The Global Foundation is a citizens’ organization with extensive private sector membership, based in Australia. Fully independent of government and funded by its members... more
Farewell Lunch for HE Ambassador Zhang Junsai held in Melbourne, on Thursday, 2 September 2010
The Global Foundation was delighted to convene an informal farewell lunch for HE Ambassador Zhang Junsai, Chinese Ambassador to Australia, who is leaving Australia to take up a new position with the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The conversation covered: Australia/China relations, innovation, technology and international student visa's Attendees: Madame Yin Guomei, Professor Stephanie Fahey, Monash University. Mr Liu Jin, Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Ms Ye Huihong, Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Ms Angela Martinkus, Telstra. Mr Philip Holberton, of Stephen Philip. Ms Helen Silver, Department of Premier and Cabinet. Dr Jin Zhang Zou, GHD and Ms Florence Forzy, Yarra Trams.
Climate Change and the Green Economy Roundtable held in Melbourne, 25 August 2010
Mr Robert Grant, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Hydro hosted our Climate Change and the Green Economoy Roundtable, in Melbourne on 25 August. One of our international partners, Bjorn Stigson, President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBSCD), was our guest of honour who discussed China’s moves towards a green economy, energy security and climate change. Attendees: Professor Carol Adams, La Trobe University. Ira Bicioc, Director, Telstra Corporation Limited. Ms Ann Burns, Accenture. Mr Russell Caplan, The Global Foundation. Mr Cameron Cormack, Toyota. Mr Adam Goern, GFA & Associates. Mr Peter Hader, Orica Limited . Mr Phillip Holberton, of Stephen Philip Consultants. Mr Erwin Jackson, The Climate Institute. Ms Beverly Kennedy, Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Mr Shane Lucas, ANZ. Dr Swee Mak, CSIRO Future Manufacturing Flagship. Mr Michael Muntisov, GHD. Mr Mathew Nelson, Ernst & Young. Dr Selena Ng, AREVA. Ms Leila Ngadi, TRU energy. Mr Justin Portelli, PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia. Mr John Robinson, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. Ms Anita Roper, Sustainability Victoria. The Hon Tom Roper, The Global Foundation. Mr Mike Searles, Goodman Fielder. Ms Anna Skarbek, ClimateWorks Australia. Mr Ron Smooker, Clayton Utz. Mr Damien Thomas, CSIRO Materials, Science & Engineering.
Post Australia Unlimited 2010 Summit Luncheon Held in Sydney on 11 August 2010
The Global Foundation’s Post Australia Unlimited 2010 Summit Luncheon was hosted by Mr Rob Ward AM PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia, in Sydney on 11 August 2010. Attendees: Mr Russell Board, GHD. Mr Alf Capito, Ernst & Young. Mr Lane Crockett, Pacific Hydro. Professor Stewart Gill, The University of Queensland. Mr Murray Green, ABC International, Ms Sally Macdonald, Oroton. Mr Askin Morrison, Bain & Company. Mr Jock Murray, JS Murray Pty Ltd. Mr Tony Shepherd, Transfield Services and The Hon Mr Warwick Smith AM, The Global Foundation.
Delegation from the China Foundation for Human Rights Development, April 2010
The Global Foundation convened and hosted a delegation from the China Foundation for Human Rights Development led by its Chairman, Mr Huang Mengfu, one of China’s most influential figures from a private sector background from 6-11 April 2010, Mr Huang is also Vice Chairman, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.
The China Foundation for Human Rights Development has a broad development brief which includes improving the economic conditions of the Chinese population and securing a viable economic future for millions of Chinese.
The program of meetings in Sydney and Melbourne involved meetings with the Governors of Victoria and New South Wales, along with leading figures in business, from universities and with human rights representatives. Member organisations of the Foundation hosted formal lunches and dinners for the delegation in both Melbourne and Sydney and the program of activities in those cities involved over 100 members of the Foundation, including a number of younger Chinese-speaking Australians who will be key to the relationship going forward.
