QLD | C-Suite Luncheon: Why invest in Queensland - Exploring Opportunities and Advantages

Born on March 25, 1970, Mr. Imbert has worked with the President of the Republic since May 2017, initially as Social Advisor. In 2020, he was appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, in charge of the public policy division.

From 2012 to 2017, he was successively Advisor and then Chief of Staff to several ministers of Labor and Employment.

General Inspector of Finance, an economist by training (Master in economics and MBA from ESCP Europe), he worked in the private sector from 2003 to 2012, first with the consulting firm Altedia, where he was heading the social engineering, restructuring and economic development department, then by becoming a founding partner of the consulting firm Alixio.
He initially began his professional career in research and education at the University of Paris Sorbonne, before being appointed from 1997 until 2002 as Counselor of the President of the Finance Commission of the National Assembly.

Grace Grace was first elected to State Parliament in October 2007 and is currently the member for McConnel.

Grace was appointed Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs in December 2015 and successfully implemented a series of important legislative reforms including the Racing Integrity Act, the Multicultural Recognition Act and the Industrial Relations Act 2016.

Following the 2017 state election, Grace was appointed Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations – both areas she is passionate about. Grace understands the importance of education and her tireless advocacy delivered a new high school in Fortitude Valley in 2020. The first built in the inner city for 50 years.

Grace was appointed Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing following the 2020 state election.

Grace was sworn as Minister for State Development and Infrastructure and Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing in December 2023.

During her career, Grace has had extensive director board experience with organisations including Sunsuper, Energex and Southbank Corporation.

She has worked with local community organisations in her electorate including P&Cs, the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, Teneriffe Progress Association, Queensland Council for LGBTI Health, Fortitude Valley Chamber of Commerce and many others.

Grace has lived her whole life in her electorate where she and her husband Michael raised their child.

Justin McGowan is the Chief Executive Officer of Trade and Investment Queensland – Queensland’s global trade and investment promotion agency. Justin is also responsible for Study Queensland and Migration Queensland.

Justin has held Senior Executive roles within the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is an accomplished diplomat. In 2023, he led the Capability Taskforce driving Australia’s Foreign and Trade capabilities to meet future challenges and deliver economic potential.

He was previously Australia’s Commissioner General to the World Expo in Dubai (2017 to 2021), facilitating engagement opportunities for government representatives, industry, investors and entrepreneurs across most markets and sectors.