Presented in conjunction with member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, the Office for Regional Australia Bill sought to develop an office for regional Australia modelled on the Productivity Commission, where the community was provided with greater input to policy implementation; which supported the development of regional strategic plans and regional deals; and which backed the Regional Development Australia network’s research and analysis to drive development in regional Australia.
I acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and honour the stories, traditions and culture of the Traditional Custodians of the unceded land upon which I live and work. And I commit to truth telling, treaty and a voice, towards building a just and inclusive future with our First Nations people.