People are our first resource, and like all resources, it?s one that?s finite and at times scarce. We currently all hear about the ?two-speed? economy and recall the stark headlines from the extractive industries pre-GFC, declaring an impending skilled labour supply disaster. It can be said it was a time of sharp focus on tomorrow?s resources today.
At this year?s IQA Annual Conference, Professor William F Mitchell will further investigate this theme in the conference?s first paper, which considers the state of our global economy, policy framework and the challenges ahead. Bill heads up the internationally regarded Centre for Full Employment and Equity at the University of Newcastle, Australia. By bringing the global economy to our doorsteps we can consider the ?two-speed? economy in light of the real labour market for our sector. We look forward to Bill taking us on his journey regarding policy framework within both government and non-government sectors.
These challenges will be taken up further in a paper to be presented by the highly regarded Susan Fields, a presentation that might have wide-ranging implications, not least for those of us considering early retirement!
Dan Gregory from the ABC?s Gruen Transfer will ensure we connect to our people in all of these strategic considerations. Dan will take us on a journey of creativity, which is a wonderful ingredient to solution-design. I encourage all to take the time exploring our Speakers Program, which has been designed by a truly diligent team committed to bringing to our conference a real discourse on tomorrow?s resources today.
The IQA?s 54th Annual Conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, from 12 to 15 October, 2011. For regular updates to the conference programme, speaker announcements and speaker biographies, visit www.alloccasionsgroup.com/IQA2011
IQA members and other interested parties can also now register for the conference via the above website. The early bird registration fee ? up to Friday, 9 September 2011 ? is $900 for IQA members and $975 for non-members. The registration fees for both members and non-members will rise accordingly from 10 September.
Stay tuned for more updates on our conference.
Dayne Steggles
Chairman, IQA Annual Conference