Queensland businesses leaders reap rewards of diversity

QUEENSLAND businesses are being encouraged to reap the social and financial rewards of embracing diversity in the workplace at the inaugural Queensland Multicultural Month Business Lunch next Friday (August 5).

Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank, the lunch is hosted by the Queensland Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace and will feature an address by Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie. Mr Beattie will share his insights on upcoming Commonwealth Games business opportunities and how the event’s culturally diverse workforce will ensure its success.

Latest figures show more than 20% of Queensland’s population was born outside of Australia, creating a diverse and growing potential customer base and workforce for local businesses to target.

Minister Grace said it was time to acknowledge the economic contribution migration and multiculturalism had made to the state.

“The growth and prosperity of our state always has and always will depend on our ability to harness skilled and talented workers from across Queensland, the nation and the world,” she said.

“The positive economic impacts of migration flows through every part of our economy – to population growth, labour participation and employment, skills and productivity.

“As it is Queensland Multicultural Month, it’s an opportune time to recognise the business leaders, entrepreneurs and all industrious Queenslanders who are working hard to make our state great, regardless of where they or their families originally came from.”

What:              Queensland Multicultural Month Business Lunch

Who:               Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace

                        Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Chairman Peter Beattie

When:             11.45am for midday start, Friday 5 August 2016

Where:            Pullman Brisbane, King George Square, Brisbane

Tickets:            $30 per person plus GST and booking fee (includes two-course lunch)

Book online at www.qld.gov.au/multiculturalmonth

Queensland Multicultural Month is the state’s largest celebration of our unique diversity and its benefits. From Brisbane to Barcaldine, people will be coming together to perform, share, taste, listen, learn and acknowledge that while we may come from different cultures, we all love living in Queensland. Key themes this year include the Value of Diversity, Arts and Culture, Elders and Storytelling.