The independent statutory review is being conducted to examine the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act’s regulatory approach. It will determine whether changes are needed to make sure Australia’s online safety laws remain fit-for-purpose. This includes examining issues such as online hate and new harms raised by emerging technologies such as generative artificial intelligence.

This report builds the regional evidence base and supports the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver targeted, effective and efficient regional investment that works better for regional communities. The report takes a look at key issues and opportunities for regions, as identified at the local level, including through the Regional Development Australia committee network.

Understanding spatial patterns of population change is vital in planning for services and infrastructure, and in managing the pressures created as local populations grow and decline. This research shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population was very focused on capital cities, which collectively experienced population loss in 2020-21.

The recommendations of the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program (IIP) require a commitment to long-term reform in how the IIP is managed, but the benefits, including greater transparency and certainty, will be significant for governments, industry and communities.

This review report makes recommendations for how the new Land Transport Federation Funding Agreement should be structured to better support the Australian Government to deliver on its infrastructure investment priorities and objectives.