Media release issued: Sunday, 19 June 2011

A major two day conference starting in Canberra tomorrow will bring together government, business and academia to discuss and debate the big issues impacting on Australia's economy.

Stalled debate on climate change, energy, infrastructure and population and the threat they pose to Australia's economic prosperity are the key issues on the table for debate at the annual Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) State of the Nation conference.

The conference will draw together industry experts and senior parliamentarians and public servants across key portfolios.

CEDA Chief Executive Professor Stephen Martin said the State of Nation was critical for facilitating debate on the current and alternative policy settings that will map Australia's economic future.

"This event will give stakeholders the chance to ask the hard questions and generate the topical debate needed to stimulate progress on reform and policy implementation," Professor Martin said.

"We need to ensure Australia has a strategic approach to how we deal with the big issues such as water, energy security, climate policy, and population growth and demographic change within our urban and regional centres.

"Failure to address these big questions risks undermining our future prosperity. 

"CEDA's position as a vanguard of thought leadership offers the chance for real discussion and debate, beyond the headlines, and this year's program should generate some great debate and discussion."

The State of the Nation will take place on 20 and 21 June, 2011 at the Hotel Realm in Canberra. The program is available at www.ceda.com.au/events/son or for more information please call:

Roxanne Punton
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0409 532 287
Email: roxanne.punton@ceda.com.au