August 23, 2013
APN SBT
South Burnett Times
THE third of Australians who live outside the major cities have been largely ignored in both the major parties’ election pitch so far.
While both Labor and the Coalition have made some funding pledges for infrastructure in regional areas, an overarching vision for regional Australia has been lacking.
Among the pledges both parties have signed up for are extra funding for the Bruce and Pacific highways and proposals to develop northern Australia.
But after more than two weeks on the campaign trail, neither Kevin Rudd nor Tony Abbott has released any policies to deal with the challenges the regions face.
While both parties have unveiled numerous policies in recent weeks tackling such issues at a national level, there has been no focus on what will be done for regional people.
Despite the Coalition not yet requesting any official costings from Treasury, Labor has.
One of the five policies Labor put in for costing was an expansion of the Regional Development Australia Fund, for five new investments around the country.
One of those promised investments under a Rudd Government is $3.5 million for a new local job initiative in Casino, New South Wales.
Voters living in regional, rural and remote areas may have to wait a little longer to hear about new regional policies to address the tyranny of distance.
Courtesy of South Burnett Times