Friday, 13 February, 2015 REVIEW TO GROW REGIONAL VICTORIA AFTER COALITION NEGLECT The Andrews Labor Government today announced an independent review of Regional Development Victoria’s strategic priorities to better drive jobs, investment and growth in regional Victoria. Announcing the review in Parliament this week, Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, said the Labor Government had a clear goal of creating jobs and growing our small towns and regional centres. Regional Victoria suffered under the former Coalition Government, with job growth stalling as youth unemployment reached unprecedented levels. As a result of the former Government’s lack of vision and direction for regional Victoria, we have been left without an overarching plan to drive economic growth in our regions. The Labor Government recognises the pressing need for a comprehensive regional strategy that focuses strongly on creating jobs, supporting industry and boosting investment. The review will ensure our regions are a core part of the Labor Government’s overarching economic development agenda, and will include an extensive program of regional stakeholder engagement. We want to hear directly from regional leaders about key priorities for each region, current regional strategic and related planning models and their views on the effectiveness of investment and delivery of regional services, including emergency management. An external advisory group of regional leaders will oversee this review and will be chaired by an eminent person with a long-demonstrated commitment to regional Victoria. Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford “Under the Coalition, regional Victoria went backwards.” “The Andrews Labor Government will maximise and create opportunities for regional Victoria, placing it at the heart of our plan to create jobs and drive economic growth across the state.” “The review will improve collaboration between government, communities and stakeholders to develop sound policies that support regional business, through investing in jobs, important infrastructure and industries.” Media Contact: Georgia Brumby 0428 698 185 | georgia.brumby@minstaff.vic.gov.au