‘The Australian Labor Party & the Independent Member (Me Tony Windsor and Mr Rob ‘Oakeshott (the Paes) - Agreement Between: ‘TheHon JullaGilad MP Prime Minster, MP Lalor, Leader f the Austalian Labor Pay ‘The Hon Wayne Swan MP Deputy Prime Mise, MPLiley, Deputy Leder of the ‘Ausalan Labor Party ste ALP And MeTony Windsor MP MP New England Me Rob Oakeshott MP MP Lyne “he Independent Members” Purpose 111 Ths agreement establishes abel for stable and elective government, 112 Bach ofthe Independent Members wil malntain height to vote on al egisaton according tothe needs of his lectorate and his conscience bt undertakes to involve inva rnogotations wth the ALP before exercising that ight 1.3 The independent Members wil vote withthe ALP goverment to eraure supp 14 The Independent Members wll oppose any motion of no confidence the goverment unless the motion is moved or seconded by the Independents or one ofthe. Principles 21 The Patios gree to work together to purse the following principles: 2) teansparent and accountable government 1) improved proces and interiy of psiment and ©) policies which promote the national ners5, Promoting open and accountable government 4 ‘31 The Parte will wok ogeer and with eter parliamentarian 5) sabi a Leaders’ Debate Commission. 1) Seekimmediaterefortn of funding of poicl parte an election cmpalges by legislating to lame the donation disclosure tveshold from an indexed $10 to $1,000; to prevent donation siting beeen diferent branches of polit partissto ban foreign donations to ban anonymous donations ove $801 increase timelines and Ftequencyof donation disclosure to fe public andi o genne campaign expendare fin ocreste rth in avertsng offence in the Commontweltn Electoral At {9 Seek futher reform of fonding of pote! partes nd election campagns by having a truly representative commit ofthe Parliament conduct national ingly into ange ‘of options with te final report be sceived no later than 1 Octaber 20, naling any losin reform to be eat with in 2012 0) Roferisues of public ineretdlscosue, where the Senate or Hose votes on he Hor aginst th dckon of Miniter, tthe nforaton Commissioney, who wil arbitate.on "he rlease of elevant documents and report to both Houses ©) Introduce legslation to protect whistleblower and sak to have such egishtion pase by 30 une 2001 Agree tha this Parlmnent shou serve ts fuller and tha he net election willbe Feld ona dae to be agreed in September or October 2013, an further greet investigate Iegisative proposal which re within the ems of the Constiition and give reste crtaltyt the Australian prope about the Psiment serving fll thre yer terms. Improved processes and integrity of pallament 441. The Paes gre to work together an wih other pariamentaans to implemeat panlameatary reforms 4.2 The azo patinmentaryseforme are contained in Annex Ato this agreoment ‘Working relationships 5 The lowing arrangements wil goven the workIng relationship between the Independent Members and the ALP fo the duration ofthe rd Parliament. These rangement may be ered by mutual agreement 1) WhenPariamentisin session the Pine Minister will met with he Independent Members each siting week, principally to discuss and negodate any plaid degiation,» ° a ‘When Paslamentis notin session the Prime Minster, her dlagate, wll meet with ‘he independent Members or thelr delegates, a east cnce each fortnig, princpally to disse th upcoming legilative agenda “The Government will endeavour to ive at leat hx working day notice ofthe Introduction of eislation tthe House, “The Fates wl ensure that the ALI budge sujet to an exchange f information and wes betwcon the Pio lls 1. Thetndependnt Members rcv ecanomlead financial biting from the “Teesurer andthe Minister foe Finance andthe Secretaries ofthe Departments of “Treasury and Finance and Deregulation a regularly greed ees |. ‘The ndpendent Members having rel iscassions with tha Treasurer and © {he Minister or Finance on economic cramstances, ss prepartlon. tale and bodget Should the Indspendent Members wish to propose neve plies, hese roposls may be frlly submited tothe Office ofthe Prime Minister an forwarded othe appropriate Department and Minister or nals, Where the proposals Hkly to Involve cost it may also be sent to the Deputnant of Tras, an th Teaser, tnd the Depatnet of Finance and Deregulation, andthe Minster for Tnane for costing. | Thetmmber of proposals that may be considered in his way not mite in ® ‘urbe bu the Parts will ensure that the workload arising reasonable very endeavour will be nade to provide requir advice within ey Business days “ThePates acknowledge that dorng the x weck period leading up tothe ders Bdge the tau time may be greater than ten busines days ‘The Parties acknowledge ha the above mechanism can be used to haveany ofthe Incepundent Members pols forth 2010 election considered. Senior staf members ofthe Fra Minister's Office an the Independent Member's (Ofces wil ait to ensure thatthe Independent Members have acest Mins, xy public servans an the Prime Minster, 8 outlined above Until such ine the taffing reve is complete by the new House Commitee on Appropriations an Safing (refer Annex A), each ofthe Independent Nembers in the House of Representatives will bealloated auch additonal staff a5 ate necessary to taketh total persona no inhading electorate ace sal, oto. Restrctarng the Government, Public Service and Pallament o better meet the ned of Regional Australia 61 The Pate acknowledge that governing frsll Australia means ensring regions! Australi:3) has ts voice hardin the Federal Palament and inthe Federal Governent, ¥) has tsnecds and special dreunstances considered diligent, ©) gets oben fram econo development and 4) gets flr ccs services {62 ThoPartes agree that there shoul be Minster for Reglonal Australia and to he estructre ofthe workings of goverment, the public service an the Parlamento ensue arer treatment of regional Australi, 8 oilined in Annex Bt thisagreement, 2 Adio 7A Theagreement will ome nt efecto the day Govemmentis established = . be Hon Jelia Gillard) ‘The Hon Wayne Swan MP tne Minister Deputy Prime Minster Leader ofthe ALP Deputy Leader ofthe ALP CH UL. falf C- Abe baly (sob ostesht a \ Member frye . IL Moet! Me'Tony Windsor MP Member for New EnglandANNEX A [AGREEMENT FOR A BETTER PARLIAMENT PARLIAMENTARY REFORM. Preamble ‘There are 150 focal MP's that have recently been elected bythe communities of australia to the House of Representatives This document fa combined effort to increase the authority and ‘oppertunites for participation for al MP's, regardless of thelr politcal party or her status of offce “The principles behind this document are twofo: to conf 150 local MP’ ane by extension their communities) as the foundation blocks of our Australian system of democracy, and incressing the authority ofthe Parlament ints eatonship with the Executive, For thes improvements to wor, it wll take a commitment by all MP's to respect the cultural change that these changes bring, While the community demands a ‘lesy” and “esting” parliamentary flor, there wil bea ned for recognition by al to allow more MP's 0 be involved in various roles and debates, to alow more community isues tobe tested through private ‘memiersveting, and to allow a Speaker (n particular) to rule witha firm hand as debate tests ‘the boundaries ofthe Standing Orders onthe Noor ‘The Executive wil also need to show a commitment to the cultural change tha this moment brings, an wl eed to he more Reibie, more consultative, nd more engaged with ll MPs these new arrangements are to work ‘This document has been produced through engagement with many people, incuding former Speakers and Clerks, MP's, party "elders", and members of the commun. Ths broad engagement has been done In an endeavour