Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
The Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur (OQCE) is the first of its kind in Australia with a strong goal – to accelerate Queensland through innovation and entrepreneurship.
The role of Queensland Chief Entrepreneur has been held by four people since the office began:
- Mark Sowerby (2016-2017)
- Steve Baxter (2017-2018)
- Leanne Kemp (2018-2020)
- Wayne Gerard (2021-2022)
The current Queensland Chief Entrepreneur’s priority areas include:
- Equitable access to the innovation ecosystem
- Sustainable and resilient innovation ecosystem
- Building a culture of innovation and success locally and globally
- Accelerating Queensland’s unique natural capital market
On 9 November 2022, Julia Spicer was appointed Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur.
Julia has built and operates her business, Engage & Create Consulting from Goondiwindi, Southwest Queensland. Julia is a key leader in Queensland’s regional and rural innovation ecosystem and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.
In 2021, Julia was awarded an Order of Australia for her service to the Goodiwindi community. She has also been serving on several boards, including Regional Development Australia and is a member of the Queensland Small Business Advisory Council.
She will work alongside the Innovation Advisory Council. Read our innovation story to learn more about Queensland’s newest Chief Entrepreneur.