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30-Jun-08 9:00 AM EST

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QUEENSLAND STATE PREMIER – PITCHES FOR INVESTMENT

Queensland Premier,
The Hon. Anna Bligh

Queensland Premier, The Hon. Anna Bligh

News Corporation, the American Australian Association and the Queensland Treasury Corporation sponsored a luncheon on Friday, 13 June 2008 hosting Queensland’s first female Premier, The Hon Anna Bligh. The executive lunch held in Newscorp’s Leonard French Room was attended by a mix of high powered investors and corporate executives, including from Deutsche Bank, Standard and Poors, Barclays, American International Group and Merck.

Premier Anna Bligh was leading Queensland’s largest biotechnology delegation to the 2008 Bio International Convention in San Diego and the trade mission to the US.

Premier Bligh showcased Queensland, as the “Smart State” to investors and described Queensland as an ‘exciting and compelling state in the Australian story’.

While pitching investment in Queensland, highlighted the recent 2008-09 Queensland State Budget and the government’s expectation of continued strong economic growth stating ‘Queensland has a strong and buoyant outlook’ and ‘Queensland is where the action is’.

Queensland Key Facts:

AAA Standard & Poor’s credit rating;
Economic growth at 4 ¼ per cent exceeds the national average of 2 ¾ per cent ( 13th year growth in Queensland has exceeded the national average);
Second fast growing economy in Australia after West Australia;
Export growth is at a four year high – the resource boom is in full swing, there is strong demand for commodity exports and the economy has a diverse base, which includes biotechnology, agriculture and tourism;
Competitive tax regime – Queensland tax is lower than the national average;
Only jurisdiction which fully funds employee liabilities – a feature which places Queensland in an attractive market position;
Heavy investment in infrastructure, for example expansion in ports, rail, road, water, schools and public transport to keep ahead of the game.