Chief Minister's Statement of Ambition for Canberra

As our community emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus is on rebuilding our economic, social and community resilience.

It is time to look to the future. A future that will firmly place Canberra as an even more attractive city to live, work, study, do business and invest in. A future where employment, aggregate demand and wellbeing are maximised.

The 2016 Statement of Ambition expressed confidence about our future. It included a commitment to attract and retain talented people, diversify the economy, invest in infrastructure and embrace emerging technologies.

Five years on, we are delivering that ambitious agenda. I’m pleased to share with you how that vision has evolved, and the commitments we’re making to realise this vision for our city.

Canberra is one of the most liveable cities in the world. Our economy is one of the most stable in Australia despite the effects of the pandemic.

We have a depth of skills and research capability, a strong public sector and a thriving and innovative non-government sector.

At a time when the way we live and work is changing, Canberra offers an exceptional lifestyle.

Our city offers a rare combination of opportunity and liveability with community wellbeing and inclusion at its heart.

We are a city of neighbourhoods, where short journeys can take you to work or study and then just as easily to a cultural exhibition, entertainment precinct, sporting event or nature reserve.

In Canberra, you can have a successful business or career while living, working and learning in a healthy environment.

Our strong connectivity and digital mindset make it easy to adapt to new ways of working.

Canberra really is a city that offers work-life balance for everyone.

The values we hold as a city are welcoming and inclusive. Wealth is spread more evenly in Canberra than elsewhere in Australia.

We are a national leader in reducing gender inequality. We have made significant progress in workplace gender equity, the gender pay gap, representation of women on boards and committees, and parliamentary representation.

Canberra is proudly multicultural and is the most LGBTIQ+ welcoming and inclusive city in Australia.

These are our strong foundations.

Now, we are focusing on our strength as the knowledge capital. We are building on our track record in innovation and entrepreneurship and our commitment to sustainability, inclusion and wellbeing.

Our mission is to work with willing partners across the community to ensure Canberra is prepared for new challenges, and able to grasp the opportunities that will come from the next phase of our economic development.

This priorities statement establishes the areas where we will focus our energy and investment to become an even more innovative, sustainable and inclusive city.

Our clear and ambitious approach will create a collaborative environment to progress these priorities.

Andrew Barr MLA

Chief Minister

Treasurer

Minister for Economic Development