Report writes off regions
Some may dismiss Member for Kennedy Bob Katter's criticism of the "Canbrisney Land" residents who penned the Productivity Commission Draft Report on Remote Area Tax Concessions and Payments (Letters,18 January 2020) as hyperbole and scaremongering. What the comments represent, however, are a scathing indictment of a document that belongs in the bin after failing to acknowledge the realities of living and working in remote parts of the country.
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Burke Shire Council is vehemently opposed to the recommendations made in the draft report, and believe they will sound the death knell for myriad small communities if they remain in the final report presented to the Commonwealth Government next month. These communities, many in North West Queensland, have been completely ignored for what they contribute to Australia's $1.848 trillion Gross Domestic Product (REMPLAN Economy 2020), with the Productivity Commission instead attempting to argue that remote living is "largely a matter of choice" that we should just deal with.
It is impossible to argue the economic outputs generated in remote parts of the country, like the Burke Shire, does not benefit urban populations. But for that wealth to be generated, we need the space and resources that only the regions can provide. Unless, of course, our city politicians can work out how to graze a few thousand head of cattle on the lawns of Parliament House, or extract North West Queensland's rich mineral stockpiles without the remote communities that support mining operations.
Council implores the Commonwealth Government to rebuke the Productivity Commission's recommendations when they are tabled in February, and instead take a proactive, realistic approach that considers remote Australians as more than just an impost on taxpayers. The future of our communities depends on it.
Clare Keenan, CEO
Burke Shire Council
Australia Day
I love Australia and I love being Australian. We have much to be proud of and, importantly, much to look forward to.
We are world leaders in so many fields including innovation, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, technology and standard of living. We are a big country with a big heart, and our future is bright.
We are one of the most successful sporting countries on the planet, we have free healthcare for all, we have a stable democracy and relatively low rates of serious crime.
We have unique and beautiful natural surroundings and plenty of space. We have done this working hard, looking after each other, courage and sacrifice.
When I imagine the Australia our children will inherit, I am filled with great optimism.
Whether it be on the land, in the regions or in the big cities, this country still offers great opportunity, and will continue to do so with a renewed focus on agriculture, innovation and energy, as well as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in schools. The latest research shows that demand for Australian food and resources will continue to grow strongly.
The regions will need more people to continue to develop these opportunities, to grow our families and manage our land.
We'll also need mining engineers, environmental consultants, managers, and logistics experts - all skilled and well-paid jobs. Coming from and going to regional Australia is an advantage, and I look forward to helping make our regions more liveable and provide the stable, high-paying jobs we need to keep our kids in their hometowns and to attract young families.
Australia remains "Lucky", and Australia Day is a time to be proudly patriotic, and to celebrate what we love about this country.
Thank a Defence Force member.
Cook up the world's best food grown by our farmers. Invite the neighbours around for a beer and a game of cricket.
I wish you all a happy Australia Day.
Senator Susan McDonald,
LNP Senator for Queensland.
