The Federalism Conference and Roundtable will take place in the Sir Henry Parkes School of Arts from Thursday, October 23 bringing together experts, politicians, public officials and interested citizens to examine the recent restructuring in inter-governmental relations to evaluate the progress of current reforms and identify changes needed to improve the government's functioning.

The conference, organised by Griffith University and the Institute of Public Administration Australia in conjunction with Tenterfield Shire Council and the Friends of the School of Arts, will take place in the venue and on the anniversary of the Tenterfield Oration when Sir Henry Parkes made his federation call to the people on October 24, 1889.

Chair of the Friends of the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School of Arts, Ken Halliday, said that conference would be focussing on discussions about the public expectations of the federal systema and more power sharing between the federal and state governments.

The National President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, Andrew Podger AO said the federalism Rescue and Reform conference at Tenterfield would be a discussion at an important place and at an important time in Australian history.

Mr Podger said that many Australians and their governments were now asking what could be done in fundamental ways to improve the workings of the nation's systems of governance, not just tomorrow but many years down the track.

Topics over the two days will include discussions on the management of the public health system, sustainability for the 22nd century, the national economy and the effectiveness of governmental collaboration.

Speakers and participants in the conference include Shadow Minister for Families, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs and Voluntary Sector Tony Abbott, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion Senator Ursula Stephens and former South Australian Premier John Bannon as well as representatives from the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, Griffith University, the Business Council of Australia, Institute of Public Administration Australia and former member of NSW Farmers Association.