This report addresses the challenge that low traffic volumes in remote and regional areas make it difficult for traditional cost-benefit analysis methods to support road improvements in these areas in line with community expectations and government policy objectives. It develops ways to improve the efficiency, equity and transparency of decision-making for road funding in these...

Local news often serves as the primary source of community information and is a platform for civic participation. However, local news provision in regional Australia is declining, while audience needs are shifting. This study confirms a void in the provision of local news. The report includes key recommendations for the local news industry and stakeholders.

Northern Australia is central to the nation’s future. This report reframes northern Australia as a developing economy within a developed nation. Drawing on a detailed analysis of the Northern Territory and extending to northern Queensland and northern Western Australia, the report presents a comprehensive, evidence-based argument for nation-building through targeted investment.

The roadmap provides an overarching national framework to empower stakeholders to work collaboratively to improve the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of the jobs and skills system across Regional Australia. It identifies cross-cutting themes, develops performance indicators and provides an overall assessment of the way forward with ten policy principles to inform and shape future policies.

This paper explores how regional development policies can enhance resilience and competitiveness in the face of global shocks, transitions and persistent inequalities. It argues for a shift toward place-based strategies that address spatial disparities and leverage local assets to drive sustainable productivity growth.