The Gillard Government is pleased to announce the appointment of high level representatives from Queensland's business, community and government sectors to the Queensland 20 (Q20).
The Q20 has been established by the Government to work to maximise the benefits to Queensland of Australia's presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) next year.
Hosting the G20 in 2014 will propel Australia to the forefront of international economic decision making and will bring Presidents, Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the 20 most important world economies to Brisbane.
G20 leaders will be accompanied by thousands of officials and media, who will broadcast images of our modern and vibrant country right across the globe.
This is an enormous opportunity for Australia and Queensland in particular, which will be front and centre of our G20 host year. Brisbane will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in November and Cairns will host a G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting in September.
Queensland's role as host state for these G20 events provides an opportunity to showcase not only Brisbane and Cairns, but the entire state. The Q20 comprises key business and community leaders with a broad mix of skills, interests and expertise to ensure Queensland is able to make the most of this historic opportunity.
Not since Brisbane played home to World Expo in 1988 has a bigger global event been hosted by Queensland. That was 25 years ago and in that time Brisbane has evolved enormously.
The establishment of a Q20 was announced on 27 February this year with Ms Catherine Tanna, Chairman of resources group BG Australia, appointed to lead the group.
Today, Ms Tanna and I announce that the following Queensland leaders have accepted an invitation to join the Q20.
- Julianne Alroe, CEO & Managing Director, Brisbane Airport Corporation
- Peter Collyns, RGM Queensland and PNG, Qantas Airways Ltd
- Daniel Gschwind, Chief Executive, Queensland Tourism Industry Council
- Professor Peter Hoj, Vice Chancellor, the University of Queensland
- Professor Peter Coaldrake, Vice Chancellor, Queensland University of Technology
- Professor Ian O'Connor, Vice Chancellor, Griffith University
- Dr Chris Sarra, Stronger Smarter Institute and NRL,
- Stephen Dumble, Asset President, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance
- Lance Hockridge, Managing Director & CEO, Aurizon
- Andrew Greig, President Mining & Metals, Bechtel Corporation
- Charles Burke, Chief Executive Officer, AgForce
- Joanne Grainger, President, Queensland Farmers Federation
- Hon Tim Nicholls MP, Treasurer and Minister for Trade, Queensland Government
- Graham Quirk, Lord Mayor of Brisbane
- Bob Manning, Mayor of Cairns
- Maha Sinnathamby, Chairman, Springfield Land Corporation
- Chris Freeman, Chairman, Watpac
- Scott Hutchinson, Executive Chairman, Hutchinson Builders
- Jenny Parker, Office Managing Partner Brisbane, Ernst & Young
- David Fagan, Queensland Editorial Director, News Limited
- Peter Horton, Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Woolworths Limited
- Mike Ellis, Partner, McKinsey & Company
- Don Voelte, Non-Executive Deputy Chairman, Seven West Media Ltd
The world's eyes will be on Queensland in 2014 and each member of the Q20 brings a strong desire to build on G20 meetings and create opportunities to promote all that Queensland has to offer – from mining, tourism, agriculture, education, through to business and investment opportunities.
Hosting G20 in 2014 gives Australia an excellent opportunity to showcase our beautiful country, world-beating economy and first-class facilities to the world – opportunities that will extend well beyond next year – the Q20 will ensure Queensland can reap the benefits.