid duplicating activities. Frank Gillingham: Master Builders Association

The objectives and work plans of each of the Project Teams are Mark McCabe: OH&S Commissioner posted on the Council’s website. John Miller: Master Builders Association

NEIL PRIMROSE Alan Reid: CGU Insurance Chairman

Flexible Work Styles

Team Leader, Kate Sykes: Career Mums

Margaret Beerworth: Diabetes Australia

Hugh Chalmers: Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers

Jane Hayden: Oakton

Monica Kennedy: Canberra University

Des Linehan: Effective People

Business Opportunities from Environment/Climate Change

Team Leader: Gillian Tidy

Geoff Pryor: Pryor Knowledge Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Small Business Task Force 45

Small Business Task Force

The Small Business Task Force has had a very successful first global recession in the ACT and across Australia, respectively. The year. Apart from formalising our objectives and governance Federal Government announced short-term measures to guarantee arrangements, we have pushed ahead with a range of initiatives on term wholesale funding for banks; to provide $21 billion in cash behalf of small business owners and operators. payments to families and low income earners; and to introduce a $2 billion First Home Owners’ Boost to support the housing and

construction industry. OBJECTIVES These initiatives were very important for small business confidence, The objectives of the Small Business Task Force are: especially small retail businesses which account for almost 94 per > to provide small businesses with a stronger voice to cent of all retail businesses across the nation. government with a focus on improving business outcomes for In the medium term the Government funded shovel-ready small businesses in the Capital Region, and infrastructure projects, including school modernisation projects; > to ensure that the services and benefits offered by Canberra 20,000 new social and defence homes, and free ceiling insulation Business Council (CBC) meet the needs of its small business for around 2.7 million Australian homes. Again, these projects members. were very important to small business and enabled many of them to continue. In pursuit of these objectives, the Task Force will focus on four main areas of activity: By the end of the reporting period there were signs that the worst was over and business confidence was beginning to improve. > information gathering

> advocating small business interests to government; SOME HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR INCLUDE: > knowledge sharing (mostly through seminars) and Throughout the year the Council, through the Small Business Task > enhancing member services through raising awareness of Force, has been pivotal in driving a range of business-friendly existing CBC services as well as advising CBC of what services initiatives to help business survive the economic downturn. The members require. Council has worked closely with Government to make important changes which reduce red tape and remove blockages that have

prevented businesses, especially small businesses, from operating GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS more efficiently. It is not possible to report on the 2008-09 financial year without mentioning the global economy which experienced the worst SMALL BUSINESS SURVEY economic collapse in three quarters of a century. Australia fared better than most countries through this turmoil. It was one of only The first role of the Task Force was to identify the issues of concern 3 out of 33 advanced economies to record positive growth in the to small business in the ACT and surrounding Region. The Task March 2009 quarter and the only major advanced economy not to Force commissioned a survey of small businesses to ascertain the fall into recession during the year. key issues.

When the global financial crisis intensified in September 2008, the The CBC Business Perceptions Survey was an online survey small business community across Australia faced unprecedented conducted over a 6 week period between 6th August and 15th challenges and uncertainty. September 2008. ACT businesses were asked about a range of issues including the economic climate, HR, OH&S, work availability, Both the ACT and Federal Governments acted quickly and growth, the competitive landscape, paid maternity leave, decisively with a range of measures to minimise the impact of the Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Small Business Task Force 46

government ‘red tape’, workplace innovation, corporate social At the national level, the Federal Government introduced revised responsibility, and work/life balance Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines which are intended to improve transparency, better inform small businesses about The survey responses indicated that the most concerning issues government contracts and clearly state a balanced approach to risk for ACT businesses in August-September 2008 were finding & management in contracts. All agencies of the Federal Government keeping good employees and the economic climate. Specific issues have been instructed to implement the revised procurement were the difficulty in recruiting employees; competing with public framework so that small and medium enterprises will have fair service wages and conditions; the amount of tax paid and the access to the government procurement market. time/effort taken to comply with regulations. It was interesting to note that it was not just the overall amount of tax paid that was Again at the national level, the Small Business Task Force welcomed of concern to businesses but the time and effort it took to comply the implementation by the Federal Government of a number of with the red tape involved in paying it. pre-election commitments that related to small business.

