Reimagining Value: Changing the narrative on spending to change the world

Around the world, those involved in and impacted by the marketplace are reimagining the concept of "value" in search of innovative solutions to the most pressing social and environmental challenges. The magnitude and complexity of these challenges demand unprecedented and collective action; they can't be solved with the thinking and models that were used to create and perpetuate them. As trust in existing institutions and foundational assumptions continues to erode, new models are gaining traction and the traditional boundaries between public, private and non-profit sectors are beginning to dissolve.

Individually and collectively, our purchasing decisions have a profound impact on the economy, the environment and the community. There is growing recognition that changing the way we spend our money can change the world. How, and the purpose for which, we create and trade goods and services are firmly fixed under the microscope. Mainstream businesses and their leaders risk being held to account at the checkout, on the share market, and around the board table if they maintain the status quo and fail to evolve.

From the frontier of policy and practice, this conversation will explore how the power of the marketplace is being leveraged to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable world. In particular, it will focus on developments in relation to conscious consumerism, social enterprise and social procurement.

Matthew is a collaborative and compassionate leader and advocate who works across sectors and disciplines to bridge the divide between policy and practice and drive social innovation and entrepreneurship. He is committed to individual and collective action to create a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.  

Matthew is a policy adviser at the Department of Treasury and Finance. His primary responsibility is to develop and implement Victoria's Social Procurement Framework, which puts social and sustainable outcomes at the centre of government procurement activity. He is also the co-founder and managing director of MET Designs, a design collective that creates beautiful, quality products inspired by reading and ideas. As a not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity, MET's profits support literacy programs that empower all kids to reach their full potential and write their own story.  

Matthew began his career as a commercial lawyer at DLA Piper and Ashurst, specialising in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, anti-competitive conduct, consumer protection and regulated industries.