to achieve improvements that ae sustainable beyond the current tvee yeor-term, and improvements that work fr al Al ars thanked for thei considered involvement.ANNEX A, | ENHANCING THE PARTICIPATION OF ALL MEMBERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OFTHE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘An expanded Selection Commitee wil be established, including aged and non aired Members. ‘The Commitee willbe Chae by the Spear. ‘Alvember wil receve the same rights fr the purposes of facltating the ful partipation inal processes ofthe House. For the purposes of tandng Order 41A, Question Time and rercpation In slloter debates, all Members ineress woud be guaranteed by the Selection Commitee 22 Independence ‘The role ofthe Speaker willbe independent of Government Ifthe Speakers drawn frm poltical party then the Deputy Speaker willbe drawn roman serrate political party and both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker wi: 1+ abstain rm atending their respective party rooms and + when inthe Char, be pied forall divson, the Speakers nonaliene, then the same pang arrangements wil apply ‘The Speaker and Deputy Speaker cn paricpateln Prate Member’ Businassbut cannot ‘Members of the Speakers Panel ile tempoanl paired when occupying the chor during 2.2 Power ofthe Speaker “The Speaker wil lgrouty enforce the Standing Orders of hi or he own motion, 2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY _Athe beginning of ach siting day, prior to prayers, the Speake wil make an acknowledgement of country. 4. QUESTION TE 44.1 Time Limits for Questions and Answers ‘Questone during Cuestion Tine be mite t ot five seconds and answers four minutes, ‘tismoted that a Member may ask leave ofthe House for an extension of ine.ANNEX A 442 Supplementary Question The Leader ofthe Opposon or ther delegate has the option faking one supplementary question during each Question Tine, 443 Duration of Question ‘ueston Time wil conclude no ter than 3.30pm, enabiing 20 questions eachday inthe rormal course of even 44 Questions ‘The Speake shall gve due regard to Standing Order 100 deaing with the mate that questions may contain but rot in such away that would inhibi the abit of Fe Opposition {o old the Government to account 445 “Relevance” Standing Order ‘The tandng Orders be amended so that answers must be “recty relevant tthe ‘question ith the Speaker to lead on enforcement of the eevenc er ‘The Government and Oppostion wl support the Speaker taking a strong stance on this eve, 45 proportionate Share A proportionate share ofthe Questions be allocated to non-aligned members nding the ‘order in which those question are asked during Question Tne The Stanaing Orders be principally raised and enforced by the Spener. ‘The point of order on clevance can only be once per question, tithe peaference in Question Time for both questoners and Minster tour best endeavours not to ue notes. Its understood there ae tines when noes shui be eto sm prvicng the House with the best posible Information nthe mast scat timely way posible, However, tallother mes, the preference eno note, Ths willbe reviewed atthe end ofthe fst session ose further estrctonson ue of rots in Question Time an an should be appliANNEX A [MATTERS OF PUALIC IMPORTANCE 5a. tenath “The masimum length of scusson on Matters of Public Importance be extended to hour ‘nd thiayminutes. That the proposer and the next speaker be alowed to spek for upto 1S ‘mites and tha other peaks be alowed to speak for upto 10 minutes. 52 Greater Prominence ‘The Matter of Public mporance debate wil immediatly follow Question Tne 53 Proportonate Share ‘proportionate share of Mates of Public mportance be allocated tall non Sovernment Members 6. PRIVATE MEMBERS BUSINESS AN PRIVATE MEMBERS BILLS {64 Voting on Private Members Bis ‘The Speaker, the Leader ofthe Huse, andthe Selection commits, wl ensure time is located forvotes on Fete Member il duting Gverament Business nein the Main Chamber. 62 Priory given for Private Members Busines on Mondays ‘he Standing Orders wil be amended to provide for +s period of committee and delegation business and prvate Members business tobe {ven pity inthe Chamber on Mondays rom 12 noon ~1.45p,beganing with Petizons Committee report and statements) or 10 mines “+ quorum and isons called during the period of committee and delegation business and private Member’ busiess beng deferred unt Spon Monday, 1+ the Main Commitee to regulary meet on Mendes fom 10:30... to 3.30 p.m, ormmencig with a 30 minute period of tree minute constituency ttcmants 2s provided by standing order 153, flowed by committee and delegation pats and Private Member business being ven prey 1+ s0 second statements to take place rom 1.45 pm. each day, prior to Question Tie, inthe Moin Chamber, +a period ofcommittee and delegation business and private Member business tobe {ven prio inthe Chamber rm 7:30pm to 2:30pm and ‘+ the adjournment to be proposed at 8.30 pm. on Mondays, andthe Hout adjourning st10pm, “The Adjournment Debate shal one houron Monday and Tuesdays, end 30 minutes an Weenesdays and ThursdaysANNEX A, 15 minutes wile allocated pir to Gueston tne or Members to make 90 Second Satements on consntueny sues, © MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS 9: ime Us Minster statements and response be lined to 10 minutes, exept in decunstancss eed toby the Speaker or for Prime Minstral statements 2 Proportionate Opportunites to Respond to Minister Statements ‘The Speaker wll ensure that opportunites to respond are provied to non-Goverment Members, 10, THe COMMITEE SYSTEM 10.. Numbers of Committecs ‘The number of general purpose standing commites be reduced tonne, comaring standing commitees on ‘+ Aboriginal and Tors Strat lander Aas: Education and Employment Heath and Ageing: Infrastructure and communestions Social Poy and Legal tas; + Arleulture Resouces, Feria nd Forestry and + Region use 10.2.Commitoe Membership Membership of committees wil dealy be even. Commie membership wilfully elect, membership ofthe Hous, ireluingthecrossbench, ‘he maximum sumber of supplementary members for each general purpose sanding comittee inuiry be increased to fur with supplementary members havirg al aripatory ght, ater than voting rhsANNEX A 10: Powers of Commitees ‘The powers of Committees be referred inmediatey tothe Commitee of Ch 3 000 tstablsed to ensure the mest autor posible for Commltes within lcated 104 Chair ofthe Joint Parlamentary Committee on Public Accounts and Aud ‘The Chatman ofthe Joint Parliamentary Comittee on Publ Account nd Aut be dawn from member of non Government party or2nenalgned Member 105 PreLepisltve Scrutiny of Bis Avis to be introduced into the House be referred inmesately to the Slaton Commitee ‘Al ils rogarded as controversial or requting further consultation or debate be immediately referred to the relevant Standing or eit Commitee to alow a period of dscusion and publ consutation on troduton. One member obeeingin the Selection Commie wil ‘esulfictent to gece a Bl controvari ‘Non-ontovesial Bis willbe authorised for immetlate introduction nto the House. ‘This mechanism willbe eiewed o ensure dos not case unnecessary dle othe House legilatve processes, ends indeed a mechan to speedup the legsltve agend 10. Responses to Committe Reports Within sicmonths of House or oint commie report being presented nthe House, aovernment respons willbe tabled inthe House. no such responce has bees ecved ‘hin sir months of such report being presented in the House, statement signed bythe ‘elevant Minter (o Minster represen the Miniter) must be abled stating the reasons ‘any the response couldnt be prepared tne, The Miniter (or Minster representing he Minster mus aso make themsevsavalableto sppear before the relevant Comte a