CEO Update: Respect and empathy are the foundation of shared prosperity

Last week, Australians were confronted with news of an appalling act of violence towards independent member of parliament Helen Haines. Our thoughts are with Helen, her family, colleagues, and her community during this incredibly difficult time. 

That such a tragedy could happen and happen to a community representative, someone who is so well regarded and respected for the integrity with which she seeks to make Australia a better place for all of us, is deeply troubling to anyone with an interest in public policy and advocacy.

Our collective ability to build the country we want is inextricably linked to our ability to have a respectful and informed contest of ideas; to challenge ourselves to listen and engage in good faith with perspectives other than our own; to seek first to understand, before trying to convince or silence. These values are at the heart of everything CEDA does. 

It is an unfortunate reality that the threat of violence has for some time now cast a shadow over public life. While the drivers of any individual event are deeply complex and sometimes unknowable, two messages are clear. We must look to find ways to take the heat and hate out of public discourse and to challenge the often politically expedient but corrosive personal retorts and commentary that are now all too common and acceptable. And we need to find ways to make more evident and genuine, opportunities for different voices and perspectives to be heard and given agency as we shape public policy for all.  

CEDA’s research has long confirmed that Australians feel that economic growth has not delivered for them and that our social compact is fraying. Responding to these issues and challenges, requires grappling seriously with longstanding shortcomings in policy. You can see an example of this in our new research on Social and Affordable Housing. But it also requires nurturing a shared belief that there is a better future ahead of us, if we can work together towards it. 

Over the past two weeks, we have seen evidence of this in practice, with State of the State events held in Queensland and Victoria. In both cases the discussions were open and direct, with challenges put to both Premiers about how they are planning to manage infrastructure builds, deliver the care and services desired by communities and maintain fiscal sustainability without raising taxes.  

The Victorian State of the State marked the beginning of a new approach for us to these conversations. A longer format focused on the Premier’s vision and the challenges and opportunities critical to delivering economic and social outcomes; with a deliberate attention paid to illuminating a broader range of voices and perspectives. We are looking to develop this approach across the country over the year ahead. It was great to see so many of our Queensland members at the State of the State event, notwithstanding the 7am Monday morning start. Thank you as always for your interest and engagement in our program.  

This week I am in Sydney for our fourth annual flagship AI Leadership Summit. The Summit comes at an important time, with every week seemingly bringing a new major opportunity and disruption. It’s a challenge to keep up, and that is precisely what the Summit aims to do, presenting the latest ideas, insights and developments to help our members make the most of exciting opportunities, while building trust and confidence in the approaches adopted. I look forward to seeing many of you there.   

Your insights enable us to develop pragmatic policy recommendations and approaches. To that end, I invite you to participate in our survey of AI adoption, conducted in partnership with UNSW Business School’s Business AI Lab, the National AI Centre and Gilbert + Tobin. The survey closes on the 30^th of October and takes under ten minutes to complete.  

Join us in Sydney, at Health Delivery NSW on 5 November, where we bring together government and health sector leaders, to examine practical solutions to workforce challenges, service delivery and digital transformation to build a more connected and effective health system.

In Brisbane, at Queensland’s Skills Agenda on 10 November, we bring together government, industry and education leaders, to explore practical solutions to skills shortages, strengthen education and training pathways, and build the workforce needed to support the state’s growth.

Welcome to our new member Francom Group. Thank you for joining us.