On September 25, RAAFA played host to over 100 individuals from across the WA business and government communities to survey the skies and assess the potential challenges that lie ahead for our state. There is little doubt that the international news of recent times shows nerves are on a knifes edge with increasing volatility in hot beds around the world, that will surely affect us here at home to varying degrees. Whether by way of increased deployments from our defence force, or supply chain constraints, the keynote delivered by political affairs futurist, Dr Suter explored a series of scenarios that asked attendees to consider as they make decisions.
Key take outs from the day included the considerations WA policy makers and developers needed to process, to ensure adequate housing supply for a bolstered ADF presence in WA, but also with adequacy of protections for our mining regions, given then importance of sustaining productivity in those bolt holds for the ongoing health of the Australian economy.
The continued proliferation of technology was also perhaps unsurprisingly noted as key to embracing this brave new world, as leaders look to securely embrace digital tools, primed by Artificial Intelligence, that will unlock greater agility to sustain a competitive position in a global and local context.
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive, showing that not only was there a good appetite for the material, but for RAAFA to play a role in facilitating the event at the AFME club, with CEO Michelle Fyfe on the post keynote panel explaining why these issues are important to RAAFA in the context of its unique global perspective of addressing returned servicemen and women when they secure a footing in their civilian lives at home in WA, as a resident, member or potential short-term connection at one of RAAFA’s subsidised premises, like Sir Valston Hanock House, which was launched that morning – attended by WA’s Governor Chris Dawson, Minister Keogh and Minister Papalia.