Media and Governance Roundtable
To discuss issues related to the question of media and governance, the Foundation convened a roundtable discussion on Thursday 18 March as part of our Australia Unlimited 2010 theme of empowerment and effective national and regional governance arrangements.
Representatives from the media, corporate, academic and community sectors took part in the discussion which focused on the relationship between evolving technologies, media and news dissemination and the role and responsibilities of government.
Food industry leaders meet in Melbourne to shape global food security strategy
The Global Foundation has been involved for some time with food security, one of the most important and complicated issues of our era. Key sponsors of the Foundation, Mr Anthony Pratt, Mr Michael Luscombe and Mr Gerry Lawson responded positively to a proposal from Foundation supporters at regional, national and global levels, which saw contributors from a wide cross-section of society including leaders from agriculture and regional Australia, food manufacturers and retailers, policy-makers and researchers, the media and the community brought together in Melbourne on February 5 to explore framing a concerted Australian effort on national and global food security.
The Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Agriculture, the Hon Tony Burke, welcomed the initiative, joining members and guests at the ‘Chatham House’ style roundtable discussion which explored the challenges and opportunities associated with Australia and global food security.
The Foundation, through the involvement of its members, intends to encourage progress of the food security strategy. One important milestone will be the Australia Unlimited 2010 Summit in June, involving the former Prime Minister and a wider national and international constituency.
Click here for the Background paper. A report from the roundtable will be posted shortly. Listen to theRadio Australia interview.
The Secretary General hosted lunch for 19 members and supporters of the Foundation in Paris on Wednesday 6 January
Christine Lagarde Michel Rocard Alain Juppé
Since its inception, the Foundation has enjoyed close working relations with France and more generally, with the European Union.
Our supporter base in France continues to grow, with the support of French business, including Areva, which has again committed to sponsor the Foundation and MEDEF, the French employers federation; the Government of France, most notably, through Madame Christine Lagarde, Finance Minister; eminent persons such as Dr Samuel Pisar & Mr Francois Perigot; and top French think tanks, including IFRI, organizer of the World Policy Conference and IDDRI, the Sustainable Development Institute.
At the Paris lunch, which was also attended by the Australian Ambassador to France, HE David Ritchie, the Secretary General thanked our French supporter base and advised that two former former Prime Minister of France, Mr Alain Juppe and Mr Michel Rocard, had agreed to support the Foundation, further strengthening the global ability of the Foundation in France and Europe.
The Foundation looks forward to growing its supporter base and activities in Paris, which also includes close working links with the OECD and the International Energy Agency and would be pleased to hear from members and potential members who might like to be involved in future activities in France and Europe.
Australian Treasurer delivers major address on foreign investment in Australia
The Hon Wayne Swan MP, Treasurer participated in a private Roundtable with Foundation members and later delivered a major address on the importance of continued foreign investment in Australia to sustain growth in Brisbane on 10 December 2009.Click here for the Background paper.
Australia-China Strategic Partnershipheld in Sydney on 23 November
The Global Foundation’s Australia-China Strategic Partnershipwas held in Sydney on 23 November. The Dialogue coincided with a visit to Australia by a delegation from the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led by Mr Zheng Xinli, Vice-Chairman, Economics Sub Committee. The meeting considered opportunities for international collaboration and ideas to foster Australia-China cooperation in a number of areas, including: the marine economy, education, media, and trade & industry. The report of the Dialogue will be available shortly.
The Foundation’s Advisory Council and Annual General Meetings were held in Sydney on 18 November
The Foundation’s Advisory Council and Annual General Meetings were held in Sydney on 18 November, kindly hosted by Clayton Utz. Following, members and guests enjoyed a reception at Admiralty House hosted by our Patron-in-Chief, Governor-General of Australia, HE Ms Quentin Bryce AC and HE Mr Bryce. The Governor-General delivered a speech highlighting the Foundation’s strengths “Pinpointing the greatest challenges of this generation and those to come, and applying to them your strategic, thoughtful and collaborative will, you offer our best chance of negotiating Australia's passage - and leadership - through the world of the twenty-first century”.