The survey results confirmed the concern over ‘red tape’ and the frustration this causes especially for small businesses. Other ON-TIME PAYMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS specific issues raised included procurement and government Since 1 December 2008, all new Federal Government contracts up payment terms. to $1 million with small business have been subject to an “on-time payment guarantee” whereby, if accounts are not paid within 30 BETTER ACCESS TO THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT MARKET days, small businesses will have the right to charge penalty interest. FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Throughout the year, representatives of the Small Business CUTTING RED TAPE FOR SMALL BUSINESS Task Force met with ACT Procurement Solutions to discuss the During 2008-09 details were being finalised for an optional and challenges faced by small businesses tendering for work from the cost-free superannuation clearing house for small business so ACT Government. they can meet their superannuation obligations under the choice At the same time, the ACT Chief Minister hosted a number of of fund arrangements with a minimum of cost and paperwork. Roundtable consultations with Canberra business people to discuss The clearing house will allow small employers to make just one procurement and other issues. Canberra Business Council was contribution payment to the central clearing house for all of their well represented at these Roundtables and was instrumental in employees. achieving a number of changes to procurement processes. These included raising tender thresholds for direct, select and open INFORMATION SEMINARS tenders; changes to public liability and professional indemnity insurance requirements in contracts to more accurately reflect the During the year a number of seminars were organised by the risk associated with individual project; working towards fewer Task Force on topics such as Recession-proofing Your Business; formalities for lower value procurement and the adoption of an Succession Planning and Industrial Relations changes including e-tendering tool by Procurement Solutions, resulting in greater changes to wrongful dismissal laws and OH&S Regulations. flexibility and a quicker evaluation process for tenders. Our seminar strategy has been to collaborate with likeminded organisations, rather than duplicate or compete. The Small Business Task Force will continue to work closely with the ACT Government to improve the interface between business and government in relation to tenders and procurement policy. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Small Business Task Force 47

MEMBER SERVICES FOR SMALL BUSINESS MEMBERS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS TASK FORCE

During the year a number of new services for members, specifically Chair - Peter Norton: PricewaterhouseCoopers aimed at small to medium businesses have become available as Chris Faulks: Canberra Business Council part of the Council’s affiliation with NSW Business Chamber. These Suzette Bailey: Sensory7 include the Advice Line; IR Alerts and the “Ask n Expert” service. In Tim Benson: B2B in Canberra addition services are also available for business vitality checks and Pat Byrne: HolisTech Pty Ltd marketing advice. Bruce Gale: Capital Insurance Brokers

Stephen Golding: Optimim Marketing Solutions THE FUTURE Elaine Kos: eKonsulting At the end of the reporting period the Task Force was seeking a Steve Jamieson: Capital Region BEC role with the proposed ACT Government Small Business Advisory Kevin Jeffery: Tharwa Business Centre Committee. Andrew Lawson: Best Practice Consultants As our first year comes to a close, I would like to thank all the Edward Le Quesne: PriceWaterhouse Coopers members of the Task Force for all their insights and contributions. Jon Moyes: Millpost Technologies Much has been achieved in our first year but there is a great deal more to do. Sue Osborne: Xact Project Consultants Pty Ltd Anne-Marie Perret: Ernst & Young PETER NORTON Chairman Sam Prince: Zambrero Kristine Riethmiller: KMR Consulting David Segrott: Australian Health and Safety Sevices Frank Starr: Axonn Chartered Accountants

Small Business Facts: Small businesses are the engine of the Australian economy.... > There are approximately 1.93 million active small businesses in Australia. > Small businesses make up 96 per cent of all businesses. > Small businesses contribute around 35 per cent of Australia’s total GDP. > Small businesses employ 3.8 million people, accounting for around 46 per cent of total private sector employment. > More than 17,000 small businesses are exporters which last year shipped goods to the value of $1.2 billion in total. These facts underline the importance of small business to the Australian economy. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | ScreenACT Task Force 48

