Andrew Barr has led a progressive agenda for Canberra and the ACT since being elected ACT Chief Minister in 2014.
Andrew’s strong and diversified economic agenda has led to record job creation in the ACT, and a consistently low unemployment rate.
As a reformer, he has improved the lives of Canberrans through major changes to the ACT’s tax system, investing in world-class healthcare and excellent schools, reaching 100% renewable electricity and making Canberra the most LGBTIQ-friendly city in Australia.
He is Australia’s longest-serving Tourism Minister, leading significant growth in tourism and business travel to Canberra, particularly by bringing major aviation partners to the ACT for the first time and encouraging a booming hospitality industry.
The ACT’s economy has proved resilient in the face of a once-in-a-century crisis, and despite severe bushfires, flooding and storms. Investment in local jobs and infrastructure has meant the ACT has led Australia’s economic recovery, keeping the country’s lowest unemployment rate and retaining a AAA credit rating - the only Australian State or Territory and the only sub-national government in the Asia Pacific to do so.
Since Andrew became Chief Minister, Canberra has been ranked by the OECD as the best city in the world to live, and by Lonely Planet as one of the best cities in the world to visit.
Andrew is also the ACT Treasurer, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism.
See Andrew Barr at the Better Futures Forum:
Tuesday 6 September 9.20am - 9.30am AEST | KEYNOTES: Rewiring the Nation & Powering Australia