Federal Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews says that the C20 event in Melbourne is the most significant in the lead up to the G20 meeting of Global leaders in Brisbane in November.
Civil Society Important to Global Growth - C20 Summit 21 June 2014 at 11:16 am
Federal Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews says that the C20 event in Melbourne is the most significant in the lead up to the G20 meeting of Global leaders in Brisbane in November.
Federal Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews with ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
Andrews told the summit that government and civil society must work in strong partnershio to take on the most intractible problems in the world.
He said the most important G20 goal is sustainable economic growth that offers more resilience and opportunity.
"We must continue efforts to combat corruption which is one of the greatest barriers to global growth."
Minister Andrews said the World Bank estimated that the cost of bribery to the community was $1 trillion annually.
"Corruption and tax issues undermine civil society and government and effect the people who have the least.Corruption hinders sustainable development."
Earlier, ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie called on the Federal Government to show global leadership in reducing youth unemployment and achieving inclusive growth, in her address to the C20 Summit.
“A key goal of this year’s G20 agenda is to reduce youth unemployment and increase employment opportunities for young people. As host of the G20 Summit, the Australian Government should be leading the way by strengthening supports to assist young people to transition from school to work,” Dr Goldie said.
The two-day C20 Summit, with representatives from 80 countries, will consider policy recommendations around inclusion, sustainable economic growth and improving income distribution, which will be delivered in a communique to the G20 leaders meeting in Brisbane in November.