Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said a Dutton Government would immediately invest $5 billion into regional Australia, to help lift education and childcare investment, grow the regional health workforce and fix local roads.
The fund will be transparent and benchmarked with a legislated State of the Regions review by an independent committee, which will inform each four-year investment plan.
Ms Ley said following extensive consultations with regional communities, the Coalition had identified initial key priorities of the Regional Australia Future Fund, which include:
• Fixing local road and transport networks to save country lives and drive economic productivity.
• Growing the regional health workforce so families can access health and aged care – local and affordable.
• Developing regional industries to drive economic growth and create secure jobs.
• Delivering flexible childcare solutions for families in regional, rural and remote areas.
• Growing tourism industry opportunities for regional communities and economies.
• Supporting regional businesses to market and export their product to new and expanded markets.
• Improving regional mobile and internet services for country communities.
• Building and upgrading economic and community infrastructure, facilities and services.
Ms Ley said the fund would recognise the immense contribution made by regional Australians to the national economy and the unique challenges faced by regional communities.
“Communities across Farrer have told me how federal funding has fallen through the floor under Labor,” she said.
“Our councils have not been supported by Labor and this has put even more upward pressure on rates.
“This fund has been designed to deliver for regional Australia in perpetuity, so we can get Australia back on track.”