ScreenACT Task Force

Screen ACT built significant momentum in the past twelve months, Looking ahead, the greatest opportunities for the local production reflecting the development in the industry. It was also a year of industry seem to lie in documentary and factual television. change with Brendan Walsh resigning after two years in the role The industry has made significant developments in this genre and, of manager. Monica Penders was appointed to the role in May as expertise continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this 2009. Monica’s background in Features in the international market skillset can be leveraged into other areas of production, such as has given her a broad perspective on the opportunities available to children’s programming and drama. producers in the ACT and region. There has been a healthy interest in Canberra as a location with It is important to note Brendan’s invaluable input. He took Screen a high number of enquiries from Australian and international ACT from being a ‘start-up’ to it’s becoming a focal point for producers. The industry and ScreenACT will continue efforts to the industry. Brendan’s contribution to Screen ACT’s programs attract external projects to the region and ensure that there is a was instrumental to some of the successes the industry is now long-term economic benefit to the local economy. enjoying. There are challenges to the industry here. The ACT faces strong During 2008-09 a major achievement was securing a commitment competition to attract interstate productions and to retain (from the ACT Government) for three years’ funding for Screen local projects. Both the Victorian and NSW Governments offer ACT. Screen ACT continues to receive excellent support from the production subsidies to producers to encourage production Chief Minister and his Department and we are thankful that the and post-production. It is important that we not only target Government has demonstrated its belief in the industry. productions to take advantage of our unique locations but also that projects initiated here do not end up shooting or post- The industry is continuing to grow with a number of local producing in other jurisdictions because of the attractive support documentaries screening on domestic broadcasters and enjoying offered. Screen ACT will work to develop a strategy that makes the theatre release. ‘The Chifleys of Busby Street’ had a theatrical ACT an attractive production base. release in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. Screen ACT funded ‘Into the Shadows’ which will be released in theatres As well as project support, Screen ACT will continue working to in late 2009. A number of locally produced documentaries were ensure the professional development of the industry. Brendan and broadcast domestically including ‘No Ordinary Journey’ on Ten; Monica have both worked extremely hard to build relationships ‘Ghosts of the Gulf’, ‘Strong Men of Nguiu’ and ‘Emily in Japan’ on with various State and Federal screen agencies. Screen Australia ABC; and ‘For Valour’, ‘Framed’ and ‘Icons’ on Foxtel. is looking to the State and Territory agencies to provide the lead in identifying priorities for professional development. There are The digital sector is continuing to flourish. The CIT and Academy also prospects to work with our interstate colleagues to make of Interactive Entertainment are developing an exciting initiative opportunities in those markets open to industry from the ACT which will offer students a degree course, Bachelor of Games and and Region. Virtual Worlds (Programming). This, along with innovative local gaming companies, should help to ensure that the ACT continues to make a significant contribution to the gaming industry. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | ScreenACT Task Force 49

In conclusion ScreenACT would like to thank the members of the Taskforce who have contributed to the work of ScreenACT and Chris Faulks, the CEO of the Canberra Business Council, who has provided invaluable advice and support throughout the year. Brendan Walsh and Monica Penders have done an outstanding job in supporting industry and we thank them for their efforts.

MICHAEL TEAR Chairman

SCREEN ACT TASK FORCE Chair - Michael Tear: Bearcage Productions Lea Bartlett: Academy of Interactive Entertainment Andrew Einspruch: Laughing Owl Productions David George: ACT Government representative Chris Hindes - Deputy Chair: The Production Hub Annette Hurda: Capital Regional Development Board/RDA Georgina Jenkins: By George Productions Paul Kirwan: ANU Andrew Marriot: Silver Sun Pictures Marissa Martin: EoR Media Monica Penders: ScreenACT Harriet Pike: Ronin Films Dave le Ruez: Channel Vision/NRS Robert Van Aalst: ACT Government representative Terry Wilkins: Prime TV Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Business Success Series 50

