Conference Proceedings

Thursday 17 November 2011, 8.15am - 7pm, ZINC @ Federation Square, Melbourne

The Australian APEC Centre at RMIT University presents a conference in Melbourne bringing eminent Australian and international experts and commentators as well as leading business figures together to review the drivers of Australian trade and investment and the external environment.

The Hon. Dr Craig Emerson, Australia Minister for Trade, will deliver the 2011 APEC Lecture at the end of the conference on issues and outcomes of the 2011 APEC Summit in the USA.

Program highlights and guest speakers:

What are the key drivers in the external environment?
John Edwards (RBA)
Ed Shann (Prime Value / Herald Sun).
Dr. Sallie James (Cato Institute, Washington)
Melinda Moore (Principal Consultant, CleanUP Commodities, London)
Peter Gallagher (Melbourne Business School)
John Trowbridge (Centre for International Finance and Regulation)

Is China Australia’s saviour or leading threat?
Richard Martin (IMA Asia, Singapore)
John Larum (Lowy Institute)

Should Australia protect its industries?
Paul Howes (AWU)
Professor Sinclair Davidson (IPA & RMIT University)

What is the outlook for Australia’s exports with the high dollar?
Dick Warburton (Manufacturing Australia)
Brendan Pearson (Minerals Council of Australia)
Philip Gentry (Agrium Asia Pacific)
Stephen Somogji (RMIT University)
John Denton (Corrs Chambers Westgarth, BCA)

What is the state of Australia’s competitiveness?
Mike Woods (Productivity Commission)
Gary Bowditch (SMART Infrastructure)

Is the cost of trading in Australia too high?
James Hogan (HSBC Australia)
Jeff Rae (ITS Global)
Dr. Hermione Parsons (Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics)

Moderators and commentators include
Dr. Ziggy Switowski, Chancellor of RMIT University
Mark Johnson AO, Chairman of the APEC Business Advisory Council
Alan Oxley, Chairman of the APEC Centre
Ken Waller, Director of the APEC Centre
Terry McCrann, Columnist for the Herald Sun and The Australian
Rowan Callick, Asia - Pacific Editor of The Australian
Prof. Peter Lloyd, International Economics, University of Melbourne
Prof. Margaret Gardner AO, Vice Chancellor of RMIT University

Fees:
Business/Government: $250
Academic/NGO: $125
Emerson Lecture Only: $75

Enquires:
Briony Wood-Ingram
Phone: (03) 96051807
Email: briony@apec.org.au