BDO in Brisbane’s Business Outlook 2025: Shaping Queensland’s future together
BDO in Brisbane’s Business Outlook 2025: Shaping Queensland’s future together
On 12 September 2025, BDO welcomed business leaders, innovators and community partners to our flagship Business Outlook event in Brisbane, a pivotal forum for exploring the economic forces shaping Queensland and beyond. This year’s event arrived at a time of global uncertainty, with geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and shifting regulations challenging business confidence. The need for clear, collaborative dialogue has never been greater and that’s exactly what the event delivered: frank discussion, fresh perspectives, and forward thinking.
Why Brisbane - and why now?
Brisbane is Australia’s fastest-growing capital and a rising global hub for innovation, infrastructure, and investment. But with growth comes complexity: infrastructure strain, skills shortages, and rising costs demand strategic clarity and resilience.
These challenges were discussed at length by our event panellists:
- The Hon. Amanda Stoker MP - Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Queensland Government
- Darren Black - National Leader, Project & Infrastructure Advisory, BDO in Australia
- Jess Caire - Executive Director, Queensland Property Council of Australia
- Edward Kocwa - Chief Executive Officer, BOSSCAP Group
- Brian Parker - Chief Economist, Australian Retirement Trust
- Madonna King (MC) - Journalist and Commentator
Key themes and insights
Please enjoy our event report, detailing the expertise and insights from our 2025 panellists, including:
- Economic snapshot: Queensland’s economy is valued at over $200 billion, with strong growth and ambition. Despite global uncertainty, resilience remains a defining trait for local businesses.
- 2032 Olympics and infrastructure: Optimism abounds for Brisbane’s ability to deliver a world-class Olympic Games, with strategic planning and public-private partnerships (PPPs) at the forefront. 58 per cent of attendees expressed confidence in Brisbane’s readiness, though 42 per cent remain cautious.
- Productivity and labour: Productivity growth is essential, especially in construction, manufacturing, and mining. Addressing labour shortages through skilled migration, investment in trades, and cultural change is a top priority.
- AI and innovation: Rapid adoption of AI is transforming business operations, driving efficiency, and offsetting workforce gaps. 84 per cent of attendees believe AI will fundamentally change their roles or the way they do business.
- Trade, industry and housing: Queensland’s economy is diversifying, with opportunities in biotech, health, agriculture, and specialised manufacturing. Housing supply and affordability remain major concerns, with modular construction and innovation seen as key solutions.
Join the Conversation
BDO remains committed to supporting Queensland businesses through this next chapter of growth. As we expand our presence across the state, including the Sunshine and Gold Coast, we invite you to connect, collaborate, and shape the future with us.
