Regional Australia hits Canberra for Regions Rising 2019
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) will today officially launch its national roadshow in Canberra – Regions Rising 2019 – where more than 250 people will travelled from across the country to have their say about the future of regional Australia.
Regional leaders, politicians, leading economists, academics, industry leaders, commentators and government representatives will converge on the nation’s capital to discuss the biggest issues including – population, health, education and regional jobs.
RAI co-CEO Liz Ritchie says this event series is the first of its kind for regional Australia, where a bipartisan think-tank focused solely on regional issues will showcase why the future is bright.
“Today is about lifting up regional Australia and bringing the issues to the forefront where regional leaders can engage directly with key decision makers,” Liz Ritchie said.
“It’s not designed as a talk-fest, but a vehicle to see real changes for regional Australia, with some of the most influential and forward-thinking minds focusing on solutions for the future,” Ms Ritchie said.
Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Michael McCormack will deliver his keynote address at 7:50am where he will present his vision for regional Australia. Mr McCormack will launch the RAI’s latest body of work – The Future of Regional Jobs.
As a major partner of the series, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Managing Director, Marnie Baker will also address today’s event.
“Regional Australia is our bank’s heartland and we’re delighted to support the RAI to drive real change to make our nation the best it can be. From our experience, the key to creating a strong socioeconomic environment is striking the right mix of skilled people, connecting and empowering them, and ensuring they have access to the capital required to build communities,” Marnie Baker said.
Other speakers today include;
- The Hon. Bridget McKenzie – Minister for Regional Services;
- Stephen Jones – Shadow Minister for Regional Services and Regional Communications;
- Dr Kim Houghton – RAI co-CEO;
- Mark Diamond – CEO National Rural Health Alliance;
- Dr Nicholas Gruen – Economist;
- Katie McRobert – General Manager Australian Farm Institute;
- Gabrielle Chan – Author of Rusted Off;
- Peter Strong – CEO, Council of Small Business;
- Elaine Carbines – CEO G21;
- Samantha McIntosh – Chair Regional Capitals Australia; and
- Kate Carnell – Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
A series of ‘policy hacks’ will be held at 3pm. It will involve a panel of experts and engaged participants – with the outcome to create a plan of action to be presented to both sides of government.
The Canberra Summit is the first in the RAI’s national events series, where a forum will be held in every state and territory throughout 2019.
For the full agenda of today’s program, please click here.
For all media enquiries please contact:
Amanda Barwick – Regional Australia Institute (RAI)
M: 0429 142232 E: amanda.ba[email protected]
Simon Fitzgerald – Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
M: 0427 460 046
E: [email protected]
For more information on the RAI: www.regionalaustralia.org.au
