Ms WALKER - 2008-09-11
Can the minister inform the House of the Henderson government’s fresh approach to regional development?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for my first question in this House. It is an important question. There is no doubt that regional development is one of the most enduring challenges that this government faces.
A strong and vibrant economy in the Territory should reach out to all parts of the Territory, no matter whether you are living in Yuendumu, Alice Springs, Pine Creek or Mataranka. That is why our economy, at the moment, affords us a great opportunity to reach out to all these regions and to turn our fresh ideas into real outcomes. These ideas include the Chief Minister’s recent announcements in amalgamating Regional Development with the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources, and also to establish the Executive of these departments in Alice Springs. The new Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources will include the Executive Directors of Primary Industry and Regional Development, and also the CEO of the department.
This decision was not taken cheaply, because there is a broader agenda here. That is, we need our decision makers for this department to be as close as they can to the regions, and there is no better way to have that than in Alice Springs.
As well as this announcement, the Chief Minister announced yesterday the establishment of the Territory Growth Planning Unit. This will give a renewed focus to the coordinated and strategic approach needed to deliver real results across the Territory.
Madam Speaker, my focus and priorities as the new Minister for Regional Development will unashamedly be on the creation of real jobs in the regions and in the bush. I look forward to working with all Territorians across government to grow our regions.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy for my first question in this House. It is an important question. There is no doubt that regional development is one of the most enduring challenges that this government faces.
A strong and vibrant economy in the Territory should reach out to all parts of the Territory, no matter whether you are living in Yuendumu, Alice Springs, Pine Creek or Mataranka. That is why our economy, at the moment, affords us a great opportunity to reach out to all these regions and to turn our fresh ideas into real outcomes. These ideas include the Chief Minister’s recent announcements in amalgamating Regional Development with the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources, and also to establish the Executive of these departments in Alice Springs. The new Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources will include the Executive Directors of Primary Industry and Regional Development, and also the CEO of the department.
This decision was not taken cheaply, because there is a broader agenda here. That is, we need our decision makers for this department to be as close as they can to the regions, and there is no better way to have that than in Alice Springs.
As well as this announcement, the Chief Minister announced yesterday the establishment of the Territory Growth Planning Unit. This will give a renewed focus to the coordinated and strategic approach needed to deliver real results across the Territory.
Madam Speaker, my focus and priorities as the new Minister for Regional Development will unashamedly be on the creation of real jobs in the regions and in the bush. I look forward to working with all Territorians across government to grow our regions.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016