The Hon. HENRY TSANG [6.47 p.m.]: I am pleased to report that the annual Anholt City Brands Index has again voted Sydney the number one city brand in the world. Forty cities were assessed for the index, which surveyed more than 10,300 people in 20 countries. Sydney took out the number one ranking ahead of London, Paris, Rome and New York. It is interesting that Melbourne was ranked only sixth. Sydney was ranked top for beauty, climate and friendliness. The index also referred to Sydney as being one of the top three cities for employment and business opportunity. Simon Anholt, author of the index report, said:

Sydney is seen as a modern, globalised city with very good infrastructure and economic potential, as well as being culturally diverse. It is no exaggeration to say that Sydney is as close to having a "perfect place brand" as any city can have.

I congratulate the Premier on this vote of confidence in Sydney. It is a great credit to public facilities such as transport, schools and hospitals. While the Government recognises that more work must be done, the people of New South Wales can justifiably be proud of the high quality of services being delivered across our State. Recent media reports of a so-called great Sydney exodus do not present the whole story. Why is it then that Sydney is the most popular destination for immigrants arriving in Australia? Why is it that companies are coming to invest in Sydney? Why is it that many firms are choosing to base their regional headquarters in Sydney?

As the Anholt City Brands Index shows, Sydney is a truly global city and it enjoys competitive advantages as a business destination. Sydney offers economic opportunities as the business gateway to Australia and the country's financial hub. Sydney is also a great tourist destination, famous the world over for its natural beauty and iconic landmarks. The city offers a wonderful lifestyle with its cultural diversity and social vitality. Sydney's globalised economy and strong engagement with the Asia-Pacific region provide a strong foundation for the continued competitiveness and prosperity of the city and the State.

Under Premier Morris Iemma the Government, through its commitment to improve services in Sydney and New South Wales, its efforts to attract business investment, and its promotion of Sydney and the State to foreign tourists, is working hard to ensure that it remains the number one city. As confirmed by Sydney winning the title of number one city brand in the world for a second time, there is simply no place in the world like Sydney. Some media commentators might not agree, but we should all be proud of being Sydneysiders.

Question—That this House do now adjourn—put and resolved in the affirmative.

Motion agreed to.