2nd World Policy Conference aims to build ‘society of nations’
The second World Policy Conference held in Marrakech from 30 – 1 November was underpinned by a commitment to strengthen regional and global governance systems and considered a number of themes. Organized by the French Institute of International Relations – Global Foundation Secretary General Mr Steve Howard participated in the Conference which also aims to encourage nation states to coordinate initiatives in policy areas with the private and citizen sectors, as well as other stakeholders. The major themes of the conference were political governance, macro-economic governance, the future of capitalism, and energy and climate change. The Conference also included sessions on migration, security, economic and financial regulation and international law. Each of these topics was considered from a global governance perspective which is a central concern of the conference.
Further information about the World Policy Conference is available at:
Mr David Parker, Executive Director of Revenue Group, Australian Treasury was hosted for a working lunch by member firm and sponsor, Ernst & Young, in Sydney on 28 October to discuss a number of long and short term financing issues. The meeting follows a series of engagements in Sydney and Melbourne with Mr Jim Murphy, Executive Director, Markets Group, Australian Treasury on the theme of the future economy.
European Commissioner McCreevy affirms importance of G20
In association with the European Australian Business Council, the Foundation met with Mr Charlie McCreevy, European Commissioner for Internal Markets & Services in Melbourne on November 2. Mr McCreevy provided a European perspective on the current global financial situation, confirming that the European Union believes the G20 to be the premier forum for discussion of new financial architecture, however, in Commisioner McCreevy’s view, the importance of the European Union will continue to rise. The Commissioner also predicted that inflation will cause a second “dip” in the financial crisis as inflation is the only way countries will be able to finance their debt and suggested inflation could rise to figures of 10-12% inflation by 2011.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd MPendorsesthe Foundation’s AustraliaUnlimited 2010 program
The Foundation is delighted that the former Prime Minister has endorsed the Australia Unlimited 2010 program and will address the national summit to be held in June 2010. The former Prime Minster writes:
‘The 2010 program addresses two issues I believe are crucial to the future security and prosperity of Australia and the world: transitioning our economy and the global financial system out of the economic crisis, as well as transitioning the world to a low carbon future.’
Minister for Finance and Deregulation says infrastructure, skills, regulation and broadband are critical to increasing Australia’s productivity
The Hon Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation led Foundation members and guests in a Roundtable discussion on the future economy and Australia’s economic performance and productivity in Melbourne on 8 October. The Minister stressed that the economy is the most important issue Australia has to confront saying that complacency is a threat to sustained recovery and that, although unlikely, there is a still a risk of a W-shaped recovery. Infrastructure, skills, regulation and a world class broadband network system all contribute to increased productivity, the Minister said, and that broadband in particular is critical to future productivity. Ms Penny Bingham-Hall, Executive General Manger, Strategy, Leighton Holdings Limited and Global Foundation Board Member moderated the discussion which was kindly hosted by Mr Steven Munchenberg, Group Manager, Government Affairs & Public Policy, National Australia Bank. A report of the Roundtable is available.
Roundtable on Innovation and Sustainability with Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, participated in a Roundtable on Innovation and Sustainability with Foundation members and guests in Melbourne Tuesday 1 September as part of its Australia Unlimited 2010 program. Minister Carr outlined the government’s support for ‘green innovation’ and highlighted the government’s increased overall support for business R&D and commercialization activities. The Minister noted that the R&D tax credit will be worth over $1.4 billion a year to industry. He stressed the aim of all the innovation measures are to ‘keep Australia ahead of the game’ as Australia and the world transitions to a low carbon future. Australia can lead on innovation, Minister Carr said, by ‘developing products and processes that will secure us a significant share of the growing world market for climate change solutions.’ Professor Joseph Stiglitz encourages Australia’s global role. The Roundtable with Minister Carr follows Roundtables held with Mr Bjorn Stigson, President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Dr Martin Parkinson, and with Mr Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy on the theme of sustainability and the transition to a low carbon future. A Roundtable on this theme with Climate Change Minister Penny Wong is planned to be held later this year. The report of the Roundtable with Minister Carr is available.