Business Success Series

The Business Success Awards recognise ACT and Regional Voice biometric security technology assists organisations to protect businesses that demonstrate business excellence and make a their customers against identity theft and fraud, a problem that positive contribution to the ACT and Region economy. costs in excess of $10 billion annually in Australia alone and over $8 trillion annually globally. These prestigious awards are proudly sponsored by The Canberra Times and ActewAGL. Visit: www.auraya.net

Organisations recognised in the Canberra Business Council - Business Success Awards throughout 2008-09, will be presented NOVEMBER 2008 WINNER with a certificate of recognition at Canberra Business Council’s DYESOL Annual Dinner. The overall winner of the CBC Business Success Dyesol is an international leader in the commercialisation of DSC Awards for 2009 will also be announced at the Annual Dinner. (Dye Solar Cell) technology and products. DSC is 3rd generation solar technology, based on nanotechnology and artificial SEPTEMBER 2008 WINNER photosynthesis, using safe and plentiful raw materials. In the solar DYNJAB TECHNOLOGIES value chain Dyesol develops and manufactures feedstock/input materials and processing equipment. Dynjab Technologies is an Australian based company established in 1984 to manufacture and export its passport and visa scanning Dyesol works with customers in developing new solar photovoltaic solution based on Optical Character Recognition. products and forms partnerships with multi-national corporations addressing global markets. These include Corus, based in Wales, Various models of the DVR (Document Verification Reader) series the world’s 5th largest manufacturer of steel sheeting and have been purchased by governments throughout the world Permasteelisa, based in Italy – the world’s largest façade company. for use at their international airports and land and sea border crossings and also in Embassies where they are used for visa DSC will create new markets for solar, with solar-integrated issuance. into building materials – glass and steel – as well as portable electronic equipment. Dyesol’s business model is underpinned by Dynjab Technologies is a world leader in machine-readable international trends in environmental and energy-use legislation. technologies. Carbon trading will escalate the already large market growth for Visit: www.dynjab.com.au solar products.

Dyesol is listed on the ASX (DYE) and traded in Germany (D51), and OCTOBER 2008 WINNER has operations in Italy, the UK and Switzerland with representation AURAYA in Germany, as well as a JV in Korea and operations in Singapore.

Auraya is a globally-recognised leader in voice biometric security, Visit: www.dyesol.com.au providing government organisations, financial institutions and technology companies with consultancy and technology in DECEMBER 2008 WINNER this rapidly growing area of information and communications STRATSEC technology (ICT) security. A Canberra-based technology company, Auraya has developed expertise and technology that has enabled it Stratsec is an independent Australian-owned provider of to secure clients in Australia and North America including some of information security consulting services to a diverse range of the largest financial institutions in those countries. global private and public sector clients with a presence in each Australian capital city. Key services include: business security Auraya’s CTO and Founder, also an adjunct Professor at the consulting, ICT security, trusted advisory and technical assurance University of Canberra, Dr Clive Summerfield, is an acknowledged services including Common Criteria evaluations. global expert in this technology. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Business Success Series 51

Starting in 2003 as a small Canberra-based information security MARCH 2009 WINNER company with a small number of clients and even smaller team EOS CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS of three, Stratsec now counts - after just five years of operation Electro Optic Systems has been part of the Canberra landscape - Microsoft, SanDisk, SAIC and IBM as key international clients. for over 20 years specialising in the development of advanced The company has also confirmed its first international office in electro-optic technologies for the Defence and aerospace markets. Singapore, as part of their strong export focus and expanding Its Australian developed technology has been incorporated in a footprint into the Asia-Pacific region, the US and UK. wide range of products such as optical telescopes, satellite tracking Key to the success of Stratsec has been the commitment of its systems and remote operating weapon systems. EOS publicly listed dedicated personnel and unique approach to aligning security on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2002 and employs over 130 capabilities with the risk profile of their clients. This success has staff across its operations in Canberra, the USA and Germany. been recognised in securing Telstra Business Awards in 2007 (MYOB In the Canberra region, EOS has operated the telescope tracking ACT Small Business category) and 2008 (Panasonic SME category); station at Stromlo observatory for many years. A significant the 2008 ACT Emerging Exporter Award; and this year’s Froggy achievement over recent years has been the rebuilding of the Award (SME category); awarded to the highest achievers in the tracking station in less than 18 months after it was destroyed Federal Government ICT market. in the Canberra fires in 2003. EOS has also commissioned the Visit: www.stratsec.net. Skymapper telescope in Siding Springs NSW for the Australian National University to provide a deep digital map of the southern

