Regions need a new approach and genuine empowerment

Another key element in the Labor regional platform is to bring regional policy into mainstream policy-making rather than just hive off regional development into a separate program.

Regional challenges and opportunities such as water, climate change, health and economic development will not be addressed by simply defining the responsibilities of the various tiers and departments of government.

There must be a genuine commitment to localism to enable governments to respond with flexibility to local concerns and to provide a mechanism to ensure governments and departments work together.

Labor will address this with a commitment to break down the national budget by region to identify how much the key portfolios, such as health and education, are spending in each region.

A spatial approach to the national budget will not only produce greater accountability but it will allow regions to have input on the allocation of all funds for better service delivery in their region, not just regional programs.

It has been proven that resources are used more effectively when all levels of government work together, rather than the endless blame game. This funding model would provide a framework to drive co-ordination of Federal programs and look holistically at a region’s needs.

Local communities must have a greater say in how their needs can be met and provide a mechanism by which key portfolios can respond with flexibility to innovative solutions. regional bodies should be given a decision-making capacity about the distribution of these funds.

Labor has a proud record in delivering successful and innovative programs for regional Australia.

My colleagues and I are committed to develop a new regional model which genuinely seeks to empower regions by supporting local solutions and ensuring regional concerns are not fringe issues, but are at the forefront of policy making.

We must harness the potential of each and every Australian region. The future of our regions and the nation depend on it.