Professor Joseph Stiglitz encourages Australia’s global role
Representatives from Foundation university members and key financial institutions participated in private discussions on the global economy with distinguished economist and Nobel laureate, Professor Joseph Stiglitz, in Sydney. Among his many significant appointments, Professor Stiglitz recently chaired the Commission of Experts of the President of the United Nations General Assembly on Reforms of the International Monetary and Financial System and outlined the prospects for a continuing role for the Commission at the meeting. Professor Stiglitz also discussed his work as Chair of French President Sarkozy’s Commission on the Measurement of Economic and Social Progress which was released in September 2009. Professor Stiglitz affirmed The Global Foundation’s work in both these areas saying he believes Australia has an important role to play in fostering broad consensus on a range of international issues - particularly between China and the US - including global economic arrangements and climate change, and in fostering global dialogue on a broader understanding of progress. A report of the meeting is available.
Members’ meeting with Professor Nouriel Roubini
Global Foundation members were privileged to meet with internationally renowned economist Professor Nouriel Roubini for an exclusive briefing on Tuesday 4 August on the global economic outlook and Australia and the world’s prospects for recovery. Chancellor of Monash University, Dr Alan Finkel AM, hosted the briefing at Monash Law Chambers in Melbourne, which forms part of the Australia Unlimited 2010 policy dialogues on the future economy. Professor Roubini said at the briefing he is more cautious than the consensus about a global recovery, describing current economic conditions as ‘anaemic’. Although Professor Roubini said there is light at the end of the tunnel, he warned that policy makers around the world face some very difficult challenges ahead regarding the timing of reducing public debt – acting too soon carries risk of further recession, acting too late could generate stagflation. Professor Roubini is also cautious about China’s capacity to lead the world out of recession but agreed Australia is in a stronger position than most other developed economies. The report of the briefing is available.
The Foundation calls for G20 strengthening at inaugural Global Think Tank Summit, Beijing
Our Chairman, The Hon Warwick Smith AM and Secretary General, Mr Steve Howard attended and addressed the inaugural Global Think Tank Summit held in Beijing on 3 - 4 July. A copy of the Chairman's and Secretary General's address is available.
In the Secretary General’s address, he referred to the relative stability of China and Australia in the current global economic crisis and called for a strengthening of G20 processes with a permanent secretariat, potentially led by a distinguished Chinese. The Summit was organized by the recently formed China Center for International Economic Exchanges and featured Chinese government officials, former heads of state, Nobel laureates and private sector and think tank leaders. The Chairman and Secretary General met with leaders of the Centre, along with government, business and other think tank leaders while in Beijing and agreed to deepen the dialogue between Australia and China.During the visit, a dinner for the Foundation was hosted by Vice President of COSCO Group, Mr Chen Hongsheng and was attended by 20 Chinese and Australian members and guests of the Foundation.
Roundtable on Energy Security and Sustainability with European Commissioner for Energy, Mr Andris Piebalgs
Over 40 Global Foundation members and guests, including colleagues from the European Australian Business Association, met with the European Commissioner for Energy, Mr Andris Piebalgs in Sydney on 18 May. Commissioner Piebalgs outlined Europe’s approach to energy policy at the Roundtable. Key principles of the European approach include reducing dependence on imported energy sources; the introduction of legally enforceable obligations on member states to meet renewable targets; creation of an internal energy market and consideration of all energy options, including nuclear energy, subject to certain conditions. Commissioner Piebalgs welcomed the opportunity for on-going dialogue between the European Union and Australia on energy security and sustainability and said it would be to both parties’ benefit to have a continuing dialogue. A full report of the Roundtable is available.