sky. FEBRUARY 2009 WINNER SIMMERSION HOLDINGS In the Defence sector, EOS’s robotic or remotely-controlled weapon systems have been in use for several years by various governments Simmersion Holdings is Australia’s leading provider of real-time 3D including the Australian Defence Force. simulation solutions for urban planning. Its ‘Simurban’ software is used globally by city municipalities and property developers to Visit: www.eos-aus.com visualise future property developments as part of the development assessment process and for property marketing. APRIL 2009 WINNER Simmersion has spent the past two years developing a web- POINT PROJECT MANAGEMENT enabled multi-user virtual world platform called ‘Mycosm’. Mycosm Point Project Management (Point) is a progressive and dynamic is available now as an Application Programming Interface that client-side project management consultancy specialising in allows software developers to create their own virtual world building & property. Founded in Canberra in 2006, Point has grown applications and solutions in the Entertainment, Learning, Decision to become one of the ACT’s most acclaimed project management Support and Marketing sectors. consultancies with further offices established in Sydney, Simmersion will release a social networking and entertainment Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. service built on the Mycosm engine late in 2009. This will allow The Point team are demonstrated leaders, with the ability to anyone to build his or her own game quality virtual world and motivate groups to inspire exceptional project outcomes. share it with friends online. This modus operandi has proved to be highly successful, in many Simmersion expects Mycosm to be the catalyst for worldwide high profile and complex projects and programs including the business expansion from 2010. This will include enhancements ACT’s Project of the Year (AIPM) in 2008 and the roll-out of the to address the broader decision support sector needs including Community Clean-Up Program in 23 of 73 communities as part of interfaces to geographic information, asset management and other the Federal Government’s NTER. Point continues to expand with enterprise systems. operations commencing in PNG and East Timor. Visit: www.simmersion.com.au

Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Business Success Series 52

Business Success Series continued

Point recognises the need for holistic development and HealthCube’s Aged Care Medical Assessment Service brings consequently is driving an agenda which includes an emphasis together efficient team structure and clinical workflow with on sustainability and renewal in Greenfield and fit-out projects. specialist software to compile Comprehensive Medical Assessments Point has a commitment to social responsibility and is currently to a common, accessible format. Access to a baseline health profile, responsible for the delivery of a state-of-the-art hospital in Dili, by a variety of healthcare providers, assists carers to optimise care Timor Leste. plans through immediate access to timely up-to-date patient information. The Services also facilitate and streamline transfers in Visit: www.pointpm.com.au case of medical emergencies.

HealthCube’s innovative health-care service was recently awarded JUNE 2009 WINNER the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) national INTELLEDOX iAward for innovation in e-health. Intelledox is a leader in the emerging field of automated document Visit: www.healthcube.com.au creation and output management software. Intelledox delivers innovative solutions which provide significant benefits across all business sectors with document-centric processes by streamlining AUGUST 2009 WINNER document production. Document workflow automation assists TREONIC organisations to streamline document production such as Treonic Pty Ltd is set to revolutionise the professional world contracts, tenders, insurance forms, customer correspondence after creating an online infrastructure that ensures improved and technical manuals. Providing centralised control of branding professional practice with the best outcomes for clients. Simply and compliance issues and delivering customer-centric flexibility, through a web browser, DiscoverQuick intelligently interacts with Intelledox cuts the time it takes to create, customise and distribute whoever logs-in, providing them with their own fully functioning a document by an average of 50 per cent. web application. Whether you are a researcher wanting to conduct In this tough market, businesses are under pressure and are randomised clinical trials or a business professional wanting to demanding solutions to reduce operational expenses. Intelledox improve your organisation’s deliverables or a person at home customers gain significant return on investment, boosted wanting to manage your personal records or participate in productivity and greater control over their information lifecycle. organised activities or networking – DiscoverQuick provides your Intelledox’s vision is to be the leading provider of automated requirements as you demand them. The ‘knowledge machine’ document creation and output management software in our driving the infrastructure is a true innovation, giving ordinary chosen markets by 2011. Intelledox is a Microsoft gold certified people the power to easily design, implement and maintain their partner. own discovery processes without the need for IT consultants and the costly risks associated with IT development. Treonic’s Visit: www.intelledox.com.au business model is built into the knowledge machine and provides a futuristic sharing, security and payment approach to address JULY 2009 WINNER the dynamics between communities, organisations, professionals, HEALTHCUBE clients and the public.

