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Anthony Albanese, Minister for Regional Development, and Maxine McKew, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, today welcomed Regional Development Australia (RDA) committee members to Canberra for the first RDA National Forum and challenged them to think strategically about the big issues affecting Australia's regions. The RDA National Forum brings together Chairs and Deputy Chairs from the new national network of 55 committees that have been charged with helping drive the prosperity and sustainability of the nation's regions. Mr Albanese said committee members will be addressed by some of Australia's eminent thinkers on issues affecting regional Australia including the economy, social disadvantage and population trends. "Australia's regions are important social and economic building blocks of our nation and it's great to bring together a group of people who are so passionate about the wellbeing of their communities," Mr Albanese said. Ms McKew said that a number of committees have already made significant achievements in improving the coordination of regional development initiatives. "This is a great opportunity for the 55 committees to highlight and share their successes and work together to overcome the issues affecting their regions." "We've invited RDA representatives here to Canberra today to plug them in to the latest federal government programs and resources." "We want to empower them to find the best, most innovative solutions possible to the challenges facing their regions." "I'm sure the knowledge delegates take home with them from the Forum will provide a strong foundation that they will apply as they draw up their regional plans," Ms McKew said. Regional Development Australia is a new national network of 55 committees which integrates the work of all levels of Government to support the growth and development of Australia's regions. For more information and up to date news on RDA, go to www.rda.gov.au
Media Contacts
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Matt Pulford (
McKew's Office ) |
0434 655 781
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