the net reasonably ave apport to answer questions on that statement Following th, sues of pute between aParlamentary Commitee and an xeatve wit be referred tothe Autr-General fr further follow-up, cariieation, and attenpted resolution, Amey response to Commitee Reports willbe included ea Key Performance Instr in ‘the employment arrangements of Agency Needs. ‘The Clerks wi ensure a report on the stats of esponses to Commitee Report in cided Inthe Notice Paper ona monty bass onlineANNEX A 107 Statements ring Private Members Business by Committe Cai Standing orders wil be amended to provide for committee Chats to make shat statements during private Member” busines time, informing te Hou of re nguies Sing ‘undertaken bythe commits 11, CONSIDERATION OF BILLS 21.1 Speaking Times “The time iit allocated forall Members speaking on Bl willbe reduced rom 200 15 ‘The Selection Commitee abet determine, where a ils not controversial that ne limits for speaking on that Bil be reduced oor 10 minutes here alarge number of Members wsh to speak ona partcular Bil the Selection Commitee ean by agreement lace ims on speaking test actate as any Members poste speaking on the Bil “The Speaker wth the Selection Commitee, to consider and potently tia minutes of {uetons (20 second quetion wth two minute answers) et the end of all MP speeches, 30 {sto encourage “smarter debate’ 21.2 Consideration a Detal ‘The Leader ofthe House a constation with the Selection Committe wilensre that; + during Government usines time inthe Maia Chamber adiona ie wl be allocated forthe summing up of Appropriations and related Budge iby the Minter fr Finance; and ‘+ ssstonal ie ir aloeated fr the Conssration in DtaiprocetsintheWain 12 RECOMMITAL OF VorES| ‘he Standing Orders be amended so that there may be a recor ofa vote onthe sie sing day hens Member ie inadvertent absent followings sucessful suspension of standng orders after dba ‘The Senate reslution on appropriation is which contain matters which should have en the subject of separate leptons noted. To prevent thi occuring, the partes 0d non ages Members agree to developing # mechnlem to resol th sue pir tothe next eppropration bis ‘being intronsANNEX A 14, ASSENT TO LEGISLATION ‘Amachanism be extablened to ensure a commencement date be included in al gilt, 15, SITTING DAYS That more sting weeks each year be considered depending on Government and Pre Members Business, 16, RESOURCES OF THE PARLIAMENT 16.1 Parlamentary Budget Ofce _A atiamentary Budget fice be established, based in the Parlamentary Lbiy, to provide independent costings fiscal anass and esearch to all members of palamert, especialy son government members, ‘The structure, resourcing and protocols for such an Office be the subject cecksion by 2 special committe ofthe Parlsment which truly epresentatve of the Pra ment 16:2 Esternal review of staffing levels within the Department ofthe House of Representatives committee OfRce ‘The Speaker will arange fran externa review of stafing evel within the Desetment of ‘the House of Representatives Commie Ofe end the Paramentary rary ‘This ilincrporate a work anasto determine the nature and level of sertro support, nacssary forthe onglng inquiry wrk of commiteas, to ensure that the Huse commitee system is supported by an adequate numberof appropriately qualified sta. 16.3 Esablanmenc of a representative House Commitee on Appropiadons sn eating -Attouse Commit on Appropriations and stfing be established, eaired by he Speaker, tamale recommendations tothe House on ‘+ estimates ofthe funding required forthe operation ofthe Department the House of Representatives; such estimates, once agreed by the Hovse are tobe cenvyedby the Speaker tothe Minster for Finance ad Deregulation for consideration end approve + proposss for changes othe administrative stature of or ence provtion by, the Department ofthe House of Representatives, 1+ administration and funding of security measres affecting the House; + anyother mater france or sercs referred tot by the Speaker or he House; ra + the Liason Commitee of Chats and Deputy Chas hae a more active len ‘monitoring he resources auble to commites, wth the Cito report the House Commites on Appropriations and staffing on commie activites and resource levelANNEX A, 416. Allocation of teleconferencing and videoconferencing facies ‘The Leader ofthe House, wth he Speaker wilinvestigate the adequacy of telconferencing andideoconferencing oles vale to committees; and conieration of any uperedes for additonal faces required to mest current and anlpated future demand from 17, PAIRING VOTES 17: Paring arrangements forall Members ‘tonal mechanisms wil be considered thet responsibly deal with esentialabsonces by Members rom the House, ncding ‘pi ‘The Government and Opposition wil uarantee 2 ‘pl to nonallgned Members providing there ae reasonable ground. ‘These arangements maybe sma to those tha cuentoccurbetween the Whipsin the Senate, This commisioner would be supervised by the prvleges commie from both House and Senate to provide adie administration and reporting on parlamentary entitlements, vestigate and make recommendations tothe Privlges Committees on ndvid.al investigations, provide adie to parlamentaiansonetial sues and uphold the Parlamentary Code of Conduct acon and maintain the Governments Lbbyts reget, 19, ESTABLISH A FORMAL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS AND SENATORS ‘Across party working group andingury process wl be establshed to dat a code of cond for ‘members ofthe House andthe Senate. Once established, tis code wll be overseen by the Prileges Further enhancements othe Retr of obbyis be examined, Incading othe olin pubeaton ‘ofthe Reger and to place the reitr under the supervision of the Parliamentary Intaeity Commissioner 21, REVIEW MECHANISM ‘A mechanism wile estabshed to reveal standing order and other procedural charges in this sgreement and wil repr following the fst serion oth Paament,ANNEX A 22. OTHER “BETTER GOVERNMENT” IMPROVEMENTS; ‘tiempos through the Me of ths Patlament, and with ivate Member ll ow having the ity to be voted on that there wl be further steps taken to mprove Goverment the folowing way + Open and Accountable Goverment improvements ‘Further stepson improving demecraic operation of the Parlament 4 lecoral Funding improvements 4 Tuthin Political Aavertsing improvements 10ANNEX B COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL AUSTRALIA ACommitment to Regional Australia ‘A Stronger Framework fr Reglonal Policy 2.1 Governance 2.2 Recountabilty New Regional Commitments 43.1 Nationa Broadband Network Extensions 13.2 Regional Heath Investments 533 Regional Education lavestments 34 $1.4 bllon Regional infrastructure Investment Existing Regional Commitments 4.1 Regional Infrastructure 442 Regional Telecommunictions 43 Regional Local Government 44 Regional Development Australia 45 Reglonal Agriculture 4 Regional Water ‘47 Caring for our Coasts 48 Regional Heath 4.9 Regional EducationANNEX B ‘1. A Commitment to Regional Australia ‘One out of every theee Australians Ines ina commun that is part of regional Australi ‘Tes ae the Australians who are chiefly responsible forthe fresh food that everyday is on the table of Australian families in ies, suburbs and towns across the nation, ‘They are the Australians who generate welth from auc natural resources, whoplay a leading role in sector ike tourism and manufacturing and who often battle the adversities of drought, Noods fires and cyclones ‘They may choose to lve in regional communities because ofthe lifestyle and benefits to fami life that offers. Their labours drive our nation’s prosperity, particular through the small businesses they run, but too often they have not been glen thee fair share of ‘Australia's successes, ‘The qualty