The Victorian Premier’s Business Roundtable has met to discuss a range of issues relating to the state economy, with special attention paid to the business sector.

 

Premier Ted Baillieu said the Business Roundtable brought together some of Australia's leading companies and organisations to discuss business conditions and identify further opportunities to grow the economy.

 

"The Roundtable complements the government's ongoing discussions with industry and the implementation of the government's strategy to grow Victoria's economy," Mr Baillieu said.

 

"This is particularly important as uncertainty on financial markets and a weaker global economic outlook place considerable pressure on the national and state economies.

 

Mr Baillieu said that maintaining of a strong budget capacity, improving productivity, generating employment, increasing business investment and growing export markets were the key concerns of the roundtable.

 

Following today's meeting I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Andrew Shearer to the State Services Authority to advise the Victorian Government on strengthening its international relationships and opportunities,” Mr Baillieu said.

 

The Roundtable was led by the Premier and included Treasurer Kim Wells, Minister for Finance Robert Clark, Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine, Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips and Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla Riva.

 

Members of the Roundtable represent a diversity of sectors that comprise the Victorian economy including manufacturing, retail, mining, ICT, tourism, education, finance, food and agriculture, transport and logistics, energy, property services, science and technology, and entertainment.

 

Roundtable members in attendance at the meeting included:


Mark Birrell, Chair, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia
Bruce Buchanan, CEO, Jetstar
Frank Costa OAM, Chairman, Costa Exchange
Peter Fox, Chairman, Linfox
Lorenz Grollo, Managing Director, Equiset Grollo Group
Tom Harley, Joint Managing Director, Dragoman
Margaret Jackson AC, Chairman, Flexigroup Ltd
Chris Lynch, CEO, Transurban
Richard McIndoe, CEO, TRU
Ian McLeod, Managing Director, Coles Myer
Brian McNamee, CEO, CSL|
Anthony Pratt AC, Executive Chair, Visy Industries
Greg Robinson, CEO, Newcrest
David Thodey, CEO, Telstra Corporation Ltd
Yvonne von Hartel AM, Chair, Victorian Skills Commission
John Wylie, CEO, Lazard Pty Ltd