Forum to examine climate policy

Prof Allan Layton- Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law

Outgoing Reserve Bank of Australia Board member and Professor of Economics at the Australian National University (ANU), Warwick McKibbin, is the keynote speaker at a Regional Business Leaders’ Forum (RBLF) in Toowoomba on Friday 14 October 2011.

Professor McKibbin’s address will examine how national climate policy should be designed given the great uncertainty around climate change – and its causes - and the enormously uncertain current outlook for the global economy.

Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at USQ, Professor Allan Layton, said the forum is a timely opportunity for business owners to learn more about this critically important issue.

'The world continues to be economically challenged post-GFC and may even be teetering on another recession so any policy which increases Australian business's production costs puts those businesses at an international competitive disadvantage - including small and medium sized businesses - whether or not they are directly trade exposed.

'Professor McKibbin is a well-known analyst, commentator and writer on this issue, especially on the economics of it, so it will be an invaluable opportunity for business owners in the region to hear his thoughts.'

Professor Layton said the regular RBLF forums are an initiative of a partnership between the University – in particular the Faculty of Business and Law - and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

'Previously we have sponsored addresses by the President of the ICA in India, the RBA Governor, Mr John Reynolds (outgoing Chair of Arrow Energy) and Queensland Treasurer, the Hon Mr Andrew Fraser.'

Professor Layton said sponsorship of the forums is just one reflection of the Faculty’s commitment to providing high level debate and discussion of important global issues, including climate policy, to the Downs business community.

'In a related vein, we have introduced the Bachelor of Accounting and Sustainable Business in 2009 and offer a Major in Sustainable Business in the Bachelor of Commerce. Our new MBA is centrally focussed on Sustainability issues and ethical business decision making, and sustainability themes are also included in other Masters degrees we offer.'

'So, in short, we have worked to aggressively embed these issues into our undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

'We also have the Australian Centre for Sustainable Business and Development, which is closely aligned with the Faculty of Business and Law, and the issue of climate change is also a core theme in the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments at the University.'

The forum will be held at the Picnic Point Function Centre in Toowoomba on Friday 14 October 2011. Please arrive at 11.30am for a noon start. The forum is expected to conclude at 2pm.

Tickets cost $70 for Chamber members and $80 for non-members, and are available from the Empire Theatre Box Office on 1300 655 299.

Contact Details:

USQ Media 07 4631 2977