Session 1 The Evolving Labour Market: the trends and challenges

Sandra Parker, Deputy Secretary Employment, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations On 29 November 2011 the Whitlam Institute, in partnership with the University of Western Sydney School of Economics and Finance, presented this symposium, Labour Market Evolution, at the InterContinental Hotel, Sydney. The Hon Barry O'Farrell, Premier of New South Wales delivered the Opening Address, and The Hon Mike Rann, former Premier of South Australia and former ALP National President, delivered the luncheon address. The symposium offered the opportunity to take a step back and consider ideas and options for maintaining a strong labour market with a sustained commitment to full employment that better balances the imperatives for economic growth and equity, and address the notion of well-being as a goal of economic policy.