HealthCube is a Canberra-based start-up business that has clearly Visit: www.treonic.com demonstrated the worth of its new service.

The combination of innovative software development with a Proudly Sponsored by practical appreciation of the Aged Care Industry has enabled HealthCube to produce one of Australia’s most exciting, emerging health-care solutions. The Aged Care Medical Assessment Service of aged care residents has the capacity to produce real improvements in the quality of care for the 170,000 Australians currently living in aged care facilities. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | 2008 Annual Winner – Business Achievment Award 53

2008 Annual Winner – Business Achievment Award presented to Seeing Machines at the 2008 Annual Gala Dinner

VISIONARY TECHNOLOGY

Seeing Machines is a world leading developer of computer vision processing technologies that allow machines to see and track human faces and moving objects. These technologies enable the development of important new products and applications, ranging from devices that help improve road safety and save lives, to those that help detect and manage eye disease and prevent loss of eyesight.

faceLAB® the company’s flagship product for research in human factors areas has been sold since 2001 and has cumulative sales figures in excess of AUD$10million and is used by almost all the major automotive companies in the world along with many prestigious research and defence organizations.

Seeing Machines, founded in 2000 is based on the beautiful ANU campus and works to develop and commercialise vision-based human-machine interfaces that enable computers to detect, track and interpret human faces and facial features. A key goal is improving driver safety and reducing transport accidents by applying the technology to monitor driver fatigue, distraction and inattention. The company is also developing the TrueField® Analyzer, an award winning detection and diagnosis system for eye diseases, in particular glaucoma. Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Membership List 54

Membership List

PRINCIPAL MEMBER B2B in Canberra (Man Bites Dog) Actew Corporation Bearcage Productions ActewAGL Blue Star Printing Group Bank West Boettcher Law Bega Cheese Bradley Allen Lawyers Clayton Utz Campbell Page Cre8ive Canberra Convention Bureau Inc Ernst & Young Services Trust Canberra Institute of Technology eWAY Canberra International Airport Health for Industry Canberra Investment Corporation Limited Hindmarsh Casino Canberra HolisTech Pty Ltd Commonwealth Bank of Australia - Business Banking Centre (ACT) KPMG (Canberra) Crowne Plaza & National Convention Centre National Australia Bank Ltd (Turner) CSIRO National Museum of Australia Deloitte NEC Australia Pty Ltd Electro Optic Systems Group Oracle Corporation Elrington Boardman Allport Lawyers Staging Connections (ACT) GE Shaw & Associates (ACT) Pty Ltd The Village Building Co Goldman Sachs JBWere Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems Australia Grace Records Management Master Builders Association (ACT) Hyatt Hotel Canberra IDP Education Pty Ltd CORPORATE MEMBER Iken Workplace Evolutions ACT Rugby Union Intelledox Anglican Church Property Trust Kingsleys Steak & Crabhouse ANU Konstantinou Holdings Pty Ltd AON Koundouris Group APP Corporation Pty Ltd Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre Ltd ASF Limited Lintek Pty Ltd Aspen Medical Macquarie Equities Limited Australian Sports Commission Manidis Roberts Australian War Memorial Meyer Vandenberg Lawyers Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Membership List 55