of healtheare, education, broadband, transport and infrastructure tas been allowed to fall ehind that of other parts ofthe nation, leading to continued ursanisation and discontent in regional areas ‘There has been too litle long-term planning forthe need of regional communties and 100 ‘much short-term thinking ané attempted short-term solutions. This document sets out @ commitment to improve policy making and deliver key natives teimprove outcomes for regonal Australians now and into the future. It isthe start of a serious policy desire for an ex-urban generation In Australas commitments fr the years ahead are based ona central belief that all Australians should have the opportunty of ist elas services like good Schools, quality heath care and 21st ‘century high-speed broadband and access toa atonal energy arid, aswell as ecognising the prety ges fr al Austria thal can be aleve Unowgh genie commitment to regional Australia ‘Australias a nation of vast estance and great diversity. The needs ofits reglonal ‘communities ifr. This document sets out the care responsibilty ofthe national {government to ensure that no communty set behind as we build a 23st century Australia and that the versity of our regional communities s 2 building block forthe character of Austeala ‘This document sets out a commitment to vital investments in infrastructure and services for regional Australia a commitment to ‘place-ased thinking’ and localism’ as wel as fresh ‘commitments to governance and transparency reform which will ensure that regional ‘Australia gets fal hearing an far return from ts national government.ANNEX B. 2. AStronger Framework for Reglonal Policy 2.1 Governance "New measures to establish a stronger framework for regional policy wilincude: 1+ Anew dedicated Cabinet-lovel Minister fr Regional Australia with responsibilty for specific regional initiatives and for advocating for regional Australia aeress other portfolios inthe Cabinet. ‘+ Anew desicated Department of Regional Australia with responsibilty fer the evelopment of regional polices, oversightng the rollout of natives and providing a dedicated source of advice on regional Australi tothe Cabinet and otrer ‘departments across government. It wil be even by Key national indicators that can be benchmarked over the coming tree yeas, '+ Anew Regional Australia sub-committe of Cabinet that wl be chaired by the Minster for Regional Australi, and involve the Prime Minster, Treasure, and other Ministers and Parlamentary Secretaries with responses fr matter: of significance to reglonal Australi Departmental support wil aso be strengthened through + regional Australia coordinating unit inthe Department of Prime Minister and cabinet, ‘+ Astrengthened Regional Development Australi, which will help dent loca bones for inrestructure, services and development id be lke ts Loa Employment Coordinators, regional employment ad silsintiatives and local council, + An Office of Northern Australia, which wil be strengthened with aditoel resources and overseen by a dedicated Coordinator Genet + An ageney that can provide advice tothe public about needs, policies an service delivery in heath and aged care in regional Australi ‘Anew House of Representatives Committee on Regional Australia wil enable Wembers to Inguic into the state ofthe regions, the impacto leglation on regional communities and the resourcing of regional communities. ‘+ This Committee will be empowered to conduc Estimates tle hearingsas pat ofits regular function, calling Ministers, puble service heads and other experts to appear before ito enhance scrutiny ofthe performance of federal Government and cther agencies in meeting the needs of Regional Australia,ANNEX B ‘would be appropriate for such a Commitee tobe chaired by an Independent ‘Member of Parliament and report to Gavernment and the Parliament regularly on its findings It would be posible fr ths Committee's terms of reference to include focus on Infrastructure, Research and Development and Agricultre to focus on iwestment in ‘these areas and its impact on reglonal Australi Policy support will also be strengthened though a Regional Development Policy Centre (2 ‘think ank) that wl: Provide an aditional source of independent expert advice to independent regional Members ofthe House of Representatives and ather about regional pol. Propose new regional development policy options that wl improve quay fife in reglonal Austral ‘pose ways of taloring national programs to ensure tat ther full bereits are enjoyed by communities in regional Australia, Encourage regionally based cllaboration between governments the pvat sector and other organisations. ‘Assess the progress of government polclesin regional Australia, ‘Be jointly hosted at prominent regional universities, wit presence in Canberra, and possibly include other consortium partners such as professional or advo:acy organisations. Be governed bya board comprising of upto ten members, including poey and academic experts, te independent regional Members ofthe House of Representaves, other parliamentarians and representatives fom localgovernment and the new federal Department of Regional Australia ‘Te composition of the board wil be setld in consultation between the Minster for Regional Australia and the partner organisations forthe Centre. ‘Be funded by one-of Commonwealth Government $8 milion grant, wich can be used for establshment of the centre and as an endowment to generate source of ‘ongoing income,ANNEX B 22Aecountabilty 1+ Better reporting of the picture of regional Australia will be provided by reporting rgfonal expenditure inthe Budget and in individual portfolio budget statements, ‘This wllimprove the accountability of government to regional Austral, ‘© The Finance Department will develop a spatial accounting model vtich wil rove greater visilty nto Government spending and service delvery~ \what was spent and where it was spent and the oration of Commonwealth ‘Government postions including forward estimates assumptions reported by regional location This il be done for mainstream servic delvery portfolios sueh a education, health and transpor. © Some portfolios have started this process, but it wil be delivered ina more Consistent manner across government, aiding transparency and infrming the cussion on rural and regional funding © Anew myresion gov-su website will make i e35y for people to see the results of Improved budget reporting for ther region and will provide interacte ‘contact Ls opportunites forthe community to find out more and make enquires. Other publi Indletors of service performance and soca, economic and population ‘utomes wil alo be reported +A Review ofthe Rural and Regional Funding Framework that wil assess funding {elivered ta rural and eeglonal areas and the formulas used to allocate that funding. ‘til look at how to ensure an equitable dstrbution of esting funding. The Commonwealth Goverment wil raise this iesue atthe Counc of Australian Government ina similar crve fora commitment to “equity principles” nthe various relevant resource estibution formulas of Governments around Australi ‘nis wil ncude consideration of concems that grant funding has ot been delvered at arate that encourages regional rowth and meets changing needs. xcept forthe Reglonal Development Policy Centre, any cost alin fom the changes ‘outlined above wll be absorbed frm within Australian Public Service budget alocation.ANNEX B. 3. New Regional Commitments {Atabor mineity Government wil ensure that every community in regional Australia gets {sir and equal access to affordable high-speed broadband through the National Broadband Network. Tis includes: + Forthe fest ime, broadband pices willbe the same for households anc businesses ‘egordless of where they ae located = inthe