We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of Ngunnawal Country, the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also recognise any other people or families with connection to the ACT and Region.
Michael Pettersson MLA, ACT Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries and Skills on the ACT Government’s future support for the tourism, hospitality and allied sectors
Minister Michael Pettersson MLA addressed Canberra’s tourism and business community, reinforcing the ACT Government’s commitment to growing the visitor economy to $5 billion by 2030. He highlighted how the proposed development of a new National Convention Centre and co-located entertainment pavilion is a key investment that will support the plan by enabling year round support for business events, concerts, and major tourism opportunities.
Minister Pettersson outlined strong growth in local tourism businesses and job numbers, noting that one in 13 Canberrans now works in tourism, and highlighted progress across his portfolios; including small business support, expanded free TAFE training in hospitality, and the upcoming Woden CIT campus with state-of-the-art creative and hospitality facilities.
The Minister also promoted Canberra’s vibrant arts and growing nightlife scene, the new local artist database, and incentives for venues hosting live performances. He celebrated the economic impact of the National Multicultural Festival and encouraged continued collaboration across sectors to keep Canberra’s tourism, business, and cultural momentum growing.
The Hon Bill Shorten, Vice Chancellor, University of Canberra on UC’s future direction
Speaking as Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra (UC), the Hon Bill Shorten reflected on his first 100 days in the role and the university’s strong connection to the Canberra community.
He highlighted UC’s inclusive, vocational focus—educating a diverse student body, including many first-in-family and adult learners. With one in four Canberrans connected to UC, the university is embedded in the city’s fabric and committed to serving its future.
Amid financial challenges, Mr Shorten emphasised the need for bold, strategic partnerships—with CIT, government, and industry—to reshape higher education for the workforce of tomorrow. He called on UC and Canberra alike to back themselves with greater self-belief, describing Canberra as a smart, vibrant city with untapped potential.
His key message was UC is open, collaborative, and ready to grow with the region.
“We’re not an island. No more fences. Let’s work together to shape Canberra as Australia’s capital of lifelong learning.”
Kalina Koloff, Chair Destination Southern NSW and NSW Cross Border Commissioner on the strategies to increase visitations to the Canberra Region
Kalina shared a powerful message of “gritty optimism” amidst current regional tourism challenges. Highlighting the vital interconnectedness between Canberra and Southern NSW, she stressed the importance of strengthened cross-border cooperation to address workforce shortages, regulatory barriers, and inconsistent access to training across jurisdictions.
"The work of the visitor economy and the tourism sector is absolutely critical to the vibrancy of many of our towns."
Kalina highlighted Destination Southern NSW’s work in skills development, advocacy, and strategic planning—urging stakeholders to “ask the border question” when shaping policy or launching new initiatives.
She celebrated regional wins like the Narooma Oyster Festival, the success of the Canberra Region in national tourism awards, and the upcoming Sea Otter Classic cycling event—founded through grassroots passion.
Emphasising that Destination Southern NSW and the NSW Cross Border Commissioner are service-first organisations here to help, Kalina encouraged operators, businesses and government to bring ideas forward and work collectively.
Kalina's key call to action: collaborate, innovate, and lean into partnerships to unlock shared potential.
"Collaboration is absolutely the key to unlocking complexity."
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum highlighted:
A plea for help: For a decade, Empowering Experiences (previously known as GetAboutAble) has been working to make the world more inclusive. Due to the sudden withdrawal of some vital financial support, their future is at real risk.
We encourage you to learn more and support Empowering Experiences by clicking here.
Next forum Wednesday 11 June 2025.
Speakers will include: Kieren Perkins OAM, CEO Australian Sports Commission; Margy Osmond, CEO Tourism and Transport Forum; Anna Edwards, Research Fellow, University of Melbourne