Queensland is setting the economic pace for Australia into the new millennium. Since I became Premier in 1998, my Government has invested more than $2 billion in science, research and development in the knowledge-intensive industries. This investment will lead economic growth and job creation for decades to come. In addition to our traditional and world significant industries of resources and tourism, we are expanding our economy through value adding and the promotion of new manufacturing, particularly in the "smart" industries of information technology and biotechnology, including genetics. We're emerging as a smart place in which to do business, as well as a beautiful one, which is demonstrated by our natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforests of tropical north Queensland and the vast splendour of the outback.

While you are here I would encourage you and your family to take the time to experience the best of what Queensland has to offer. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a modern, sophisticated city of more than 1.6 million people. It is Queensland's major government, education and business centre and the focus of the State's sporting and cultural activities. Queenslanders enjoy a safe and friendly lifestyle and you will appreciate the reasons our state is a great place to live, a great place to do business and a great place to visit.

The Congress is a global forum for all those involved in carrying out human genetics research and providing genetic health services. It will be attended by basic and applied researchers, clinicians, medical scientists, public health professionals and those involved in health policy and planning.

We are pleased to advise delegates that the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Genetics Society of Australia is an integral part of ICHG 2006. Delegates will have the opportunity to benefit from diverse presentations on a variety of non-human genetic topics.

The venue for the Congress is the world class Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. I can assure you that, from personal experience, it easily outshines any of the previous venues for the Congress, both from the points of view of delegates and exhibitors.

The membership of the Federation continues to grow, with full members representing North America (American Society of Human Genetics, ASHG), Europe (European Society of Human Genetics, ESHG), Central and South America (Latin American Network of Human Genetic Societies, RELAGH), East Asia (East Asian Union of Human Genetics Societies, EAUHGS) and Australasia (Human Genetics Society of Australasia, HGSA). We hope that by the time of the Congress there will be full members representing Africa (African Society of Human Genetics) and the Asia-Pacific region (Asia-Pacific Society of Human Genetics).

The Scientific Program Committee has put together an exciting program that will cover the full range of interests of human geneticists, and has included a stream for non-human geneticists as well. Delegates will enjoy a full social program that will introduce them to the unique Australian environment and lifestyle and there are numerous opportunities for tourism before or after the Congress.