• The Liberal legacy: opportunistic politics, not the national interest
• Labor's principles: building strong and dynamic regional communities
• Strong and sustainable communities
• Strengthening regional economies
• Regional engagement
• Remote communities
• Local government
• External territories
• Northern Australia

1. Australia's regional communities are central to our national identity and integral to our economic prosperity. Regional Australia needs the support of a nation-building government, committed to the provision of modern infrastructure and quality services, and to ensuring decent standards for working Australians and families in regional centres and more isolated communities throughout our nation.
2. Regional communities face unique challenges arising from global economic changes, population movements, the disproportionate effects of climate change and limited access to adequate levels of care and support. These challenges have been intensified by the years of neglect under the Liberal Party and the global economic downturn.
3. Labor recognises the diverse range of needs and issues facing this nations regions. Coastal communities face different challenges to inland regions and solutions are not possible within a single policy approach. Labor is committed to continue to work with regional communities to address these challenges, develop practical local solutions and ensure that living in regional Australia can continue to provide a high quality of life for Australians.

The Liberal legacy: opportunistic politics, not the national interest

4. In the 12 years that the Liberal and National parties were in office, they neglected the Government's basic responsibilities for the jobs, services and infrastructure of regional Australia.
5. The Liberal and National Parties used regional policies and programs to serve their narrow political advantage, rather than to support families and strengthen regional communities.
6. The neglect of regional infrastructure under the Liberal and National Parties resulted in widening infrastructure gaps, due to a lack of planning and underinvestment in roads, rail, ports and air services. These failures reduced the competitiveness of businesses in regional Australia, restricted employment opportunities and held back export growth.
7. The Liberal and National Parties held back regional development by failing to plan and build a high-speed national broadband network. Instead of ensuring that regional Australia would have access to high-speed broadband, they cobbled together an inadequate patchwork of short-term quick-fix measures that left millions of people in regional Australian without access to this essential 21st century infrastructure. Small businesses, educational institutions and local health services all suffered as a result of this neglect.
8. Instead of supporting jobs in regional Australia, the Liberal and National Parties imposed their unfair Work Choices legislation on working families in regional Australia, undermining their job security and living standards.
9. The Liberal and National Parties provided no support to local government. There is no part of the Australian community that relies more on local government to create jobs and provide services than regional Australia, yet the Liberal and National Parties denied them any recognition or financial support.

Labor's principles: building strong and dynamic regional communities

10. Labor believes regions play a vital role in the economic development of Australia. Labor is committed to nation-building investment in our regional communities in order to lift productivity and economic growth, and expand job opportunities throughout regional Australia.
11. Labor is committed to helping regional Australia seize its economic opportunities by investing in nation-building infrastructure, quality government services, local skills development and a high-speed national broadband network.
12. Labor recognises the threat posed to regional Australia by climate change, in particular for employees and businesses in agriculture, tourism and related industries such as retail and hospitality. Labor is committed to tackling climate change and ensuring support for regional Australia in responding to the challenge of climate change including drought, increased adverse weather events and environmental degradation.
13. Labor is committed to the role of national government in ensuring that people in regional Australia have access to key government services such as high quality health care and educational opportunities.
14. As the level of government closest to the community, Labor recognises the unique role played by local government in regional Australia. Labor will continue to support local government in providing for community infrastructure and contributing to regional economic development.

