Spring is here, which brings not only improved weather and warmer temperatures (long may they last), but also two real highlights of the Canberra calendar – Floriade, and the Canberra Business Chamber’s annual State of the Territory lunch with the Chief Minister.
Both these events are important, but for different reasons.
One of the things that sets Canberra apart from many other places around Australia is the significance of government. As the Nation’s Capital, government is always going to play a central role in the life of our city; but a little-known fact is that two-thirds of the jobs here are in the private sector.
Many of the private sector firms in Canberra undertake work that directly or indirectly supports the Federal Government in delivering services right around Australia. What comes as a surprise for many is the importance of the ACT Government in creating the environment that those businesses operate in.
Ultimately, the ACT Government is largely responsible for policy settings that determine whether Canberra is an easy and efficient place to do business or becomes a tangled thicket of costly bureaucracy and regulations.
Personally, I think it’s important that it’s easy and straightforward to do business here. Successful businesses will grow. They will employ more people, be able to pay those employees more and, ultimately, drive more economic activity and pay more tax to support the provision of services here in the Territory. We want businesses to be establishing themselves here in Canberra – and continuing to operate here as they grow.
It’s really important that businesses take the time to engage with our political leaders, and I’m pleased that our politicians take the time to engage with the business community. Every year, the Canberra Business Chamber hosts a lunch where the ACT Chief Minister delivers his State of the Territory address. It’s a great opportunity to hear from the Chief, ask questions, and get insight into the thinking around the Legislative Assembly on London Circuit. If you haven’t already got your tickets, you can purchase them from canberrabusiness.com/events.
In contrast, Floriade is a much more sedate affair, but is an equally important part of the Canberra calendar. It is Australia’s biggest celebration of the Spring season and is a major event that attracts visitors to Canberra. Now well into its third decade, it is an institution in itself, attracting half a million visitors half from outside Canberra, and delivering $40-plus million to the local economy every year.
I’m looking forward to both events, and I hope to see you there.
