Conference to confront the most sensitive topics

Media release February 29th, 2000

Major conference to confront the most sensitive topics

One day after Government tables its new draft Employment Relations legislation in Parliament, several cabinet ministers including Labour Minister Margaret Wilson, will join an unprecedented line up of speakers to address a major Auckland conference.

'Business Environment 2000 - The Vision' presented by the Employers and Manufacturers Association will cover the spectrum of changes the Government is introducing. It will take place at Auckland's Aotea Centre on March 15th and 16th.

"We won't see a line up of speakers of this calibre again for a long while," said EMA's chief executive, Alasdair Thompson.

"There is so much change coming through with the new Government that we needed to give the business community the chance for a whole new rethink on how they were going to manage the new environment.

"Some leaders to address the conference may come as a surprise. For example, we wanted to hear from CTU President Ross Wilson, and from ACC Associate Minister Ruth Dyson as well as ACC chief executive Garry Wilson.

"Along with Margaret Wilson on the new employment law, Finance Minister Michael Cullen will speak on 'The Impact of a Centre Left Government on Business'. Business Roundtable chairman Ralph Norris will be giving his views, too, on the same subject.

"Others scheduled include Dr Don Brash, economist Murray Weatherston, Business Herald columnist Fran O'Sullivan and Business Herald Editor Rod Oram.

"We will be giving our own business organisation leaders the platform as well, with both the Employers Federation's Anne Knowles and the Manufacturers Federation chief executive Simon Carlaw with speaking slots.

"This event is of such critical importance to the business community that the EMA is opening up the occasion to all comers."

Further Comments: Alasdair Thompson tel Bus. 09 367 0911
Hme 09 303 3951
Mob. 025 982 024

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