AS the dust settles following the federal election, businesses are now asking how the Prime Minister and his team will implement their plan for growth and jobs in this term of government.
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It's critical that government outline a long-term vision for Australia - its plan for growth and how it intends to ensure a diverse, competitive and balanced economy.
We hear some of the talk coming out of the large capital cities - it's all about congestion, how unaffordable housing is, how hard it is to get kids into school or even find some green space to play in.
These are the reasons why some want to cut back immigration or put limits on housing investment. If these are the policy calls now, what's it going to be like in a few decades? It doesn't have to be this way.
The NSW Business Chamber is a strong believer in the potential of regional areas like Western NSW, so we look forward to working with the Morrison government to help businesses in our region.
- Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager of Western NSW Business Chamber
Here in Western NSW, we are primed for growth. Our businesses are crying out for skilled migrants to fill gaps, they are crying out for transport infrastructure and greater connectivity - for digital infrastructure that is world class.
Our housing is affordable, so no one can talk sensibly about a long-term plan for Australia that doesn't involve significant investment and the accelerated economic development of regional areas.
A good place to start would be some of the recommendations made by a parliamentary committee on regional development and decentralisation - the aptly titled 'Regions at the Ready: Investing in Australia's Future, from the Select Committee on Regional Development and Decentralisation in June 2018.
That committee suggested the government increase investment in infrastructure and connectivity, it suggested regional development plans be coordinated and that regional universities get better support. These are all great ideas.
The government agreed with many of these proposal, so now it's time to put them into action. They should start by kicking off a comprehensive policy and planning process. Oversight could be provided by a joint parliamentary committee.
The NSW Business Chamber is a strong believer in the potential of regional areas like Western NSW, so we look forward to working with the Morrison government to help businesses in our region to grow, employ and invest - for our regional communities to reach their potential.
Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager of Western NSW Business Chamber
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