Hear from a panel of local leaders and experts as they discuss key themes from the report:
- Innovation and the knowledge economy – how defence, cybersecurity, ICT and higher education are driving growth.
- Liveability and sustainability – why people choose Canberra, and how to protect these strengths.
- Public vs private sector balance – the role of diversification in building long-term resilience.
- Barriers to growth – from housing to skills and regulation, and how to overcome them.
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Date:
Friday, 20 June 2025 |
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Time: 7:30am – 9:00am AEST
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Venue: Old Parliament House
The Member’s Dining Room 2 & 3 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT |
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Facilitator - Andrew Sykes is the Managing Partner of Canberra and a Partner in RSM’s Business Advisory division....
Andrew manages consulting assignments and is responsible for providing clients with high-level financial advice and strategic initiatives across local and Commonwealth government departments and agencies, as well as small and large businesses in a range of sectors and major corporates. He also provides start-up and funding advice for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the technology sector.
Panellist - Devika Shivadekar is our Economist for RSM Australia based in our Sydney office....
She has a decade of experience in macroeconomic and financial research across both the public and private sectors, with a strong focus on the APAC region. She closely monitors key economic indicators—including growth, inflation, central bank policy, and labour market trends—to provide clients with informed insights.
Panellist - Anna Neelagama is the Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders ACT....
She holds a Bachelor of International Relations from Griffith University and a Graduate Certificate in Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney. Anna is the former CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and spent her formative career in state and federal agribusiness advocacy roles.
Panellist - Stephen Byron is the Chief Executive Officer of Canberra Airport and the broader Capital Property Group. ...
Stephen has led the transformation of the Canberra Airport precinct with a focus on excellent customer experience and sustainable design. Stephen also managed Capital Property Group’s expansion into real estate development at Denman Prospect. In addition, Stephen is the Chair of the Canberra Grammar Board and a member of the Council of the National Museum of Australia.
