Premier of Queensland – Business Reception

By Amritha Amarnath

On the 15th of April 2008 a business reception was held at the Parliamentary Premiers and Speakers Halls, Brisbane City. The main purpose of the gathering was to invite people representatives from different industries who are effectively contributing to the government’s economy to interact with the ministers of the parliament, from the respective industries. In simple words it was for the government to talk to its people and for the people to express their concerns to the government in turn.

There was a session before the Business reception, where the representatives of Shree Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of Queensland and the Indian Radio Station, Radio Brisvaani 1701AM’s Brisvaani Aid Foundation together presented a cheque to Ms Bligh to help our fellow countrymen in their times of need and promised to continue to offer such contributions whenever possible in their speech addressed to the Government that evening.

The Business Reception started with a welcome speech by Hon Desley Boyle MP, Minister for Main Roads and Local Government and she then lead Hon Premier of Queensland, Ms Anna Bligh on stage to address her speech to the gathering.

Ms. Bligh welcomed everyone and recognised the presence of all the ministers of parliament like Hon Judy Spence, minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport, Hon Rod Welford, Minister for Education and Training, Minister for the Arts etc; and also Parliamentary Secretaries like Karen Struthers MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and all other members of Parliament present there that evening.

She mentioned about her visit to India, China and Japan and how it was important to build good relations with these countries. She said each of these countries are developing very rapidly and require the skills and resources from other countries like ours in this process and we need to put forward our products in the right way in the market and provide the infrastructure necessary for this as well.

Ms Bligh said, “$19.00 Wiggles tickets are sold at $2000 on EBay today and that can explain where the Queensland economy is shooting up to.”

She mentioned about the urgency for government to combat climatic change and focus on avoiding environmental damages and was glad she was able to sign agreements with the three countries on Climate Change.

Ms.Bligh announced a decision on 15th April morning parliamentary session about focusing on the growth of states like Cairns and other such areas and bringing forward health development, new hospitals, better infrastructure etc; She mentioned that a decision was made to sell the airport, to sell 12% share in Brisbane airport corporation. She said private airlines were doing too well a job that there is no need for the Government to stick to this domain of service anymore. She stressed on prioritizing issues and working towards overall betterment.
Finger food and drinks were served at the hall, which made it a lighter environment to network and communicate with the others present. It was a perfect Business Reception with a blend of government officials and their people.