Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the weekend I had the opportunity of meeting some of Queensland's brightest business minds at a networking event for entrepreneurs. Incredible technological changes are transforming our lives, our workplaces and how we communicate. We need to embrace this innovation if we are to create new jobs, harness new sources of economic growth and encourage advanced manufacturing. I want to thank Deborah Morandin from the Petrie electorate who runs the Butterfly Experience for inviting me to the event. I would like to thank everyone who attended, whether they are established business owners or just starting out. The coalition government has a strong record when it comes to supporting innovation and businesses, because we know that businesses ultimately create jobs and economic prosperity—not the government.

I had the chance to meet quite a few people there including Brett Godfrey, who started Virgin in Australia with Richard Branson and is now involved with ecotourism in Tasmania; Mr Ben Southall, winner of the Best Job in the World; Michelle Hespe, global editor-in-chief of CEO Magazine; Leesa Gill, CEO and her partner, Gary, of TFH—Australia-wide, they hire some 400 staff across 40 branches, and do the biggest temporary fencing hire at every major building site, mine and event in Oz. It was a great opportunity: thanks to everyone involved.