ety, in regional Australia er in more remote parts of the country © For the first ime, the Government wil putin place across ubsiy to achieve a uniform national wholesale price so that regional areas can pa the same Price as people inthe cy © Auniform national price for broadband will mean that unlike a phone cll between Tamworth and Sydney or Mt ato Brisbane tet eosts nore than a phone eal within a capital ity, ries for communicating through the NBN will be the same regardless of where you ive. ‘0 Highspeed broadband series in Tasmania ae avalable for around $60 a ‘month currentiy based on wholesale prices, wich wll now be applied ona national bass, + Asthe NBN s bul, cegloal areas wil be given priority to ensure they en more ‘quickly overcome the ‘dgitl divide’ they have experienced for too lon, (© Fibre wil be but in reglonal areas as a priority: © NBN Co will bring forward the introduction of wireless services and satelite services so that regional Australia can got access to better broadzand straight away. 3.2Regional Health Investments {ALabor minority Government will make sure that forthe fst time regional Australis wall, receive its fair share of health infrastructure funding. + Anew national round of funding from the remning $1.8billon Heath and Hospitals Fund wl be opened on 1 October 2010, For the first time, the Government will rake thisa Regional Priority Round. ‘©. This wll provide captal funding to support upgrades to regional heath infrastructure, expansions to regional hospitals and hep suppor theclinial Ueaining capacity of our regional hospitals into the future.ANNEX B © Funding forall projets wil be subject to HHF board approval, and vill eflly offset consistent within labor’ fiscal ules. ‘+ Around one-third (or $41 milion) ofthe $123 millon provided for nthe 2010-12 ‘Buiget to uparade general practices, primary ere and community health services, and Aboriginal Meceal Series across the country willbe dedicated torestonal Dusteala, ‘3.3Regional Education Investments ‘Alabor minority Government will ensure that reionel Australia wl be the frstto receive funding under key education niatives and reforms. + For new and existing eduction natives regional Avstalia wil recelvea minimum ‘nding entitlement based on population shares around 32 per cent ofavalable funding. This means: ‘© Regional businesses and workers wil benefit from a dedicated $66 nillon tenttlement ofthe $200m of the Critical kl Investment Fund. ‘© At Teast $125 milion of the $388 millon reward payments willbe awarded tothe schools in regional Australia that have show the most improvement in student outcomes ‘© Around 330 schools in the regions wil be the frst to benefit from around $15 milion ofthe $47 milion fcitation payments allocated as part of the nial ational roll out of greater local control and decision making for penpals, ‘+ For the fst te the reslonal universities and TAFEs wil have acess toa dedleated tw Regional Prrites Round of funding from Education investment Fun of upto 500 milion © Allalloction from this funding round wl be subject to EIFboaré approval and wil be full offset consistent with Labor's fiscal ues. ‘For the stim, a Labor Government will also develop specific regional education 2nd sls plansin 2011 in respons to the 2007 Department of Education ané Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) report on access to andparticpation in regional Australia 3.4$1.4bilion Regional Infrastructure Investment ‘ALabor minority Government will support the infrastructure needs and econome growth of regional Australia through a new $1.4 bilion investment.ANNEX B [AL Prority Regional Infrastructure Program [ALabor minority Government wll invest $800 millon in anew Priority Regional Infrastructure Program, The Program will operate over ive years after the conclusion ofthe current Regional ‘Local Community infrastructure Program In 2010-11, with $600 millon be delivered between 2011-12 and 2013-18 ‘The Program wil fund priority infrastructure projects as identified by lca communities lige projets wil include (© Transport infrastructure projects suchas bridge upgrades and road proecs. © Community infrastructure projects suchas townhall and commenity centre upgrades and sporting fies © Economic infrastructure projects that support local reglonal ecovomies Including sustaining and supporting growth in local tourism and ether small businesses 3. Developing Regions through the Reglonal infrastructure Fund ‘Labor minority Gverament wil extend funding from the $6 billon Regional Infrastructure Fund to support local projects that unlock new growth opportunites In regional Australia, ‘Across the forwara estimates (0 2015-14), hal ofthe unallocated provilons inthe Regional infrastructure Fund ($1.1 ilion) wil beset aside to fund projets identified by Reglonal Development Australis committees in regonal areas, ‘©. Thismeans that over the next four years, $573 millon willbe invested clusivelyin projects which wil expand the development and growth of regional economies © Elgble projects could include transport, water and energy infrastructure projets 35 well as community Infrastructure to suppor rowing Communities such as childcare centres and new housingANNEX B 4, sting Reglonal Commitments 4.1 Regional infrastructure The Gilaré Government's commitment to regional infrastructure investment wil include better transport infrastructure for regional Australia, including roads always and ports. Of the $37 bition investment occurring in transport $2 billon sin regonal Austra aso means beter telecommunications infrastructure and better infrastructure to suppart sustainable population growth across our regions A Gilaré Government wil estabish a $6 billon descated Regional Infrastructure Fund, to reinvest the proceeds of the resources boom in regions to help them meet the reeds of ‘communities and increase thei eapacty for sustainable economic growth, $2 billion ofthis illbealocated to each of Western Australia and Queensland. There san allocation of $1.8. billon over the budget estimates. The Government wil algo ensure that reglonal Australia gets afar share ofthe next tranche of national ransport infrastructure investment through Nation BullaingPragram 2 which commences in 2014-15, The Government is committed to 2 major long term investment in Inland rl from Melbourne to Brisbane through this program, The Federal Government will ‘continue to identity priority projects to improve safety and efficiency onthe naion's transport network ‘The Government understands the need for sustanable population growth for cu egions and cities while addressing and acknowledging population growth occurs tcifferent speeds across our great country. We wl invest $200 milion to help build upto 15,000 more affordable homes in regional ces ove three years and relieve pressure on ou major capital cies, so that Australia can grow sustainably. Tis program wl ge portlpating counels new funding to lnvestin loca infrastructure projects that support new housing developments, such as connecting roads, extensions to trans ad sewerage pipes, and community infrastructure such as parks and community centres. The national investment program includes upgrades tothe Hume, Paci and Bruce Highways, anda significant investment in eight all through the Australian Ral rack Corporation. Roads investment hasbeen doubled. all investment ha increased ten-fold tn 2010-11, curl and regional infrastructure willbe $5.1 billon, 75 percent or $1.8 billon higher than the las ful year ofthe Howard Government. ‘Te Government bling more res stops for long stance truck divers ané fxing angerous black spots on local country roads. There ae also addtional funds to strengthen security at regonal airports and keep remote airstris openANNEX