OnImpact is pleased to announce that David Janetzki MP, Queensland Treasurer, Minister for Energy and the Minister for Home Ownership will provide a keynote address at the upcoming Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific 2025 in Sydney on Thursday March 27, 2025.
David’s attendance at the Summit is particularly fitting with the planning of a Queensland-first Office of Social Impact now underway.
The Office of Social Impact was a Liberal National Party (LNP) election commitment to drive the development of for-purpose and social enterprises across the state. It will provide substantial support to social entrepreneurs and impact investors and oversee a $20 million per annum Social Entrepreneurs Fund.
A roadmap for social enterprise and impact investing
The Office’s first major task will be to create a roadmap for social enterprise and impact investing in Queensland, in collaboration with investors, community, faith groups, philanthropies, the private sector and social entrepreneurs.
A Social Impact Advisory Roundtable convened for the first time last week to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges to upscale Queensland’s social enterprise industry. A Philanthropic Roundtable was also held to identify opportunities for greater sector engagement in Queensland.
The roundtables were chaired by prominent philanthropist Mr Allan English AM, who received an Order of Australia for Philanthropy and services to the community in 2020.
Commenting on the initiative, Janetzki said the power of purpose-led businesses to drive social outcomes was profound.
“I’ve seen the power of social enterprise firsthand,” he said.
“Social enterprises often deliver greater benefits than a workplace, or a service. They can change lives for the better, through improved education, health or employment outcomes.
“The Social Impact Advisory Roundtable will provide invaluable insights to government as we chart a course towards a thriving social enterprise sector.
“I’m excited about the potential for the Crisafulli Government to partner with the for-purpose sector to drive social outcomes and tackle the serious social challenges we face in Queensland.”
Social Entrepreneurs Fund
Ultimately, the Office of Social Impact will oversee the creation of an $80 million Social Entrepreneurs Fund, allocating $20 million per year over the next four years to identify and amplify social enterprise and impact investment opportunities — the most significant investment in social enterprise in Queensland’s history.
Playing a key role in the development of this initiative was White Box Enterprises CEO Luke Terry, who previously worked alongside David Janetzki as the former CEO of Vanguard Laundry, to explore ways to create a stronger ecosystem for social enterprises in Queensland.
Terry said, “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to elevate the sector, welcome new players, and build a thriving social economy that delivers lasting impact. We look forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
“This fund could set a new benchmark for social enterprise support, not just in Queensland but nationally.”
More on David Janetzki MP
David Janetzki is Queensland Treasurer, Minister for Energy and the Minister for Home Ownership.
Elected as the Member for Toowoomba South in 2016, David brings diverse experience to the Queensland Parliament.
Born and raised on the land near Acland, he holds economics and law (honours) degrees from the University of Queensland.
He worked for Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Brisbane and the Manpower Group in London while his wife Mel sang with opera companies in Europe.
Returning to Toowoomba in 2007, he spent a decade in senior leadership positions at Heritage Bank, including General Counsel.
In 2015 he was recognised as one of Australia’s leading in-house banking and finance lawyers by the Doyle’s Guide.
David was a founding director of Vanguard Laundry, a large-scale social enterprise, he served on the Board of Opera Queensland, lectured at the University of Southern Queensland and chaired the Southern Downs Regional Council Audit and Risk Committee.
Blessed with three precious children, David loves playing the piano and is an avid cricket fan.
The Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific 2025
The Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific 2025 will be held on March 26 and 27, 2025 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Founded in 2015, the Impact Investment Summit Asia Pacific is recognised as the key event for impact investors in our region.
The Summit brings together institutional investors, advisors, foundations, family offices, government, organisations and enterprises to explore investment opportunities that couple financial returns, with social and environmental outcomes.
For more see: https://impactinvestmentsummit.com/
Early Bird tickets for the Summit are available until February 7 for at 30% discount at: https://events.humanitix.com/impactinvestmentsummit2025