Working discussions with Mr Jim Murphy, Executive Director, Markets Group, Department of the Treasury
Global Foundation members met with Mr Jim Murphy, Executive Director, Markets Group, Department of the Treasury for working lunches in both Melbourne and Sydney. Guests had the opportunity to hear from and discuss with Mr Murphy and other Treasury officials the short-term challenges of financing Australian enterprise, as a result of the global financial crisis. The working lunches provided an invaluable and informal means to gauge business and community sentiment around this issue and to garner some thoughts about possible solutions and ways forward that will secure and increase business and community confidence.
Dinner with Dr David McCormick, Former United States Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs
Global Foundation members and guests met in Sydney on 25 May for dinner with Dr David McCormick, Former United States Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs, hosted by Mr Stephen Fitzgerald, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Goldman Sachs JB Were. Discussion focussed on the global architecture required to support a global economic recovery, including the emerging role for the G20 and ways in which business may be more fundamentally involved in this process, alongside government. The Foundation will continue to be actively involved in promoting Australia’s participation in and engagement with the G20. An article about the importance of the G20 written by Dr McCormick was published in The Australian.
Dinner with HE Mr Zhang Junsai, Chinese Ambassador to Australia
The Foundation’s China-Australia Dialogue was relaunched in Sydney on 19 May at a dinner with Chinese Ambassador to Australia, HE Mr Zhang Junsai. Hosted by Mr Don Boyd, Chief Executive Partner, Deacons Lawyers, discussion focused on areas for greater cooperation between China and Australia. The Foundation’s Australia China Network is addressing the opportunities for closer cooperation through a series of upcoming program activities. Notes from the dinner are available.
The Global Foundation lunch with HE Mr Michel Filhol Ambassador of France
HE Mr Michel Filhol, Ambassador of France was guest of honour at a lunch held in Melbourne on 26 May. Members and guests of the Foundation had the opportunity to hear from and discuss with the Ambassador the upgrading of the Australia-France relationship, in light of the extensive intellectual, cultural and commercial cooperation between the two nations. Several areas for further bilateral and international cooperation and development were identified and are to be explored by the Foundation.
The Global Foundation members and friends attended lunch with the Spanish Ambassador HE Mr Carlos Sanchez De Boado Y De La Valgoma
Foundation members and friends attended lunch with the Spanish Ambassador, HE Mr Carlos Sanchez De Boado Y De La Valgoma in Melbourne on 2 October. Mr John Strang, Chairman, Strang International kindly hosted the lunch. Discussion focused on bilateral and multilateral issues and raised many opportunities for Australia and Spain to pursue partnership in areas such as the advancement of Spanish language studies, cooperation with respect to renewable energy, financial market regulation and the opportunities to assist each other in third markets, such as Asia and Latin America.
Dinner with The Hon Marilyn Warren AC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, The Hon Marilyn Warren AC, joined Global Foundation members and guests for dinner in Melbourne on 27 May to discuss current challenges for the justice system, both in Australia and internationally. As a result of the dinner the Foundation will continue to work with the Chief Justice and other lawyers and academics from amongst our membership, on addressing some of these challenges.
Dinner with HE Mr Zhang Junsai, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Dinner with Dr David McCormick, Former United States Treasury Under Secretary for International AffairsWorking discussions with Mr Jim Murphy, Executive Director, Markets Group, Department of the Treasury
SECRETARY GENERAL’S MESSAGE
Welcome to The Global Foundation. We are a citizens’ organization with Australian roots, fully sustained by a large and growing private sector membership base... more
The Global Foundation has been involved for some time with food security, one of the most important and complicated issues of our era. Key sponsors of the Foundation, Mr Anthony Pratt, Mr Michael Luscombe and Mr Gerry Lawson responded positively to a proposal from Foundation supporters at regional, national and global levels, which saw contributors from a wide cross-section of society including leaders from agriculture and regional Australia, food manufacturers and retailers, policy-makers and researchers, the media and the community brought together in Melbourne on February 5 to explore framing a concerted Australian effort on national and global food security.
