2011 Media Releases

Deutsche Bank, together with The Australian, hosted four of the nation’s business leaders as they discussed the big issues facing corporate Australia at The Australian and Deutsche Bank Business Leaders Forum in Melbourne today.

Addressing the current volatile times, the panellists Leigh Clifford, Chairman, Qantas; David Knox, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Santos; Lindsay Maxsted, Chairman, Transurban Group; and Dr Ziggy Switkowski -Chancellor, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) provided insights into just how they are navigating this changing business, economic and political landscape.

Moderated by The Australian’s Jennifer Hewett and John Durie, the panel discussed a wide range of topics from the global economic outlook, the proposed carbon tax, skills shortages, industrial relations and regulation.

The passion with which the issues were discussed demonstrates why Deutsche Bank and The Australian believe that it is vital to provide a platform for informed discussion and sensible debate about the topics that drive business, news, the economy and Australia.

Commenting on the uncertain business and economic environment, Deutsche Bank’s Executive Chairman John Macfarlane said, “The wealth destruction from the "GFC" and the observable size of the fiscal challenge and austerity tasks facing many governments has undoubtedly dented consumer confidence and the recovery. Ironically, this has been the case in countries that navigated the early stages of the GFC well as well as those who fell into crisis. In an environment now featuring a lack of consumer confidence and a lack of community confidence in government, the market appears to be pricing in greater risk. Certainly this is the case in equity and credit markets if not in currency and commodity markets.  We at Deutsche Bank believe these risks should be examined, discussed and addressed, and as such are proud to provide a platform for such investigation to take place.”

Speaking at the event, The Australian’s Chief Executive Richard Freudenstein said, “Right now Australian businesses are facing enormous uncertainty. The global economy is fragile, our Federal government is wrestling with numerous major issues, not least the carbon tax and the NBN, and the rising dollar and slow-down in Victoria's population growth is beginning to affect local business. Which is why The Australian is a proud co-host of today's event which brings together business leaders to debate the issues that matter, both at state and federal levels. It is something we do every day in print, online and on our iPad edition, giving our readers a competitive advantage in an uncertain environment.”

The panel discussion was broadcast live on Sky Business Television and editorial coverage of the event will be published in The Weekend Australian and online.

For further information, please contact:

Deutsche Bank AG    
Name : Kate Abrahams   
Phone: +61 (0) 2 8258 2416
E-mail: Kate.abrahams@db.com