A bold vision for South Australia’s future

A ground-breaking Charter and bold vision for South Australia’s long-term economic future will be launched by Business SA at a special business lunch this month.

Called A Charter for a Prosperous South Australia, the major policy statement will be released by Business SA Chief Executive Officer Peter Vaughan at the lunch at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Tuesday 16 February.

Business SA Chief Executive Officer Peter Vaughan said that as the State begins to emerge from the downturn, the Charter highlights that it is time for bold economic and social change in South Australia to turn opportunities into reality.

The document is also a comprehensive call to action to ensure that the emerging strength of the local economy is built on over the next decade.

The major policy document is also designed to engage business, media and the broader community in constructive debate to influence policy in the lead up to the State election.

In its capacity as the ‘voice of business’ in South Australia, Business SA released a similar document in the lead up to the State elections in 2002 and 2006.

Developed in consultation with Business SA’s members, the Charter outlines more than 80 recommendations for the State’s economic sustainability over the next decade and beyond.

The lunch, supported by Statewide, has limited seats available.

Governance Document

Business SA welcomed the differing opinions and widespread debate following the launch of its Governance document last month, Better Democracy in South Australia.

The document called for a bold course of action to reform the structures of State governance across South Australia.

Business SA Chief Executive Officer, Peter Vaughan said that for South Australia to be competitive, reforms should be implemented so that the structures of State governance can carry out their functions more effectively.

“The appropriate governance of a jurisdiction is vital for providing an effective environment that businesses can thrive in,” Mr Vaughan said.

The document addresses the structure, representation and processes of parliament, cabinet, local government, the public sector and public service.

Mr Vaughan said that while significant changes in politics take time, governments need to have these issues put before them regularly.

“Government is far from flexible and this is evident in the resistance to its own reform.

“It is responsive at election time, but in a broader sense there is insufficient evidence of collaborative activity at all levels of governance.

“We’ve called for action across the board, from the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, through to local government, public sector and Adelaide City Council.

“Any objective analysis of the South Australian political system exposes weaknesses in the chain of responsibility, accountability and transparency.”