 For Immediate Release 10 March 2003 BEATTIE SUPPORTS NEW QLD PRESS FORUM Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has welcomed the establishment of the Queensland Press Forum, saying it is expected to become an important feature of the State's political and cultural landscape. The QLD Press Forum, an initiative of the Queensland Parliamentary Press Gallery and Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, will operate as the State's premier forum for business, political, media and sporting communities to meet, network and discuss important issues confronting the city, State and nation. Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has agreed to be the Forum's Patron and will be the inaugural speaker at its official launch at Parliament House in Brisbane on Tuesday, 25 March 2003. "The QLD Press Forum is a great initiative," Mr Beattie said. "Strong, informed debate about issues affecting the community is a key component of the democratic process. "The forum will give Queensland journalists the opportunity to engage in vigorous debates and no doubt grill political, business, community and sporting representatives. "I congratulate the Queensland Press Gallery and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance on this initiative and I encourage the community to support the endeavour," he said. Queensland Parliamentary Press Gallery President, Mr Spencer Jolly said planning for the Forum has been underway for some six months and he was excited about the establishment of the Forum. "We believe it is important for Brisbane and Queensland to have a prestigious forum where we can host and question prominent national and international political, business and sporting representatives," Mr Jolly said. "The Forum will encourage public debate and media exposure on key issues affecting the State through landmark addresses by prominent Queenslanders and Australians." Mr Jolly said the Forum had secured corporate sponsorship from Multiplex as the Principal sponsor, human services company Ingeus as a Gold sponsor and Virgin Blue as a supporter. He said they were eager to obtain further corporate sponsorship support. Sponsorship will assist the Forum operate and will provide corporate contributors with a range of benefits including, priority seating at each event and recognition of their contribution to a new Queensland institution. Media Alliance Queensland General Secretary David Waters said the Forum is an important new institution for journalism in Queensland. He welcomed the support of public affairs firms Springboard Australia and The Strategic Issues Management Group who will provide the Forum's important secretariat and management services. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring or attending the luncheon can contact the Queensland Press Forum by telephoning (02) 9234-3810. Media
enquiries: Tim Grau 0438 044 598
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