Australia needs a comprehensive plan for its regions
Australia is currently undergoing changes that profoundly affect regional communities.
While our cities grow at breakneck speed, many rural areas suffer population decline. Regional Australians have poorer economic, social and health outcomes than our city cousins.
We are at the frontline of issues like climate change which will continue to impact our regional industries and our unique lifestyle. The devastating summer bushfires are a compelling case in point.
Australia needs a comprehensive, long-term and bi-partisan national plan if it is to successfully address the specific needs of regional Australians.
Read my regional development issue paper.
Speeches and media
Bushfire recovery progress shapes Towong visit [August 4, 2020]
Coalition forced to reveal vital regional blueprint [July 10, 2020]
Haines says the Coalition again fails regional Australia [July 10, 2020]
Haines asks NSW Premier to fix border permit system issues [July 9, 2020]
NSW Premier must guarantee order at the border [July 7, 2020]
Haines welcomes Upper Murray and Wodonga road safety funding [July 7, 2020]
Softwood forestry support package a lifeline for 900 Indi jobs [June 23, 2020]
Bushfire communities deserve clear air [June 15, 2020]
Closing the digital gap [November 25, 2019]
Murrindindi deserves a safe highway [October 21, 2019]