The Hon Wayne Swan MP, Treasurer participated in a private Roundtable with Foundation members and later delivered a 
The Foundation’s Advisory Council and Annual General Meetings were held in Sydney on 18 November, kindly hosted by Clayton Utz. Following, members and guests enjoyed a reception at Admiralty House hosted by our Patron-in-Chief, Governor-General of Australia, HE Ms Quentin Bryce AC and HE Mr Bryce. The Governor-General delivered a 
The Foundation is delighted that the former Prime Minister has endorsed the Australia Unlimited 2010 program and will address the national summit to be held in June 2010. The former Prime Minster writes:
The Hon Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation led Foundation members and guests in a Roundtable discussion on the future economy and Australia’s economic performance and productivity in Melbourne on 8 October. The Minister stressed that the economy is the most important issue Australia has to confront saying that complacency is a threat to sustained recovery and that, although unlikely, there is a still a risk of a W-shaped recovery. Infrastructure, skills, regulation and a world class broadband network system all contribute to increased productivity, the Minister said, and that broadband in particular is critical to future productivity. Ms Penny Bingham-Hall, Executive General Manger, Strategy, Leighton Holdings Limited and Global Foundation Board Member moderated the discussion which was kindly hosted by Mr Steven Munchenberg, Group Manager, Government Affairs & Public Policy, National Australia Bank. A 
Global Foundation members were privileged to meet with internationally renowned economist Professor Nouriel Roubini for an exclusive briefing on Tuesday 4 August on the global economic outlook and Australia and the world’s prospects for recovery. Chancellor of Monash University, Dr Alan Finkel AM, hosted the briefing at Monash Law Chambers in Melbourne, which forms part of the 
Our Chairman, The Hon Warwick Smith AM and Secretary General, Mr Steve Howard attended and addressed the inaugural Global Think Tank Summit held in Beijing on 3 - 4 July. A copy of the 
Over 40 Global Foundation members and guests, including colleagues from the European Australian Business Association, met with the European Commissioner for Energy, Mr Andris Piebalgs in Sydney on 18 May. Commissioner Piebalgs outlined Europe’s approach to energy policy at the Roundtable. Key principles of the European approach include reducing dependence on imported energy sources; the introduction of legally enforceable obligations on member states to meet renewable targets; creation of an internal energy market and consideration of all energy options, including nuclear energy, subject to certain conditions. Commissioner Piebalgs welcomed the opportunity for on-going dialogue between the European Union and Australia on energy security and sustainability and said it would be to both parties’ benefit to have a continuing dialogue. A full 
Global Foundation members met with Mr Jim Murphy, Executive Director, Markets Group, Department of the Treasury for working lunches in both Melbourne and Sydney. Guests had the opportunity to hear from and discuss with Mr Murphy and other Treasury officials the short-term challenges of financing Australian enterprise, as a result of the global financial crisis. The working lunches provided an invaluable and informal means to gauge business and community sentiment around this issue and to garner some thoughts about possible solutions and ways forward that will secure and increase business and community confidence.
HE Mr Michel Filhol, Ambassador of France was guest of honour at a lunch held in Melbourne on 26 May. Members and guests of the Foundation had the opportunity to hear from and discuss with the Ambassador the upgrading of the Australia-France relationship, in light of the extensive intellectual, cultural and commercial cooperation between the two nations. Several areas for further bilateral and international cooperation and development were identified and are to be explored by the Foundation.
Foundation members and friends attended lunch with the Spanish Ambassador, HE Mr Carlos Sanchez De Boado Y De La Valgoma in Melbourne on 2 October. Mr John Strang, Chairman, Strang International kindly hosted the lunch. Discussion focused on bilateral and multilateral issues and raised many opportunities for Australia and Spain to pursue partnership in areas such as the advancement of Spanish language studies, cooperation with respect to renewable energy, financial market regulation and the opportunities to assist each other in third markets, such as Asia and Latin America.
