The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC), in partnership with KPMG Australia, was pleased to host the Hon. Joe Szakacs MP, South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment, for an in-depth Boardroom Briefing in Sydney this week. This session marked the second engagement the CACC has facilitated with a South Australian delegation, following our boardroom briefing in Toronto earlier this year, furthering the state’s trajectory as a global destination for clean energy, critical minerals, and advanced industry investment.
PICTURED (left to right): Minh Dao (Partner & National Board Member – KPMG Australia), Chris Wood (Executive Director, Invest SA – Department of State Development), Lesley Gillespie (Co-Founder, Bakers Delight), Hon. Joe Szakacs MP, South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment), Diane Belliveau (Chief Representative, AU & NZ – Export Development Canada), Mike Pyke (Executive Director & Co-Head Equity Advisory, AU & NZ – JLL), Melissa Wharton (CEO – CACC)
The boardroom briefing was moderated by Melissa Wharton (CEO – CACC) and the discussion brought together senior leaders across government and industry. CACC Board Directors Mike Pyke (Executive Director & Co-Head Equity Advisory, AU & NZ – JLL), Minh Dao (Partner & National Board Member – KPMG Australia), Diane Belliveau (Chief Representative, AU & NZ, Export Development Canada) and Lesley Gillespie (Co-Founder – Bakers Delight) were in attendance. Also in attendance was David Tsui (Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner – Global Affairs Canada). The South Australian delegation included Chris Wood (Executive Director at Invest SA – Department of State Development), and Stuart Nutting (Regional Director – South Australia at Australian Trade & Investment Commission), who provided additional insights into the State’s evolving trade and investment priorities.
PICTURED (left to right): Lesley Gillespie (Co-Founder, Bakers Delight) and Hon. Joe Szakacs MP, South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment)
Throughout the briefing, the delegation detailed South Australia’s long-term economic strategy, emphasizing its transformation into a global benchmark for renewable energy integration. With the State projected to reach net 100% renewable electricity by 2027, South Australia continues to attract international interest for its leadership in utility-scale wind and solar, grid-scale batteries, and emerging hydrogen production capabilities. This energy platform, supported by more than 20 years of consistent policy direction, positions South Australia as a partner of choice for organisations seeking stable, low-carbon operating environments.
The briefing also highlighted the region’s significant mineral wealth, including the majority of Australia’s known copper and graphite reserves. These resources are increasingly critical to global supply chains in electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing, energy storage, and future-proof infrastructure. Attendees explored the State’s strategy to move further downstream, including opportunities in critical minerals processing, advanced manufacturing, defence, space, agri-tech, and digital technologies.
PICTURED: Tony Stratton (Director of Sales, APAC – ThinkOn)
Participants discussed specific areas where Canadian and South Australian organisations can deepen collaboration, from co-investment models and technology partnerships to skills development, research exchange, and shared innovation in clean energy systems. The consistent theme was clear: South Australia offers a stable, diversified, and forward-looking business environment aligned with Canada’s strengths and global ambitions.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Hon. Joe Szakacs MP, our partners at KPMG Australia, and all attendees for contributing to such a valuable and forward-focused discussion. The CACC remains committed to strengthening Canada and South Australia connections and supporting new pathways for businesses pursuing sustainable, long-term growth.
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organisation that aims to bring businesses together to facilitate a strong environment for economic trade and investment between Canada and Australia.