National Capital Authority Allstaff Australia National ICT Australia ANZ Banking Group Limited National Press Club Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd (Connell Wagner - Canberra) Noetic Solutions Pty Ltd Australian Academy of Science PCA People Pty Ltd Australian Bureau of Statistics PricewaterhouseCoopers - Canberra Australian Business Academy Pty Ltd Qantas Airways Ltd - Canberra Australian Capital Tourism Queanbeyan City Council Australian Health and Safety Services Pty Ltd St George Bank Limited Australian Hotels Association Stratsec.net Pty Ltd Australian Indigenous Doctors Association Swell Design Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) The Canberra Times Australian Institute of Company Directors The Communication Link Australian Institute of Management NSW & ACT Ltd Toll Group Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ACT Chapter) University of Canberra Australian Management Control Wizard Power Australian Medical Council Xact Project Consultants Pty Ltd Australian Property Institute (ACT Division) Yellow Edge Pty Ltd Axonn Chartered Accountants Batemans Bay & Moruya District Funerals BUSINESS MEMBER BEACONHILL Consulting Able Landscaping Pty Ltd Beames and Associates ACT Film Makers’ Network Inc Bellchambers Music School ACT X Ray Services Pty Ltd Best Practice Consulting Pty Ltd Action Joinery Betta Canvas Products ActivIdentity Beyond Business Connections ACTSPORT Beyond Neutral Pty Ltd ACTTAB Limited Bogar Enterprises Pty Ltd Adlab ACT Pty Ltd Border Stainless Steel Pty Ltd Advanced Electronics Pty Ltd Bottles of Australia Pty Ltd African Business Opportunities Boyce Chartered Accountants AIIA Brooks Marchant Airport International Motel BTA Unit Trust Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Membership List 56

Membership List continued

Button Hawdon & McMahon Dale Budd & Associates Pty Ltd Canberra Ice Cream Distributors Damelon Pty Ltd (Uneke Furniture) Canberra Orthodontics Pty Ltd Data Key Systems (ACT) Pty Ltd Canberra Racing Club Denis Page Management Pty Ltd Canberra Taxi Industry Association Dept of Disability, Housing & Community Services CanFab Engineering Pty Ltd Dial Before You Dig NSW/ACT Cantlie Recruitment Services Pty Ltd DibbsBarker Capital Cabinetmaking Dunstone Design Capital Magazine Publishing Dynjab Technologies Pty Ltd Capital Region BEC Edwards Constructions (NSW) Pty Ltd Capt’n Snooze (RJ & LJ Bendle Pty Ltd) eKonsulting Cardno Young Engineers Australia, Canberra Division Carers ACT Family Business Australia Catalyst Interactive Flair Gourmet Services CB Richard Ellis (V Pty Ltd) Formach Pty Ltd CE Industries Pty Ltd GHD Pty Ltd (Belconnen) CEA Technologies Pty Ltd Goanna Print Pty Ltd Cemex Australia Pty Ltd Golden International Investment Pty Ltd Centre for International Economics Green Light Commercial Chamber of Women in Business GTR Consulting Clicks Recruit Pty Ltd Guida Moseley Brown Pty Ltd Cliftons Canberra Harry Notaras Investments Pty Ltd Club Financial Services Canberra (The Mortgage Bureau Civic) HBA Consulting ClubsACT HBO & EMTB Pty Ltd Colin Stewart Architects Pty Ltd Hepatitis Australia Construction Control Holdings Pty Ltd Herron Todd White Corkhill Bros. Pty Ltd Horizon One Recruitment Pty Ltd COTA (ACT) Hydraulic Doctors Pty Ltd CPA Australia IMB Banking & Financial Services - Canberra Crystal Approach Pty Ltd Independent Steel Company Pty Ltd CTM Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd Inland Trading Co (Aust) Cusacks Trading Co Pty Ltd Innovation Dynamics Pty Ltd Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Membership List 57

