Tag archive: Andrew Barr

Singapore Airlines is coming back, it’s just a matter of time
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Singapore Airlines is keen to restart its direct service to Canberra but the carrier is still rebuilding its international network after the pandemic, according to Chief Minister Andrew Barr, back from leading the ACT's latest trade mission to the island state. Mr Barr said the issue of direct flights and what the ACT could do to restore the link was...
Big-spending Budget to focus on jobs and skills, says Barr
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Chief Minister Andrew Barr has promised another big-spending Budget to support the Territory's economic recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and create more jobs. Mr Barr also told business leaders in his State of the Territory address today that the government would be doing all it could to attract skilled workers to the capital while overseas migration is on...
How ACT’s tourism industry is getting back in the game
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The ACT's tourism industry is bouncing back after COVID-19 restrictions, travel bans and border closures shredded the number of visitors to the national capital. Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Andrew Barr said a range of data was pointing to a recovery in the sector, assisted by government initiatives to attract more visitors to the region, better air connections and more...
ACT Budget: Red ink for years but Barr confident of strong economic recovery
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The ACT faces a long period deep in the red despite the ACT Government's delayed Budget for 2020-21 showing a better than expected bottom line but big deficits, albeit reducing, stretching out to 2023-24. While the 2020-21 deficit is $300 million less than the nearly billion dollars forecast in the August update, at $603 million, deficits will persist over the...
Business keen to press tax and COVID-19 cases with new minister
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The Canberra Business Chamber has welcomed a dedicated business minister in Andrew Barr's new cabinet, and will continue pushing for tax relief and a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. CEO Graham Catt said having someone in Cabinet who understands Canberra's diverse business sector and is able to consider how government decisions might affect those businesses was vital. Labor's Tara Cheyne has...
AI tool gives tech pioneer Castlepoint keys to the data kingdom
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A home-grown IT start-up that is pioneering the management of records using artificial intelligence is poised to spread its wings overseas after rapid growth in Australia. CEO Rachel Greaves and partner and Chief Technology Officer Gavin McKay launched Castlepoint Systems about 18 months ago. Since then the company has grown from just them to a 16-strong outfit with 20 clients...
Stimulus will need more in the budget and a post-election mini-budget as well, says Barr
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An ACT coronavirus economic stimulus package this week will be augmented by more measures in the June budget, followed by a mini-budget after the October election, no matter who wins government. Chief Minister Andrew Barr is in the process of framing the stimulus package which will be aimed at providing relief for affected businesses, keeping people in jobs and bringing...
Outlook has ACT’s ‘standout economy’ set for more bumper growth
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Going into an election year, the latest economic forecast for the ACT would have Chief Minister Andrew Barr smiling at what could be seen as an endorsement of his government's policy direction. The Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook for December calls the ACT the "little territory that could", defying the national downturn and recording its largest-ever share of the national...
UNSW Canberra launches new collaboration space for defence and technology businesses
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University of NSW Canberra has taken the next step in expanding its presence in the national capital with the opening on Northbourne Avenue of a new collaborative workspace dedicated to the defence, technology and security industries. Called, appropriately enough, Launch on Northbourne, it will bring together industry, government and academia with three floors of secure workspaces, private offices, meeting and...
Seeing Machines’ advanced technology is a winning ACT export
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An idea born in the ANU's robotics labs two decades ago has grown into a world-leading Artifical Intelligence company that's picked up this year's major Chief Minister's Export Award. Seeing Machines creates enabled driver monitoring technology, measuring and tracking a driver's eye and head position and movements. The data can feed into advanced driver assistance systems and assess whether the...
Barr to push for direct flights to Canberra on visit to China
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Direct flights from China to the ACT will be on the agenda this week when Chief Minister Andrew Barr leads a Government delegation to Guangzhou and Canberra's sister city Beijing. Mr Barr said growing the ACT's largest international tourism market and more international flights were the key objectives for the delegation. He will meet with China Southern Airlines and representatives...
Small business should not be used as big business’ bank
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Small Business Ombudsman report: payment times and practices. SMALL Business Minister Michael McCormack recently welcomed the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman's report following its inquiry into payment times and practices for small business. "The Government established the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman to give an independent voice to the challenges and issues faced by Australia's 3.1...
New opportunities for the arts in West Belconnen
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New opportunities for the arts in West Belconnen. Official Opening of The Link at Ginninderry. Artists in Canberra will have a new architecturally designed space to make and exhibit their work following the official launch this evening of The Link by Minister for the Arts and Community Events, Gordon Ramsay. The new building is located in Holt on Studio Lane...
Local bands, artists and entertainers not getting a ‘fair go’ at Enlighten
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Comment by Tim Benson, Publisher, B2B Magazine I recently received the statistics and dollar figure spend on Canberra based bands, artists and entertainers compared to those from interstate and overseas for Canberra's Enlighten. They are not good. In fact, they are worse than I imagined: Of the $113,000 of ACT tax payers' money spent on bands, artists and entertainers at...
High trust teams the secret to business success
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High Trust Teams The Secret To Business Success. World Leading Business Expert Explains Why High Trust Is Key To High Performance Teams. Whether you're a small business owner or CEO to a large enterprise, building a team of experienced and skilled individuals is essential to your success. But we often forget one crucial element to establishing a productive work environment...
Homeless and unemployed can now shop unabated …
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Changes to the discrimination law which come into effect today show the ACT Government's commitment to equality and cement Canberra's reputation as an inclusive city. Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the changes expand protections against unfair and unreasonable treatment of people based on their background or personal circumstances. "For the first time anywhere in Australia, it will be unlawful to unreasonably...
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