D16/1999
10 December 1999
The Chairman of the Regional Australia Summit Steering Committee, Professor John Chudleigh, said he was "excited and optimistic" following the second full meeting of the Committee in Canberra this week.
"We have made significant progress in taking all of the recommendations developed at the Summit and categorising them into a format from which we can bring significant recommendations to government, some in a short period of time."
The Committee has developed an implementation plan, setting out a timetable for its future activities, which it will present to the Minister before Christmas. The timetable is based around developing the many recommendations from the Summit into a framework based on a vision for regional Australia.
This longer term vision sees regional and rural Australia being fully recognised as a key part of the Australian economic, social and cultural fabric, and its people having access to the same services that the rest of Australia's population takes for granted.
"The Committee has welcomed the significant commitment from the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister to respond comprehensively to the Summit recommendations," Professor Chudleigh said.
"While a long and difficult task is ahead of us, the sense of commitment from regional communities to be fully involved in the adjustment and development process which came from the Summit will be a powerful incentive for governments to help.
"The current situation provides us all with a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a difference by judiciously planning and implementing over time as many of the Summit's recommendations as possible.
"I am looking forward to meeting early in the new year with the taskforce of government agencies and departments which represents a 'whole of government' commitment to action on regional Australia.
"The achievement of our longer term vision for regional and rural Australia will not come easily but we expect to be able to take some key recommendations to the government early in the New Year while other recommendations will require further research and consultation before finalisation.
"I believe the Summit has provided a stimulus for much wider recognition of the needs of regional Australia and of its potential to adapt and grow in the new world economic climate providing as many of those needs as possible can be met.
"I have a progressive thinking and enthusiastic Committee and we are all totally committed to ensuring this opportunity to assist rural and regional Australia in a meaningful way is not lost."
Media Contact:
Professor John Chudleigh: (02) 6360 5500
|
