Four of Telstra's leading women have been selected to attend the Prime Minister's 2020 Summit.
Kate McKenzie, Group Managing Director, Telstra Wholesale will be drawing on her business acumen, previous public policy experience, involvement in early childhood initiatives and her important role as mother of two at the Australia 2020 Summit.
When Kate joins the nation’s top minds in “The Productivity Agenda – education, skills, training, science and innovation” stream at the Summit her focus will be making sure Australia continues to be one of the most liveable countries in the world. Having been CEO of the NSW Department of Commerce, Workcover Authority and Deputy Director General of the NSW Government Cabinet office, Kate is no stranger to developing public policy.
“I believe every Australian should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential,” Kate said.
“So I’m particularly excited to be taking part in the ‘Productivity stream’ at the Summit, which will look at Australia's long-term strategy for education, skills, training, science and innovation.”
Amanda Johnston, Executive Director of BigPond Sales & Marketing, has a different perspective on Australia having time spent living, studying and working overseas. Amanda left Australia at just 21 to take up a scholarship at the University of Massachusetts, returning five years later with a Masters of Science - Management (University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA), a Post Graduate Diploma Olympic Studies (International Olympic Academy, Greece) and a world of experience in projects across America, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Amanda’s global perspective will come in handy at the Australia 2020 Summit later this month. Taking part in the ‘Future of the Australian Economy’ stream at the Summit is an opportunity for Amanda not only to share her passion for all Australians to have access to a world-class broadband service, but to enlist the help of others to make it a priority.
“Access to a world class broadband service for all Australians is critical to Australia’s economic future,” said Amanda.
“It underpins our future productivity, our ability to compete globally and our wealth creation. Investment in education, skills and training available to all Australians, with reward tied to performance, is the single most important thing we can do to lift productivity.”
Chloe Munro, Executive Director, Innovation Projects for the Digital Future, has strong views on the future of Australia’s population and natural resources. Unlike many of us when we think about the environment, Chloe has a real sense of optimism for the future.
“The discussion around population, sustainability, climate change and our natural resources in Australia is too often based on fear. We hear about what there is to lose rather than what we can achieve,” Chloe said.
Born in Scotland, Chloe has lived in one of the world’s most densely populated countries and one of the poorest countries. Her views on the environment – in particular water conservation - were shaped during time spent in Kenya.
“After college I went over to Kenya as a volunteer teacher and set up some development projects with the local community,” Chloe said.
“I quickly learnt the value of water. With one bucket I could cook a meal, bathe, and wash my clothes. Anything left over went to clean the floor or water my veggie plot”
Georgia Symmons, Telstra Foundation National Manager, is thrilled to be part of the 'Options for the future of Indigenous Australia' discussion at the 2020 Summit.
“The timing couldn’t be more perfect. There’s a real shift in thinking and a sense of momentum since the Prime Minister apologised to the Stolen Generation,” Georgia said.
Georgia has a very personal reason driving her professional involvement in Indigenous Australia. Georgia would not be here today if it wasn’t for the skill and kindness of an Aboriginal stockman who rescued her grandfather when he was separated from his work group while travelling on horseback in central Australia.
Add to this Georgia’s personal involvement with around 90 community development projects helping Indigenous children and young people realise their potential through the support of the Telstra Foundation.
“This issue is incredibly important because while the general Australian population is ageing, the Aboriginal population is getting younger and younger. Unless we act now and address the issues of Indigenous health, education, social services and culture, by 2020 we will be facing a humanitarian crisis,” Georgia said.