Strong and sustainable communities

15. Labor believes that Australia's regions are not only important drivers of our national economy but they are also a source of social and cultural diversity. In order for regional communities to continue making a vital contribution to the nation, they must remain strong and sustainable.
16. Labor recognises that a strong community is underpinned by a stable economic and income base, adequate physical infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications, and water infrastructure, social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, community facilities, and reasonable access to health and community services. It also recognises that as key drivers of regional economies, sectors such as agriculture, tourism and retail are interdependent, and require a whole of economy approach to regional development and cross sector policies across government agencies.
17. Labor believes that all Australians, regardless of where they live, should have reasonable and affordable access to services including:
    • Secure and appropriate housing.
    • Transport.
    • Basic utilities.
    • Universal and affordable broadband facilities and mobile access.
    • Quality education and training opportunities.
    • Health and aged care.
    • Financial services.
    • Personal, family and social services.
    • Employment services.
    • Information on government programs and policies.
18. With these basic foundations in place, individuals within regional communities are better able to form social bonds, contribute to their community and the nation's prosperity and to make plans about their future and their children's future.
19. Labor supports local communities driving their own future through local solutions and innovative strategies.
20. Since the 2007 federal election, Labor has implemented a range of policies to help support Australia's regional communities. These policies include:
    • Establishing the Building Australia Fund to begin addressing national infrastructure bottlenecks.
    • Investing record funding for our railways, regional highways, country roads and local streets over the next six years.
    • Providing record funding through local government for community facilities and infrastructure to help support local jobs and make our regional communities even better places to live and work.
    • Helping farming communities prepare for and manage climate change through the Farming for our Future program.
    • Investing in the modernisation of all schools in regional and rural Australia, through the Building the Education Revolution program and investment in trades training facilities.
    • Delivering improved broadband services to regional areas.
21. Labor will continue to implement plans involving all levels of government to improve the physical, social and economic environment in regional communities. These will include development of local industry and employment opportunities, access to education, health, housing and community support services, and improved transport links.
22. Labor will finalise a new Regional Development Australia network of local advisory committees to engage with regional communities and local and state government and ensure that national policies achieve practical results.
23. In recognition of varying population growth in Australia's regions, Labor will bring together evidence about Australia's settlement trends, enabling all levels of government to identify needs and plan for a sustainable future.
24. In recognition of the contribution of migrants to regional communities and economies, Labor will also consider improvements to services and infrastructure to attract and sustain migration in regional communities.
25. Labor will continue to address the needs of ageing populations in regional communities through the provision of aged care, medical services and appropriate community facilities.
26. Labor will ensure that in regional communities with Indigenous populations, the local Indigenous community is engaged in the development and delivery of infrastructure, service and programs.
27. Labor will consider policies to provide targeted assistance to regions of greatest disadvantage, such as those with high unemployment and other factors including drought and natural disasters.
28. Labor will develop a comprehensive national aviation policy, including addressing skill shortages in regional areas.
29. Labor will examine ways to encourage and support a domestic shipping industry and maintain a strong regional ports network.

Strengthening regional economies

30. Labor recognises that up-to-date communications infrastructure and facilities are essential to the development of industry and business opportunities. Through the National Broadband Network Labor will deliver broadband services to all parts of the nation.
31. Labor recognises that access to fast and affordable broadband is the great enabling infrastructure for individuals and regions. Labor is committed to ensuring that the digital divide is minimised.
32. Labor recognises that access to fast and affordable broadband in regional areas will enable regional industries and businesses to be better able to access world markets and improve export performance. The National Broadband Network is vital long-term infrastructure investment in Australia's future economic prosperity.
33. Labor recognises that access to fast and affordable broadband will not only benefit regional economies but will also enhance the educational opportunities of all of children regardless of where they live. The National Broadband Network will underpin Labor's Digital Education Revolution which will enhance access to new technology in schools across Australia.
34. Labor recognises the value that banking services at Australia Post have brought to rural and regional communities.

Regional engagement

35. Labor is committed to engaging with regional communities in order to develop evidence-based policies, undertake practical regional planning and ensure that national policies achieve desired outcomes.
36. While Labor maintains that regional development should be part of mainstream policy, it will retain regional-specific programs. Labor will ensure transparency and accountability in the delivery of these programs.
37. Since the 2007 election, Labor has begun implementing Regional Development Australia, a network of local advisory committees to better engage with regional communities, provide local input and strategic advice to all levels of government regarding the needs of regional communities, coordinate government policies affecting the regions and improve service delivery.
38. Labor will ensure that Regional Development Australia committees operate in a transparent and accountable manner and are representative of their communities, working closely with state and local governments.
39. Labor recognises that all three levels of government are essential in developing Australia's regions. Labor will provide the national leadership necessary to work with state, territory and local governments to implement targeted strategies and polices in regional Australia.

Remote communities

40. Labor recognises that distance brings unique challenges to Australia's remote communities, particularly in relation to access to basic services such as food, shelter, education, healthcare, communications and transportation.
41. Labor supports equitable access to services and infrastructure for Australians in remote communities, and will work with remote communities and industries to maximise their economic potential.
42. Since the 2007 election, we have implemented a range of policies to improve economic and social opportunities for remote communities. They include:
    • Increasing funding for the remote air services and aerodromes to ensure that these communities can have access to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and other basic services such as mail deliveries and fresh food.
    • Investing additional funding to upgrade remote and regional roads, particularly in the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland.
    • Improving port access transport networks to ensure more products and produce are delivered from remote mines and farms to Australia's export markets.
    • Delivering record funding for regional and inter-state rail networks to better link remote communities with major regional centres and capital cities.
    • Providing increased funding for Tasmanian island communities through the Bass Strait Freight Equalisation Scheme.
    • Investing record funding in local government in remote areas in order to deliver better municipal services, community facilities and remote roads.
43. Labor will look at funding programs and policies to ensure they deliver practical improvements for remote communities and increase the economic contribution that remote communities make to the nation.

