A VISION FOR THE STATE

More than 250 business, government and community leaders gathered for Business Sydney’s reception with NSW Premier, The Hon Chris Minns MP, proudly supported by the Downer Group. 

It was a timely discussion about the future of our State, the strength of our economy and the importance of protecting the values that make New South Wales one of the world’s great places to live, work and invest.

The Premier outlined a clear vision for New South Wales, centred on three priorities: delivering the transport infrastructure our growing State needs, expanding after-school care to boost workforce participation and productivity, particularly for women, and significantly increasing housing supply to improve affordability and support future growth.

The Premier’s message highlighted that our economy and our social foundations are deeply connected. Sustained inflation and higher interest rates have placed enormous pressure on households. Those pressures are reshaping expectations of government, trust in institutions and the willingness of people to embrace change. It is an important reminder that strong economic policy and strong social cohesion go hand in hand.

The Premier also spoke candidly about the rise of populism around the world and the need to stay focused on the long-term interests of our State. He argued there are four areas where New South Wales must remain steadfast: providing certainty for investment in the renewable energy transition, accelerating housing delivery by rejecting barriers to sensible infill development, maintaining budget discipline to protect future generations, and defending the multicultural society that has been one of Australia’s greatest strengths.

Thank you to our event partner Downer and Todd Garvey for your valued support, and to everyone who joined us for what was an insightful and thought-provoking evening. 

A special thank you to Joseph Carrozzi AM, President, Business NSW for his opening remarks and to Dan Hunter, CEO, Business NSW for conducting an insightful Q&A with the Premier. Also, thank you to Kristin Stubbins AM, Chair, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, for delivering the vote of thanks and recognising the importance for the business community to support the Premier's vision for the state, and to Cain Slater for gifting the Premier a traditional hunting boomerang, on behalf of Business Sydney and the KARI Foundation. 

These conversations matter because the decisions we make today will shape the New South Wales we leave for future generations.