Tara Commerford’s Post

Wonderful to spend time today with both Julian Leeser MP and former Australia PM, Scott Morrison. Reflecting on some of the past and current challenges, and most importantly, the opportunities on the horizon for Australia.

Huge turn out to celebrate Ro Knox last night. Wentworth’s first female Liberal candidate! A great opening speech and a strong message about winning the seat back from the Teals.

Joe Hockey delivering a brilliant talk on US Politics, Aussie Ties & Global Shifts. Familiar stories from my US experience working in Silicon Valley and Arizona. A reminder of the role technology and innovation will play in Australia’s future security and defence capabilities.

The Homebush and Strathfield area is the epicentre of Sydney. At a forum like this, which I recently attended, the big questions regarding future population growth and development should have been addressed, as well as plans for affordable first home buyer and aged care.

Wonderful night at the annual fundraiser for Julian Leeser and the Berowra FEC at the Seventh Tom Hughes Oration. The Oration was delivered by the Hon Peter Dutton MP on the importance of speaking up with moral courage and clarity.

Collaboration between government, industry and VCs is critical to enhancing Australia’s Innovation industry. Delighted to contribute recently to an ACS (Australian Computer Society) Roundtable hosted by Salesforce exec and Liberal Party candidate for North Sydney Gisele Kapterian with guest, Senator Maria Kovacic. Thank you also to Paco Industries for inviting me to attend the launch of a phenomenal collaboration between UNSW, The Arnott's Group and Pablo and Rusty's Coffee Roasters who have ‘cracked the code’ on infinite plastic recycling. #innovationnation #collaboration #technology #stem

Congratulations to Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) , Luke Achterstraat for an impressive first day of the 2024 National Small Business Summit. Great discussions around advocating for positive economic policies, streamlined regulations, and empowerment for small business owners. Matthew Addison, Chair, COSBOA said it well ‘Together, let's create an environment where young entrepreneurs thrive, embracing digitisation and innovation. We need a tax system that fosters productivity and fairness, ensuring sustainable funding for Australia's needs. Let's lay the groundwork for a prosperous and inclusive future for small businesses.’ The Hon. Peter Dutton MP

My Opinion piece in today’s Daily Telegraph. As a long-term local resident, I lost a close relative in a pedestrian accident in one of these side streets in Five Dock in the early 1990s. Roundabouts were later installed but I know only too well that a band-aid solution ultimately gets zero results and can often lead to unthinkable, tragic outcomes.

It was my great pleasure to speak with the students at Warrane College UNSW. Under the leadership of Dean Alex Perrottet and Master, Professor Gerald Fogarty, they were some of the most impressive, engaged and inquisitive students I’ve spoken with. Open to new learning and brimming with smart questions on the future of work, small business and innovation.