B. ‘42 Regional Telecommunications “The Government s commited to worle-clas elecammuniatons so that regional Australia ‘enjoys the benefits of new technology and isnt let behind bya ‘igtal divide’ between ‘capital tes and regional Australia, Tati why the Governments committed to 321" ‘entry highspeed National Broadband Network for regional Australia ‘The Government has established NBN Co United, to build andl operate anew superfast National Broadband Network (NBN). The NBN isthe biggest nation building prefect in ‘Australia's history. NBN Co wilavest up to $43 bilon ovr eight years to fundthe rollout and ongoing operations ofthe network ‘The NBN wil delve affordable high speed broadband services to all Australiars no matter wire they lve or work The National Broadband Network wil extend opti fre to 93 per cent of premises, with sped of up to 1 glgabit per second ~ 1000 times fasterthan many ope experience today. Othe communities wil be served by next generationwireless and satelite technologies, with average data rates more than 20 times higher than most uses of these technologies experience today. ‘The Government has aso announced that NBN Co wil be responsible for delivering the wireless and satelite components ofthe network, which ul delve speeds of-2 megabits per second or more— with average data rates more than 20 times higher than most uses of these technologies experience today. ‘work hs started on 6,000 km of broadbang backbone fle in regional areas, including lnk from Longreach to Tennant Creek through Mt isa 43 Regional Loeal Government “Tne Government recognizes the Importance of local government to oral cominies gional Australia, ‘tis commited to working towards achieving constitutional recognition fr led Government and continue to invest in strengthening te capacities of local cours and boosting local and community infrastructure ‘The Government has established the Avstalan Counel of Local Government, anew partnership to Improve delery of lfastructue and services, with three meetings so fr. thas created a $23 millon Loeal Government Reform Fund to bull capacity ard improve financial sustainability and implement infrastructure asset management in courel, especialy ural and regional counels.Ithas also invested $Bm in establshing 2Centre of Ecellenee for Local Government IT has invested more than $1.1 billion trough the Reglonal and Local Communty Infrastructure Fun. More than 5,000 projets have been funded. More than $685 milion (58 per cent) has gone to rural and regional areas. Tiss ontop of $2 bllon in nana Assistance Grants in 2010-11, more than two thirds of which ($1.3 bilo) i forruralandANNEX B. regional councils. The Better Regons program involves $176 min for local projects, more than two-thirds ae in repional, rural and remote areas Labor has @ commitment to constitutional recognition of Local Government. There have been two fale referenda in 1978 and 1988, Both were opposed by the Coaison In 2010, the Government allocated $250,000 for ALGA to help council un community consultations ‘and campaigns to buld support. ‘44 Regional Development Australia ‘The Government has created a network of 55 Regional Development Australia Committees, $15 millon a year commitment to engage with regional communities and provide advice to government ‘Tre 55 committees are each doing a Regional Plan based on ground up consultation with local communities and stakeholders that incorporate community issues an prories |b, population, climate change) and current data and analysis regaraing eachregion and deny infastrcture and major projet priorities and proposes future ations or each RDA toundertake in coordinating economic development fr their region. ‘The ROPs provide the basis for ongoing engagement of rural and reglonal Australi However, they wll ned a higher profile and broader engagement across Federal and State portfolios to achieve an outcome that wil demonstrate a coordinated and cooperative ‘approach i being taken to address their issues. ‘Their specifi role and foes wl vary across the country according to community priorities. ‘Te Labor Governments ready to work withthe RDA network and regional partners to cenkance thei roe in pririsng investment in infrastructure and services for regional ‘communities to make sure that goes to meet their needs and match thelr growth Examples of activites include: ‘ROA Central Wests hosting an export forum each year for exporters of Sef, amb and cereal crops to provide up-to-date expert information on international markets land product requirements. ‘+ ROA Barossa is developing the Thinking Barossa Strategy to dsseminatebest practice, new ideas and innovation across local business. ‘+ RDA Far North Queensland and Torres Srlt and the Advance Calms Board working together to develop an Economie Development Strategy for Cains to support local businesses and jb creation. ‘+ RDA Wheatbelt (WA) is delivering DEEWR's Youth Connections program This rogram targets services at those who are most at riskaf disengaging from ‘education family and community:ANNEX B ASRepional Agriculture National Food Pon for Reglonl Australia. The Government recognises the crtial ole that Regional Australia plas in supplying the food for Australians and to tens of milion of others around the wore each da. The Government wil develop Australas rst National Food Plan to better Inteyrate food Paley by looking a the fod chain rom the paddock tothe plate. In doing so, he Government wil rectly engage with stakeholders throughout the production, processing, retaling and food service industries. The Plan wil look at how we can continue to grow ‘more fod, more sustainably and wl consider domestic and international food security inctudng considering the impacts of development on our bes agricultural land and water availabilty, Regional Agricultural Innovation ‘The Government recognises the growth and prosperty of agriculture requires sarnership between Government and industry to continually improve our agricultural procuctivty, Labor hs recognised that the current model for agricultural research and development has been in place fora long time and that its opportune to review the model to ensure the {growth of our agrcuture can remain strong. Tiss why the Government has asked the Productivity Commission to review the R&D Corporations. The inquiry wil loot at potential ‘overlaps and inefficences to ensure Australas investment in ural RD delves maximum benefits or primary producers. t wil ako examine Australia's international aid ‘commitments in greuture (through the Australian Centre for Agrieultural Research ACAR) Following the PC Final Repor, the Government wil consult wiely with the Parlament and Induztry stakeholders on the recommendations of the PC prior to any deciionson| Implementation of reconmendations. Agrcutual Pesticides and Veterinary Medlcines Authority (APVMA) The Government wll commit to reforms to improve the regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Australia through the APVMA. Labor will provide addtional funding of $5 milion over the forward estimate, and $10 milion over 5 years. This wilboost the -APUMAsbase funding and support more active oe in reviewing chemicals. Celivering on these retorms wil help to protect human health, improve environmental protetions and cut red tape for farmers and business. It wl also delver better, more effective chemicals, pesticides and veterinary medicines to our farmers. Agrcutur, Mining and Water The Government is committed to agricultural sustalnabiltyané recognising the importance cof mining to regional Australia,ANNEX B ‘The Government has funded 2 study int the impacts of mining on water resources in the Liverpool Pains, including the Gloucester Basin and Barrington Stroud and is commited to