MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Gary Gray AO MP Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia 15 May 2008 GG002/2008 Joint Joint Media Statement The Hon Gary Gray AO MP Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

REVIEW TO DEVELOP NEW REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM The Rudd Labor Government today welcomed the House of Representatives Standing Committee's inquiry into our new regional infrastructure program. The Parliament has also appointed Independent MP, Tony Windsor to assist the Committee in its consultations. In the Budget, the Government signalled a new direction on regional development and will establish a new and accountable Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program to fund local community infrastructure in regional Australia. Good community infrastructure supports towns and communities and attracts greater investment and job opportunities. We are committed to consulting widely to develop the new program and make sure that the mismanagement of Regional Partnerships does not re-occur. To this end, the Committee will consult and report on two issues: future role and structure of our new Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program in order to invest in genuine and accountable community infrastructure projects; and the former government's practices outlined in the Australian National Audit Office report on Regional Partnerships. The Government is serious about making sure that regional communities and stakeholders are consulted in the development of the new program - and the House of Representatives Committee will assist us in doing that. As part of our future policy development, there is value in looking at past practices to see what lessons can be learnt. The Regional Partnerships program was run so badly that it was beyond repair. In contrast, our new program will encourage economic development and invest in genuine community infrastructure initiatives. Infrastructure development involves action not only on larger scale projects like ports and roads, but also on projects which improve the quality of life within local communities. The Government will work closely with the Committee and with local governments and other regional organisations to improve and better coordinate regional infrastructure and services. Media Contacts Moksha Watts ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0413 389 070   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/gg/releases/2008/May/GG002_2008.htm