Public finance has a crucial role to play in achieving societal priorities – from housing supply to environmental sustainability and boosting productivity through manufacturing capability. The recently released NSW Industry Policy sets out key ‘missions’ to galvanise action and coordinate across sectors. This is supported by the NSW Innovation Blueprint that sets out a long-term vision and policy priorities for the state’s innovation ecosystem. Public financing can serve as a critical catalyst, attracting private capital to spur market growth and, ultimately, shaping a more resilient, complex and globally competitive NSW economy.

This event was held on 12 May and examined how NSW can employ innovative approaches to public finance to meet these goals. The evening included a keynote address from The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade and Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology. A further panel discussion drew on insights from the APPI Report, “A Mission-Oriented Approach to Public Finance for NSW,” authored as part of a Policy Fellowship.

Speakers included:

• Professor Libby Hackett, CEO of APPI
  
• Simon Rowell, Former Senior Policy Fellow
• Dr Natalie Curach, Chief Commercialisation Officer, HydGene Renewables

Policy Talks is a series for policy professionals and researchers designed to galvanise discussions around complex public policy issues. Held in collaboration with the NSW Policy Community of Practice, these events aim to build a community of policy professionals that reaches across sectors and foster innovation and inclusivity in policymaking at all levels of government. The Policy Talks series was launched in 2024 with events featuring The Hon Courtney Houssos MP, NSW Minister for Finance, Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement and Natural Resources, and Rebecca Pinkstone, CEO of Homes NSW.