Message from the Premier of Queensland
Prior to and since taking up my appointment as Premier of Queensland in September 2007, I have had the opportunity to attend many events around the State.
Without fail, I am always impressed by the quality of the events, the passion and dedication of the people managing and participating in them, and the positive impact the events have on their host communities.
Queensland has one of the best combinations of events, facilities and overall atmosphere of any State in Australia. The Queensland Government has long recognised the power of events to be more than just calendar-fillers. They drive business and create international recognition for the State’s people and places.
2007 was a year of great achievements for the State’s event industry. The global reception given to the inaugural Asia Pacific Screen Awards – an initiative of the Queensland Government through Queensland Events – has been impressive.
More than 100 films were submitted for nomination from 30 countries. This demonstrates a remarkable level of acceptance by the region that the Awards are a worthwhile endeavour. The Awards, a collaboration involving CNN International, UNESCO and FIAPF - the International Federation of Film Producers Associations, have also marked a turning point for the type of events in which the Queensland Government invests.
Events serve a purpose beyond entertainment and tourism generation. The Queensland Government recognises the Asia Pacific Screen Awards make an important statement, positioning the Gold Coast, Queensland, and Australia as a vital link in our region’s remarkable film and television industry.
Queensland Events is a strategic investment arm of my Government and its job is to identify the events that truly make a difference to Queensland – and to ensure they are developed and retained within the state. I believe industry events, such as the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, will be a major part of the State’s future.
Meanwhile, 2008 will play host to a wonderfully diverse calendar of events, from major sporting and cultural showcases to regional community celebrations. Why not take full advantage of them? By travelling to events within our own regions and beyond, we develop better appreciation for the diverse elements which make Queensland such an enjoyable part of the world in which to live.
Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
