Business Chamber Queensland

24/08/2026

AI is changing the way businesses work. But are organisations prepared for the risks as well as the opportunities?

That was the key question explored at our recent Business Connect event, where Queensland business leaders came together to discuss artificial intelligence, cyber security and the future of work.

Supported by Harvey Norman Technology for Business and featuring insights from Director Rutland Smith, the event sparked plenty of conversation around how businesses can embrace AI while putting the right safeguards in place.

Thanks to everyone who joined us!

Check out the photo gallery: https://businesschamberqld.com.au/article/business-connect-brisbane-20-august-2026/

At the Business Connect networking event on 20 August, the opportunities and risks of AI were explored with business leaders hearing how emerging technologies are reshaping operations, driving productivity and creating new avenues for growth across industries.

20/08/2026

What happens when four experienced leaders with backgrounds spanning investment, energy, resources and business come together?

At our latest Business Matters event yesterday, supported by Australian Retirement Trust, the result was a thought-provoking discussion on two of the defining issues shaping business today: energy and geopolitics.

The panel, hosted by our CEO Heidi Cooper, heard geopolitical uncertainty is here to stay, and it will increasingly influence how businesses think about energy, investment, talent, technology and growth.

Some of the insights from our speakers Brian Parker, Bob Gee, Meg Morgan and Adrian Panow that stood out:

- Energy supply shocks are becoming a long-term reality, making supply chain resilience a critical priority for both business and government.

- Resilience starts locally, from fuel storage and energy security to diversified supply chains and emerging renewable fuel opportunities.

- Strong relationships between businesses, governments, trade partners and regional neighbours remain fundamental to food security, energy security and economic prosperity.

- Queensland continues to attract investment thanks to our stable regulatory environment, strong rule of law and proven track record in delivering major energy, resources and infrastructure projects.

- Australia's position as both a capital exporter and a trusted investment destination presents opportunities in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

- Skills shortages and social licence are emerging as some of the most significant challenges to future growth and energy security.

- Building trust, engaging communities and providing credible leadership will be essential to the success of future energy, infrastructure, data centre and AI investments.

What made the discussion particularly valuable was the balance of pragmatism and optimism. While the challenges are significant, so too are the opportunities for Queensland and Australian businesses prepared to adapt and lead.

Thank you to Brian Parker, Bob Gee, Meg Morgan and Adrian Panow for sharing their expertise and insights and to Australian Retirement Trust for supporting the Business Matters event.

18/08/2026

In The Courier-Mail yesterday, Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper shared why AI is no longer a future issue for business. It's happening now.

From improving productivity to helping businesses stay competitive, the opportunities are significant. But many Queensland businesses are still navigating how to make the most of AI safely and effectively.

Will Queensland lead the digital transformation, or be left trying to catch up?

Read the full story https://ow.ly/BlTf50ZB8rV

18/08/2026

Need business advice for navigating workers’ compensation? Business Chamber Queensland provides a free helpline for employers to find out more about WorkCover claims, timeframes, reviews and appeals, return to work advice, and more.

To speak with a trusted Workplace Advisor, call 1300 365 855.

Find out more: https://www.wcias-for-employers.com.au/

17/08/2026

Don't miss your chance to hear from experts this Wednesday 19 August on how major global developments are influencing energy security and sovereignty, supply chains, trade settings and market confidence.

We'll break down what these shifts mean for Queensland's economic outlook and competitiveness and how businesses can navigate heightened uncertainty.

Event details
📅 Wednesday 19 August 2026
🕞 11:30am -2:00pm
📍 The Star, Ascot Room, Level 6

Book your tickets now for Business Matters, supported by Australian Retirement Trust: https://events.humanitix.com/business-matters-powering-queensland

13/08/2026

🎉 Celebrating 1,000 businesses with Workforce Evolve 🎉
More than 1,000 Queensland businesses have joined the Workforce Evolve program, marking an important milestone in supporting stronger workplaces across the state.
The impact so far:
✅ 70%+ say the program has strengthened workplace relations and retention practices
✅ 73% have improved their attraction strategies
✅ 80% report a stronger workplace culture
✅ Together, these businesses employ more than 40,000 Queenslanders
This milestone would not have been possible without the support of the Queensland Government, our industry and community partners, and the Queensland businesses that have embraced the program.
At Business Chamber Queensland, we are proud to deliver Workforce Evolve and help businesses access practical workforce solutions, expert guidance, and tailored support.
📖 Read more about the milestone and the businesses driving this success in our latest blog: https://businesschamberqld.com.au/article/celebrating-1000-businesses-workforce-evolve/
Workforce Evolve is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government

Workforce Evolve recently celebrated a program milestone with 1,000 Queensland businesses registering for the program.

12/08/2026

Interested in expanding your business into Asia?

We have several online training programs to help you prepare, developed by our expert International Trade department and partners Asialink Business.

Visit our website to discover:

🏗️ Training to take advantage of preferential tariff treatment across 8 Free Trade Agreements Australia has with Asian countries and regions

🗺️ Doing business in Asia courses to help you build knowledge and capacity to engage meaningfully and maximise business outcomes across key Asian markets

Find out more: https://ow.ly/kPe750Zqi08

11/08/2026

Associate Professor Sarel Gronum from The University of Queensland shared valuable insights on innovation, entrepreneurship and AI adoption at the Building Business Excellence Masterclass event at Mackay this morning.

Professor Gronum talked about how innovation isn't always about creating something entirely new. More often, it's about looking at existing ideas differently and bring together elements in a unique way. The real challenge isn't having the idea. It's successfully bringing it to market.

A few other takeaways:
• Don't let perfect get in the way of progress. Start with a minimum viable product, learn from the market, and improve as you go.
• Networking is important, but only when it's intentional. Go into conversations knowing who you want to meet, what you're hoping to learn, and how you can create value for others too.
• Experimentation is essential, but so is knowing when to move on. Fail fast, fail cheaply, learn quickly, and redirect your efforts where they can create the greatest impact.
• Use of AI continues to evolve with many attendees seeing themselves in the implementation phase rather than exploring possibilities.

The event was a timely reminder that innovation is as much about ex*****on, learning and adaptability as it is about ideas.

The session is part of the Building Business Excellence series, a partnership between Business Chamber Queensland and UQ.

11/08/2026

In the March quarter, we saw business confidence fall below levels seen during the GFC. Has your outlook changed following the June quarter?

The Pulse Survey is open, capturing insights from Queensland businesses on confidence, conditions and expectations for the future. Plus, we're also exploring the opportunities and risks of technology adoption.

It only takes 10 minutes. Have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRNTNG3

10/08/2026

Join us at Business Connect in Brisbane for an evening of valuable networking, meaningful conversations and fresh insight into one of the most important challenges facing businesses today.

Over drinks and nibbles, hear from Rutland Smith, Director of Harvey Norman Technology for Business, as he unpacks how AI is transforming the way businesses operate, while creating new risks they can't afford to ignore.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your business, expand your professional network, or gain practical knowledge to navigate this new technology, we hope to see you there.

📅 Thursday, 20 August
🕞 5:30pm - 7:30pm
📍 300 Queen Street, Brisbane

Book your tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/business-connect-the-double-edge-sword-cyber-security-in-the-age-of-ai