Debates Day 3 - Thursday 19 November 2015
Parliamentary Record 24
Debates for 12th Assembly 2012 - 2016; ParliamentNT; Parliamentary Record; 12th Assembly 2012 - 2016
2015-11-19
Made available by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
English
Debates
Hansard Office
Darwin
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Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
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http://hdl.handle.net/10070/267729
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DEBATES Thursday 19 November 2015 7398 Alice Springs keynote events. His start-up story was truly inspiring. Our final presenter, Carolyn Creswell, founder of Carmans, inspired audiences in Darwin, proving that you can run a multinational business and still love what you do and have a genuine work/life balance. Carolyns determination has seen Carmans build a strong following in more than 32 countries around the world. As a proud mother, Carolyn spoke about the importance of producing nourishing foods for herself and her family, and how she applies this philosophy to every Carmans product. Carmans celebrated its 22 nd birthday this year, proving her business model success. Those exceptional keynote speakers led a monthlong program of world-class presentations, workshops and seminars, professional development programs, training, business dinners and networking opportunities, all of which were of low cost or free, to support the Northern Territory business community. For 21 years October Business Month has supported small- and medium-size businesses to gain a competitive advantage through expanding their networks and deepening their business acumen to accelerate business growth to the next level. As I said previously, it was a Country Liberals governments vision that OBM would help encourage Territory business growth, capacity and capability through opportunities for professional development, innovative management ideas and networking opportunities across a host of industries. Territory business people take advantage of the professional development opportunities and attended as many OBM events as possible this year. With more than 9000 Territorians attending, I argue it is achieving its vision. October Business Month relies on the extensive support and active involvement of the business community through partnerships with local and national business sectors, industry associations and other government agencies to deliver more than 183 events across all regions of the Northern Territory. This support ensures a comprehensive program of events that suit existing businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, export-ready businesses or not-for-profit organisations, whatever the industry sector. Asian engagement has been a key theme for 2015, complementing the ongoing government policy of planning for the future of northern Australia. The turnout for these events has been quite astounding. Highlight events include renowned motivational business speaker, Li Cunxin, commonly known Maos Last Dancer, talking about winning international businesses for the Northern Territory. His forum showcased services available to Territory business communities under the Invest NT and Trade Support Scheme, while delivering a thought-provoking and insightful account of his life. Li Cunxin is a remarkable man with a remarkable story. He has published an incredible book about his extraordinary life. We were lucky enough to hear Li recount his determination, perseverance, vision, courage, hard work and, in particular, the sacred family values and integrity he learnt in poverty-stricken China, which has driven him to become one of the best dancers in the world. He told of how the sixth of seven sons born to peasants grew up worshipping Mao Se Tung before defecting to the United States. His heartfelt account inspired all in the audience and is proof that it is possible to overcome lifes toughest challenges and create something better for yourself. Hundreds of delegates gathered in Alice Springs for the 7 th Indigenous Economic Development Forum. The two-day forum is one of the largest Aboriginal economic development-focused forums in Australia and gives Aboriginal people in business the opportunity to develop new skills and network. In his opening address, the Chief Minister, Adam Giles, stressed the importance of Aboriginal business and employment in the Territory, especially in relation to the Developing the North agenda. The forum also heard a powerful keynote speech from Robert Louis of the Westbank First Nation, Canada, who spoke of Indigenous economic development in his country. People from across the Northern Territory as far as Wadeye, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land travelled to the Red Centre to attend the forum, a key event in the October Business Month calendar. I take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the organisation and presentation of October Business Month over the past 21 years. I recognise the hard work by the public servants in my Department of Business and others, and the vast array of presenters, keynote speakers, attendees who showed up in their thousands and the sponsors who hosted the events across the Territory. As Business minister, I make this pledge to local businesses: the Country Liberals government will ensure October Business Month continues to deliver innovative ideas and educational business development options and opportunities to meet others seeking to establish and grow their