Brisbane is on the cusp of a decade-defying transformation with leading minds to converge on the Games capital with ideas that will shape the city.
Influential leaders of government, industry and creative wizards will present at The Courier-Mail’s pivotal annual Future Brisbane lunch event today.
From Bluey’s creator Joe Brumm, acclaimed author Trent Dalton and Pub Choir’s Astrid Jorgensen, you can hear from a star-studded cast.
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Premier’s swipe at CFMEU, spruiks investment
12.47PM: Premier David Crisafulli used his Future Brisbane address to spruik his government’s new industrial relations and planning laws, while taking a swipe at the CFMEU.
He spoke on several missed opportunities by past governments, including building hospitals, houses and tackling youth crime.
But the biggest “lament” Mr Crisafulli said was productivity, to which he thanked his Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie for leading the charge on improving.
“It took a lot of ticker for the government to take on the CFMEU and the reforms that are happening in the planning space will be a legacy play for anyone who wants to do business in this state,” he said.
The Premier acknowledged The Courier-Mail and its Future Brisbane series for the wins it has garnered over the past decade.
Mr Crisafulli spoke on other opportunities for people to invest in Queensland, including in energy and critical minerals.
He also spoke on water security and the work the government were embarking on in the space.
“I have seen what happens when governments don’t plan for the future and only react in crises,” he said.
“We have got to get water security right in this state and if we don’t, we run the prospect when the eyes of the world are on us.”
Albo cracks joke about Powderfinger tickets
12.44PM: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened his address by commending The Courier-Mail for being a powerful advocate for Queensland.
“Premier David Crisafulli and I would agree, as would the former Premier Steven Miles… that when The Courier-Mail puts its shoulder to the wheel as an advocate for this city, then it’s appropriate we listen and respond,” he said.
“(We’re) not always in total agreement that the motivation of The Courier-Mail is positive and is about lifting up this great, now global city.
“I’ve seen this city transformed in the 30 years that I’ve been in public life, and the Olympics of course, in 2032.
Mr Albanese declared himself a strong supporter of the Games, saying it would transform Brisbane.
He also revealed he is yet to secure tickets to next year’s highly-anticipated Powderfinger reunion tour.
But he joked that John “JC” Collins was in the crowd and asked if they could exchange numbers.
“I reckon I can probably get in a side door or somewhere,” he said.
“But if not, I’ll appreciate getting your number later on.”
The Prime Minister further congratulated The Courier-Mail for its leading advocacy in the “Let Them Be Kids” campaign which saw Australia introduce world-first social media laws.
“We have campaigned very strongly on social media and on the under 16s ban that we’ve put in place and Australia is leading the world,” he said.
“And one of the things we want to see is for young kids to be off their devices and onto the footy fields, or in the swimming pool, on the netball court, or on the tennis court, we want boys and girls, men and women as well, playing sport rather than being obsessed by these devices.”
Mr Albanese briefly touched on disaster funding.
The Commonwealth earlier this month walked back its planned cuts to the disaster fund, retaining the existing cost-sharing rules that provide up to 75 per cent of recovery funding to disaster-hit communities.
“What we’re doing is announcing funding for the Disaster Ready Fund, a range of projects for Queensland in the fourth round, some $37 million dollars for community resilience projects,” he said.
“This is about making sure you actually save money if you get ahead, and alleviate and make sure that you do things like build walls up to protect housing.
“If you make a difference, making sure that bridges are built to the right standard, all of these projects will make an enormous difference.”
Mr Albanese also teased a future deal between the state and federal governments involving critical minerals projects.
“Critical minerals and rare earths present an enormous opportunity, and I’m working with the Premier on making sure that on transport issues as well,” he said.
“We can deal with those issues, and we’ll be having more to say about that down the track as well.”
The Prime Minister signed off saying he was excited for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This city is now absolutely a global city, which is recognised why it was successful in the Olympic Games bid, but I think this city will lead the nation in the lead-up to 2032, in part because of that global and international focus,” he said.
“And I thank The Courier-Mail for the leadership that you provide.”
Chris Jones introduces Albo to Future crowd
12.24PM: The Courier-Mail Editor Chris Jones addressed the 800 strong crowd.
He listed several wins as a result of the Future Brisbane Series and the masthead – including a successful bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“There is every chance that Brisbane would not be the host without The Courier-Mail and Future Brisbane,” he said.
“The truth is, the Palaszczuk government at the time did not want to bid, but we led the charge in convincing them to do it, and then successfully we advocated post that for the establishment of a legacy committee to ensure the focus remains on the future benefits of hosting the world’s biggest event in our city and our state.”
Jones said The Courier-Mail was just getting started on advocating for a better Brisbane.
“This state will always be right at the heart of what we do at The Courier-Mail,” he said.
He introduced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to speak.
‘What worked in the past, and to the future’
12.22PM: News Corp Queensland Managing Director Laura Maxwell will open the 10th Future Brisbane series.
“A decade ago, The Courier-Mail asked a simple but ambitious question: What sort of Brisbane do we want for the next generation? Not just a bigger city, not just a busier one, but a better one, a city that works for the people who live here, that attracts those who don’t yet, and that backs itself with confidence on the national and global stage,” she said.
“Ten years on, Future Brisbane has become more than a campaign; it’s a genuine civic partnership that has helped shape conversations, influence decisions, and contribute directly to outcomes this city can be proud of. “
Ms Maxwell said today’s event was not just an opportunity to look back on what has worked for Brisbane in the past, but also to look toward growth
“The question on the table today is this: If the last decade of future Brisbane was about laying foundations, what should the next decade be about?
“I don’t wish today to end in applause alone.
“I want it to spark conversation, genuine innovation, and a shared sense of direction for this partnership’s advocacy to make the next decade our best yet.”
Albo revealed as surprise guest speaker
12.10PM: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been revealed as Future Brisbane’s surprise guest speaker.
Other notable attendees at today’s event include Premier David Crisafulli, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, Treasurer David Janetzki, Opposition Leader Steven Miles and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
News 24 presenter Laura Jayes will host.
The Prime Minister is due to address the 800 Future Brisbane guests momentarily.