The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) convened a high-level boardroom briefing in Sydney to advance trade and investment opportunities between Canada and Queensland.
Hosted by QIC and moderated by Mel Wharton, CEO of the CACC, the session brought together senior leaders from government, industry, and institutional investment. Guests included The Hon. Ros Bates MP, Queensland’s Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training; Anna Fedeles, General Manager, International Operations, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ); and Romila Prasad, Acting Deputy Under Treasurer, Finance and Investment, Queensland Treasury.
PICTURED (left to right): Melissa Wharton (CEO – CACC), Ghislain Robichaud (Consul General of Canada in Sydney), The Hon. Ros Bates (Queensland’s Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training), Her Excellency Dr. Julie Sunday (High Commissioner for Canada to Australia), Minh Dao (Partner & National Board Member – KPMG Australia)
Her Excellency Dr. Julie Sunday, High Commissioner for Canada to Australia, opened the discussion by underscoring the strong alignment between Canada and Queensland across energy, resources, infrastructure, and innovation. Ghislain Robichaud, Consul General of Canada in Sydney, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement and supporting sustainable investment growth in the state.
PICTURED (left to right): The Hon. Ros Bates (Queensland’s Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training), Mel Wharton (CEO – CACC)
Minister Bates outlined Queensland’s New Energy Roadmap, which is accelerating global investment in hydrogen, critical minerals, and clean technologies—areas where Canadian expertise and capital are already making a tangible impact. With preparations underway for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland’s infrastructure pipeline is expanding rapidly, creating opportunities for Canadian companies in transport, construction, housing, and digital innovation.
Queensland’s strong economic fundamentals—valued at approximately A$500 billion with an AA+ credit rating—underscore its appeal to Canadian investors. The state’s advanced trade infrastructure, comprising 21 seaports and six international airports, provides direct access to Asia-Pacific markets and positions Queensland as a key gateway for Canadian trade expansion.
PICTURED (left to right): Gerard Coggan (Coordinator-General – Queensland Government), Elli Hanson (Principal – Side Stage Ventures)
The briefing reinforced the growing partnership between Canada and Queensland, highlighting shared priorities in energy transition, infrastructure development, and innovation. With complementary strengths and a shared focus on sustainable growth, both regions are poised to drive long-term prosperity and investment across the Indo-Pacific.
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.
Written by Ava Tunney
