The consultation period for public debate and input on these policies is an opportunity for discussion and improvement, in an attempt to ensure that the new, state planning policies will provide a clear vision for planning and development across South Australia.

In this inaugural discussion paper, former Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, and former Victorian Deputy Premier, Pat McNamara, discuss the four policy pillars of a future population decentralisation agenda for Victoria.

The first National Infrastructure Assessment sets out the Commission’s plan of action for the country’s infrastructure over the next 10-30 years. Infrastructure can inspire confidence and growth. But long term projects require a long-term vision, lasting plans, and stable funding. The UK must take decisive action.

This report found that rural and regional Australia is currently challenged by two key issues: the perception of regions as ‘second rate,’ and the ongoing trend of people moving to the state capitals.

Ongoing economic restructuring has produced many declining rust belt cities and regions. While governments and communities have acted to ease the impacts, most actions have not been effective. Politically the reaction to ongoing high levels of unemployment are now registering across the Western world and drive a reconsideration of what interventions might facilitate socially inclusive...