News Archive

Western Australia shares a time zone with 60 per cent of the world's population in the nations that promise the greatest economic growth of the 21st century.

Western Australia and Perth have the means and opportunity to optimise this geopolitical advantage, according to Dr Michael Chaney, Chancellor of The University of Western Australia and Chairman of National Australia Bank and Woodside.

From 8-10 November 2009, The University of Western Australia will host a major international conference - IN THE ZONE - to stimulate debate on public policy, geopolitical and business challenges facing Australia and its major trading partners.

Dr Chaney said Western Australia had emerged as the economic powerhouse of Australia and held a central role in the growth of the region.

"As the principal supplier of vital natural resources to wider Asia, our diverse inventory of mineral, petroleum and agricultural products place us at the centre of the economic transformation taking place in the ‘Asian century'."

Dr Chaney said while in a pre-digital age, Western Australia's geography served to isolate the State from the rest of the world, the tables had now turned and it was WA's geography that offered an excellent chance to increase global connectivity.

"We have the ability to positively influence Australia's identity and role in an evolving world order," Dr Chaney said.

Key conference themes will include: Australia's role in Asia, regional financial markets in the new world order, foreign investment and sovereignty, media futures, cities and population health, pandemic management and higher education for the 21st century economy.

More than 40 high calibre speakers have confirmed their participation in an impressive and insightful program which will set the agenda for future debate in the region.

IN THE ZONE will be a strategic meeting point for the Australian and wider regional community to engage in dialogue about the future of the zone we inhabit and to deepen the policy, trade and investment relationships as partners in a shared future.

For more information and to register for IN THE ZONE visit https://www.zone.uwa.edu.au/ .

Media references

For more information:

Sonia Nolan, Senior Communications Adviser; IN THE ZONE Conference 2009
Mb: 0401 034 103