ensuring thatthe rights of existing license holders are protected and that negate population heath effects are avoided. n accordance with the National Water Itative and the Water Act, any ation that impacts on water resources needs to be licensee and monitored. ‘The Government intends to work withthe States to ensure that this approach i Implemented Basin wide to provide certainty to Basin water ense holers. ‘These commitments build on the Government’ existing achievements in agrclture, such «as piloting new drought reform measure, abolishing the AWB monopoly and ircreasing farmers’ acess to overseas wheat buyer Boseeunty Labor is building a stronger biosecurity system, which willhelpto protect our agricultural preductvty and regional jobs. The Government as already delivered interim measures to help bul stronger biosecurity system with a focus on ris, while it continuesto deliver on the longterm reforms outlined inthe Geale Review. The Government has agreed in- Principle to all 84 recommendationsin the Beale Review Labor has invested $14.7m to bul ani system that helps 75 biosecuty information systems to tak to one another and §20 millon over four year to progress further reforms {Landeare and Caring for our Country ‘The Labor Government has consistently increased funding fr Landcare, investing $816 milion in 630 local projets aeross the country. The increased funding refects te Governments strong suppor for Landcare and the 200,000 volunteers carryingout vital ‘work tv connmniies actos the nation. Caring for ur Country is an important priority ofthe Government. Labor increased funding in the 2010-11 Budget to $423 millon. Mare than $1.3 blin has been allocated to date to loca, regional and nationally significant projets, including more than $45 millon approved ‘or projects in 2009-10. Ths includes more than $5 milion which has been allocated to nearly 300 smaller local community projets. Fishing Labor has area taken action to help reduce chemical runoff tothe Great Barer Reet {through improved farming practices under the $200 milion Reef Rescue program thas Gelvered grants to more than 700 canegrowers and cattle farmers along the Queensland coast to help reduce nutrients and sol run-off nd increase the profitably of farms a the same time ‘The Labor Government hs improved certainty forthe fishing industry by reducng the umber of commercially harvested stocks where the status of the stork was unknown.ANNEX B Labor has also introduced legislation to reduce the cost of fisheries management to ‘Australian fishers and developed a recreational fishing industry strategy The Labor Government has also provided $25 millon through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, to research the decline in ih stocks and possible sltions for ‘Australia's most valuable fishery, Western Rock Lobster 46 Regional Water ‘The Government has developed a national strategie approach to ensure we have water for ‘ur towns, our cities, our farmers and our environment The Government comnts to further work to protect and improve water quality in coastal areas. ‘Murray Daring Basin (MDB) Plan ‘The centrepiece ofthe Government's MOB reforms the Basin Plan, now unde development by the independent Murray Darling Bazin Authority (MOBA). Development of the Basin Plan combines best avallable science with a thorough assessment of potential scco-econome impacts "Mos Bain infrastructure projects wil not onl se water efciency savings shared between water users and the environment, bu wills se the productvty of irlgeton water use Improve substantially a vitl structural adjustment need in Basin communis. By the time the Murray Darling Basin lan comes into eect in 2014, a reelected Government will have returned one out of every seven tres of rgation waterto the rivers, ‘through a combination of buy backs and more efficient irigation. ‘The Government anticipates that bythe time the Plan comes Into efec, Federal Labor's buy beaks atl nfestuctute eesti wil have ead deliened muds ef wl te rivers wil require tobe sustainable ‘The Government wil bridge any remaining gap between what has been returned and what Isrequired tobe returned by the independent Murray Dating Basin Authority, ‘The Government wil do this by continuing to buy back water each year beyond2014, unt \we have returned al the water the Authority determines our rivers need in the final Basin plan next yer. The Government will do ths consistent with the historical rate ef purchase under this Government. Any buybacks willbe subect to the aalabilty of water for purchase from wing sellers ‘The Governments determined to provide the rivers with the water they nee, snd to provide certainty fr farmers using water from the rivers.ANNEX B NSW regional woter planning package LUnder the terms ofthe MOU on Menindee Lakes and NSW Regional Water Security between the Australian Goveenment and te RSW Government, up t $300 mition is avalable to NSW regional water security projects subject to outcomes from the Menindee ater savings iniative Funding will enable eligible local water authorities to prepare long-term water secuty plans and undertake feasblity assessment wor, thereby enabling them to seek implementation funding on an equal basi with water authorises in the Murray Daring Bain. The Australian Government wil sue acl for applications under this new program during 2010-2, 4.7 Caring for our Coasts ‘The Government understands the potential for climate change to impact on ov’ way of fe and our assets particularly in our coastal regions right around Australia which ae vulnerable toring sea levels. Labor's $25 lon ‘Caring for ur Coasts’ Policy has enabled, for the fst ime, detailed research onthe risks of climate change fr coastal communities around Austra. Ths work has included the release of "Climate Change Rsk to Australia’s Coasts” in November 2008, ‘the first-ever mapping ofthe rss from sea level se to coastal communities To adress the impacts of elmate change and respond appropriately Is vital we have good data on which to base the response. Continuing the Caring for our Coasts workin particular {enabling more localised information about the rks from climate change to our coasts, wil provide further data that wl inform the most appropriate way forward It wil aso be an integral part of our response to the recommendations of the House Standing Committee on Climate Change, Water, Environment andthe At! Inquiry nto tliate change ai environmentel impacts on asta euramunies ‘Areturned Gillard Government wil commit to providing a formal response to the House Standing Commitee on Cimate Change, Water, Environment and te Ars! Inquiry report within three months of forming anew Government. 