Insitec Pty Ltd Northrop Engineers Pty Ltd Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Parasol EMT Pty Ltd Jannese Pty Ltd Perin Group Management Pty Ltd Jim Murphy Market Cellars Pty Ltd PJ Dawson & Associates John McEwen House Pty Limited Pleasurelea Caravan Park Pty Ltd John Michelin & Son Powell’s Stockfeeds John Watson Blind & Awnings Precision Metals Pty Ltd Just Travel Premium Placement Pty Ltd Kell & Rigby Pty Ltd Primrose Solutions Pty Ltd Ken Roberts Marketing Professional Management Solutions Pty Ltd Kennards Events Professional Public Relations Pty Ltd Kings Printing Shop Property Council of Australia (ACT Division) Kinsella Partners Pryor Knowledge (ACT) Pty Ltd KMR Consulting Pty Limited Public Health Association Of Australia Inc KordTech Pty Ltd Purdon Associates Pty Ltd Lanyon Management Services Radpharm Scientific Law Society of the ACT Reading Room Australia Pty Ltd Malloch Digital Design Pty Ltd Resolution Consulting Services McArthur Management Services - Canberra Rider Levett Bucknall ACT Pty Ltd McMahon’s Lawn Turf & Maintance Riteway Curtains & Blinds Canberra Pty Ltd mecu Royal National Capital Agricultural Society Medicines Australia Inc Safety Institute of Australia Inc (ACT Division) Monaro Windows Pty Ltd Sales Innovation Moulis Legal Schofields Financial Solutions Pty Ltd National Folk Festival Seeing Machines Pty Ltd National Gallery of Australia Semaj Information Services National Institute of Accountants Sensory 7 Pty Ltd National Publishers Serafin & Company (Bactfobe Pty Ltd) NECA ACT Shaw Vineyard Estate Neil Davies Pty Ltd SilverSun Pictures Netspeed SIMmersion Holdings Pty Limited Northfork Chemicals (Australia) Pty Ltd Smart Upholstery Pty Ltd Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Membership List 58

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Snedden Hall & Gallop Urban Contractors Snowy Consulting Pty Ltd Vortex Industries Pty Ltd South Coast Beverages Walter Turnbull Spice & Co. Design Waramanga Medical Centre Pty Ltd SRC Solutions Pty Ltd Westgroup International Pty Ltd St Hilliers Contracting Westpac Banking Corporation Stratagem Wilde & Woollard Consultants Pty Ltd Student to Industry Program Windridge Farms Synapse Worldwide Pty Ltd Wisdom Learning SYPAQ Systems XTEK Limited Systematica Pty Ltd Zenith Interiors (ACT) Pty Ltd Talkforce Consultants & Trainers Taylor’s Window Supplies KINDRED ORGANISATIONS Tefco Trailers ACT Film Makers’ Network Inc Tester Porter Services ACTSPORT Tetlow Tigwell Watch AIIA The Brassey of Canberra Australian Hotels Association The Butcher The Baker Lord Howe Island Pty Ltd Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter) The Denman Hotel Australian Institute of Company Directors The Distillery Pty Ltd Australian Institute of Management NSW & ACT Ltd The Enterprise Group Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (ACT Chapter) The Nous Group Australian Medical Council The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Australian Property Institute (ACT Division) The Picture Show Man Cinema Canberra Taxi Industry Association The Production Hub Canberra Convention Bureau The Street Theatre Carers ACT The Wise Academy Chamber of Women in Business Totally Wired Electrical Services Pty Ltd ClubsACT Tourism Industry Council (ACT & Region) COTA (ACT) Training and Tertiary Education Directorate CPA Australia Union Offset Co Pty Ltd Engineers Australia, Canberra Division Universal Express Group Family Business Australia Canberra Business Council Annual Report | Membership List 59

Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Law Society of the ACT Master Builders Association (ACT) Medicines Australia Inc National Institute of Accountants NECA ACT Property Council of Australia (ACT Division) Public Health Association Of Australia Inc Safety Institute of Australia Inc (ACT Division) The Pharmacy Guild of Australia The Street Theatre Tourism Industry Council (ACT & Region)