It is in vogue to talk of disaster and desperation to grab headlines and gain attention in the hallowed halls of policy in Canberra.
But this approach masks what is happening in regional Australia and undermines the goal of those seeking to highlight the importance of our regions.
Regional Australia has done well to avoid community transmission of COVID-19, and outbreaks have been brought under control swiftly.
As we emerge from COVID-19, it is becoming clear that Regional Australia will be an engine room for the nation’s economic recovery – the foundations have always been there, the performance was already strong, and in the context of COVID-19 the cities are turning their attention west of the ‘Great Divide’.
I am not calling it a land of milk and honey. I am saying the regions are full of enterprise, full of opportunity, backed by great resources, and poised to get back to business. The challenges of floods, fires and drought have served to nurture the resilience and grit for which regional Australia is renowned.
From his humble beginnings, Roger Fletcher has grown a business that exports to dozens of overseas markets. He is one of the largest employers in my electorate and indirectly supports many more.
We cannot afford to be standing in the way of the economic activity generated by businesses like Roger’s.
Industrial action at the ports has been ongoing and is far from resolution.
Protected stoppages and go slows at our ports pose a real threat to the connections of Australian businesses to their customers and more importantly the security of jobs of Australians throughout supply chains.
Ultimately it puts at risk our COVID-recovery.
Just like we want our ports to operate efficiently, the Coalition wants to keep out of the way of business. We know that when business is left to get on with business, then job opportunities will follow.
Jobs in regional areas are plentiful – the urgency to find seasonal workers to help with harvest has been well documented. But this downplays the diversity and complexity of our economies in regional Australia. We need people in health, supermarket managers, council jobs, civil engineers: the list goes on and on.
The Regional Australia Institute estimates over 45,000 job vacancies in the regions: between July and August vacancies are thought to have risen by 14 per cent. Unemployment in parts of central NSW in my electorate is said to be below 2 per cent.
Kerrieanne Nichols is an example for all of us. She owns a hotel, restaurant, cafe, and operates other venues under license. She employs around 50 staff, but needs more. She needs chefs, baristas, and floor staff.
Before COVID-19, many of these jobs could be filled by our temporary visa holders and migrants. This is now more difficult.
David Hayes of Dubbo City Toyota cannot find local mechanics to fill his vacancies, with applicants only coming from overseas. Not being able to fill vacancies not only affects his business; it affects those relying on equipment to be serviced quickly.
Regional Australia is offering real opportunity, a great lifestyle, and an excellent environment to raise a family. COVID-19 has shown that regional areas are a real option and businesses in my electorate of Parkes are waiting with open arms for those that want to give it a go.