Page 156 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 11 February 2015
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The program stimulates innovation in electronic and mobile technologies, in turn helping to improve community access to government and public sector services and, importantly, to deliver productivity-based savings.
Significant changes to our taxation framework through an increase in the payroll tax threshold to $1.85 million and a range of regulatory reforms and actions to reduce regulation that imposes unnecessary burdens or costs on business activity have been a part of this process. Access Canberra, our new one-stop shop to cut red tape, has already started its work, making life easier for small and large businesses, for community groups and for individuals needing access to various permits, approvals and licences. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Fitzharris.
MS FITZHARRIS: Minister, how is Invest Canberra helping to grow the business sector in Canberra?
MR BARR: Since its launch in December 2013, Invest Canberra and the team of staff and their associated partners have been working very hard to attract new investment to our city. This investment, of course, generates employment and economic growth, capturing new technologies, skills, capabilities and products, and is helping us to build some very competitive industry sectors.
To date, Invest Canberra has responded to approximately 100 investor leads and has promoted Canberra’s investment opportunities and formed relationships with high value international investors in Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, China and the United States. It has promoted a pipeline of investment opportunities in priority industry sectors and infrastructure projects to international investors and will continue to do so in the future.
Significantly, Invest Canberra assists in the investment process by facilitating government approvals and makes it easier for potential investors to do business with government. We are, of course, starting to see some very significant international investors entering the Canberra market, and I am very pleased that one of those new players who have come into our market is now the major sponsor of the Brumbies.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, how is the CBR Innovation Network helping promote innovation in Canberra?
MADAM SPEAKER: Can you repeat that, Dr Bourke? I was not tuned in to the beginning of the question, sorry.
DR BOURKE: Yes, I can, Madam Speaker. Minister, how is the CBR Innovation Network helping promote innovation in Canberra?
MADAM SPEAKER: The CBR Innovation Network is different from Invest Canberra?
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