Local government

44. Labor recognises that local government is the level of government closest to the community.
45. The role of local government has evolved beyond the traditional municipal and road services to delivering:
    • Social services such as childcare, aged care, affordable housing and health services.
    • Environmental services such as coastal management, improved waste management, energy efficiency, and improved catchment and water resources management.
    • Community infrastructure such as sports grounds, swimming pools, community centres and tourism facilities.
    • Regional planning and economic development strategies.
46. Labor is committed to a new partnership with local government in order to improve the provision of services and infrastructure for local communities. As a central plank of this new partnership, Labor will continue working with local government to advance the recognition of the third sphere of government within the Australian Constitution.
47. In addition, Labor will continue to build on policies to assist local government such as:
    • Delivering the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, a new fund to address specifically the backlog in building and renewing community facilities.
    • Providing record funding through the ongoing Financial Assistance Grants-a program commenced by Labor in 1974-75.
    • Increasing funding for local government-maintained roads through the Roads to Recovery program.
    • Establishing the first Australian Council of Local government to consult and engage directly with local government.
    • Ensuring that local government has a voice within Infrastructure Australia and is represented consistently across the Regional Development Australia network.
48. Labor will work with local government to consider policies that help make our urban and regional communities more liveable and productive, including urban and regional planning, development assessment and approval processes.
49. Labor will promote the role of local government in national and local environmental strategies, such as natural resource management, climate change and water management.
50. Labor acknowledges the need for greater local government involvement in pursuing employment and training opportunities, in partnership with other spheres of government, business, unions and regional organisations.
51. Labor understands that rising costs and increasing demand for local services have affected the financial sustainability of local governments, in particular many remote, regional and outer-suburban local governments.
52. While recognising that Labor is delivering record funding, we will continue to work with local government to improve efficiency and financial sustainability.
53. Labor will work with local government to achieve best practice in the development, management and maintenance of infrastructure, particularly through asset and financial management frameworks.
54. Labor will work with local government to promote collaboration between Councils such as through shared services, encourage best practice, innovation and skill development, work with industry skills Councils and those partners to achieve long term skills retention and quality public service, and generally improve governance within local government.
55. Labor is committed to working with local government to develop and implement strategies to increase participation by women and Indigenous people in all aspects of local government.

External territories

56. Labor recognises the need for special arrangements between the Commonwealth and the external territories that are tailored to the particular needs and circumstances of each territory.
57. Labor believes that the potential of our external territories and their people will be best realised when they have access to:
    • Fair and equitable opportunities similar to that in Australian states and mainland territories.
    • Appropriate economic, social and cultural development strategies addressing the needs and circumstances of each territory.
    • Governance arrangements which are equitable, fair, sustainable and reflect the islanders' desire for real decision making power and responsibility and a level of autonomy.
58. Labor recognises that the people of Australia's external territories have suffered from isolation and neglect and that new policies are required to protect their full citizenship rights and to support economic development to underpin their sustainability.

Northern Australia

59. Labor believes that Northern Australia, identified as that part of Australia north of the Tropic of Capricorn, makes a vital contribution to the national economy, particularly through its resources, agriculture and tourism industries.
60. Labor recognises the rich diversity of northern Australian communities as well as its unique and fragile natural environment.
61. Labor understands that through distance and decades of under-investment, Northern Australia has significant social and economic infrastructure needs.
62. Labor believes in encouraging development in Northern Australia in a sustainable manner which protects the region's natural environment and its many social and cultural assets while harnessing its potential.
63. Since the 2007 election, Labor has made significant investments in Northern Australia and laid out the policy foundations to enable sustainable development in the longer term. They include:
    • Committing record funding to upgrade transport infrastructure in north Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
    • Committing funding as part of the Ord Stage 2 development in the East Kimberley, in particular to address social and economic disadvantage in the region.
    • Investing in community infrastructure in Northern Australia through the Better Regions and the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Programs.
    • Investing in housing, education, and social infrastructure in Indigenous communities in Northern Australia to address disadvantage.
    • Establishing the Office of Northern Australia to provide high level advice about priorities and strategies that promote sustainable development and barriers impeding the development of significant initiatives in northern Australia.
    • Reforming and reconvening the Northern Land and Water Taskforce, an independent group of Australian experts to examine the potential for new developments in northern Australia that rely on significant local or regional water resources and identify opportunities for further development.
    • Undertaking the first national infrastructure audit to identify backlogs and under-utilisation of infrastructure, including in Northern Australia.
    • Publishing a statistical compendium of data relating to Northern Australia, which covers population, the economy and workforce, social conditions, transport, infrastructure, climate, land use and industry.
64. Labor will address ongoing infrastructure bottlenecks in Northern Australia in order to remove obstacles for future investment.
65. Labor will work with Indigenous communities in Northern Australia to tackle systemic disadvantage and ensure access to quality education, housing and basic services, and enable Indigenous Australians to take advantage of employment opportunities.
66. Labor will work with relevant state and territory governments, industry, local government and the community to identify further opportunities for investment in Northern Australia.
67. Labor will take steps to ensure that the natural environment and heritage are protected, and water resources are used sustainably in future development in Northern Australia.