4BRegional Heath ‘The National Heath and Hospitals Network reforms offer an opportunity to beter Customise health and hospital services to meet the needs of lea! communities — including the unique needs of regions. ‘The Governments health reforms ae about better supporting our reganal heath serves, ‘whieh often already les the way innovation for delivering health ere series ‘The Government wil estabish Local Hospital Networks and Medicare Locals to ensure that ‘communities can have more of say Inthe wayin which their hospitals are run,ANNEX B ies investing $560 milion to establish 2 regional cancer centres across the country, Including infrastructure and patient accommodation and$370 milion for morethan 60 GP Super Cnes (wth half located outside major cites) and over 400 grants of upto $500,000 to-eisting G and primary cere practices to ad space to provide more service. “The Governments providing S00 communities and more than 2400 doctors increased Incentives of up to $120,000 a year to move and workin curl and remate and areas Ie wl tran 6,000 GPs and specialists over the next decade, with around 50 percent ofthese traning places tobe in rural andregonal areas. ‘The Government has aso provided Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme acess to better financially support nurse practitioners andl midwives. Tis ll particularly benef rural areas where access to matemity services ie more limited and ‘were nurse prattoners more often tend to work. ‘Tae Government wil vest $392 millon to proude Medicare ebates for online consultations with specialist doctors for people ving in rural and regional Ausvalia~ helping health professionals take advantage of services a National Broadband Network wil enable ‘The Governments also committed to implementing a personally-controled electronic health record for all staan, andi investing $467 millon so that vital heal information canbe shared and integrated across the multiple health services Australians living in regional areas often have to use. ‘Through its investments in improved primary care and improving access to outa hours GPs and heatth services 2s wells deicated headspace youth mental health centres, the Government wl help to provide mental health services inthe community. The Government wl ao invest $277 milion to deliver an integrated package ct measures to prevent and reduce suicide, including providing more clinical and non-linea support Services and outreach teams for schools affected by sulelde Funding for these programs wll be targeted to thore at greatest risk of sulide~ including regional areas, incigemous communities and men, ‘The Government wil aso seek to re-stablsh Commonwealth funding for publi hospital dental services 3s part of ts $290 milion commitment toa Commonwealth Devta Heath Program. 4Reglonal Education ‘Tre Government believes that every student should have acess toa word-las education ro matter where they ive, ‘The Government will new ts commitment to replonal education by strengthening national policies to ensure tat they effectively meet the needs of students from across he county. 16ANNEX B To improve access to tertiary education rom 2012 Labor will ensure that every student who qualifies willbe guaranteed acess toa univers place. In order to ensure the students have access too much needed services, the Goverment will Introduce an amenities and services fe of upto $250 per year. This is particularly important for regional ad outer metropolitan universities, Students wil be abe to add ts charge to their HECS, As part ofits commitment to ensure Australian universities are property resourced, nine withthe Bradley recommendations the Government will view the cluster/dspline funding rates of universes so that funding fo teaching and learning remains Internationally competitive, ‘The Government wil deliver a comprehensive plan to make every school res school ‘Across the key commitments Labor wil ensure a focus.on delivery fr regional students Including fr: ‘+ Reward payments for great teachers and developing an equitable national performance management framework that takes into consideration reg onal and rural factors ‘+ MySchool enhancements and providing more transparent information sbout schoo! performance and new online resources for teachers, parents and students ‘+ National Curriculum including the Implementation of new Nationa Trade Cadetsips, the development of an Australian Baccalaureate and the implementation ofthe first [hase Nationa Curriculum subjects and consultation on second phase sabecs “Through ts curriculum and assessment reform commitments the Government wl lp to ‘ensue that all egonal school students can acess word class qualifications, New National Trade Cadetships wll provide vocational traning fr secondary schoo! students delivered through the national curiulum in Trade Training Centres ensuring that ‘the sls students learn meet demanding national and industry standards. Nationa Trade CCadetships will provide cree towards an apprenticeship or further taining The Australian eccalaureate wil provide the next platform of Australes worldclss ‘education eyster. wil provide high performing secondary students with the opportuniy ta gain an interationaly recognised senior secondary qualification that benchmarks thee attainment nationally and recognises a wide range oftheir achievements, This wl provide students with anatonaly consistent pathway to higher education and further study ‘opportunities within Australian and overseas. ‘Combined withthe opportunities for dgtal earning create bythe National Broadband Network, these reforms wil help to extend opportunites to lear subjects ike music atsANNEX B and second languages to students in all communities and make access tointemationally recognised qualifications mare widely avalable fr regional students. Finally Federal Labor is committed to ensuring that regional communes have the strong professional, technical ane trade sls base they need, We have ensured that every TAFE institute across urban and regional Australia has received a major upgrade of training faites through the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for ver. ‘The extension ofthe Education Investment Fund has supported innovative traning delivery ‘oral and egional communities nthe Northern Territory and South Australia, 4 $300 milion Investment in supporting employers to take on trade apprentices hasbeen strongly supported by repional employer, incuing the ilawacra, Hunter and north Queensland regions. Some communities are winerable to professionals leaving to seek other opportunites with implications fr health, educaton, financial and IT series. ln growing regional “communities, tis clear we need to act to ensure we have sufcent skis to mest building and construction, Infrastructure, tourism, health and other community needs. ‘The Governments commited to ensuring that more student firih Year 12 and gain teréary qualifications. Rates of participation by rural and regional students decined over the 12 yearsf the previous Coalition government. The Government has focused on the concerns of he Bradley review andthe ne>d to lit postschoo! educational participation rates. ‘The Government has aso reformed student income suppor to expand acess. This includes ‘over 150,000 new scholarships, an increase tothe parental income test which will bneft ‘over 100,000 stents anda reduction n the age of independence. + Imadaition to this, the Government has committed oa $20 milion egianal hardship fund for scholarships. Elgiblity willbe determined by a panel that wil ied reglonal representatives, ‘+ Students in outer reglonal remote and very remote areas wil stil be able to access income support under the oldindependence terion if they need to mave to study and their parental income is belew $150,000 +The Government has also commited to complete a review of the new sistem of student income support by 1 ly 2012. In order to turn aroune tow tertiary attainment levels, the Government i proving $433 rillon over four years to reward insbttions that enrol low SES students, RegionalANNEX B universes and outer metropolitan universities are prime beneficiaries gven their student profile ‘The Government i alo providing $400 milion in funlig ($200 milion to meet capital requirernents and $200 milion to meet recurrent requirements} to assist outer ‘metropolitan and regional universities te adapt tothe new student focused university system being introduced in 2012. ‘To ensure sustainable regional provision, the Government i aso reviewing the Regional Loading paid by the Government (which totalled $31.2 milion in 2009) to lige higher ‘education providers in recognition of the higher cost of providing places at regional ‘campuses. Recommendations from the Review Panel chaired by Professor Richard Larkins ‘ll be considered as part ofthe 2011 Budget,