EP#243 ~ What are the key areas of policy affecting regional Australia right now and who’s fighting to make it right?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #243
Broadcast date: 30 July 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Liz Ritchie, CEO at Regional Australia Institute

The latest Regional Australia Institute report Regional Movers Index (created in partnership with CommBank Business and Institutional) highlights fascinating trends in our nation's population movements. Metro to regional relocations are now 20% above pre-Covid levels with 24% more people moving from capital cities regions compared with the opposite direction. That’s a net migration out of our cities into our regional towns!

With such a large change population and the unique circumstances that brings, what’s required is relationship building, placed based approach to policy and connectivity into community. Luckily there’s a think tank doing exactly that, and it’s run but the policy  powerhouse and regional expert, Liz Richie. 

The Regional Australia Institute captures the unique skills of their team, as well as their passion for regional Australia. In fact, the majority of them live in the towns which they represent! Researchers, policy experts, and influential relations experts who come together to make regional Australia better. 

There are few people as interconnected into regional cities, understanding population growth, the need for skills and how their small businesses flourish and when they need support. This is going to be an excellent discussion from an expert in the field and a true female leader in Australian policy.

PEOPLE –  Who does RAI represent? How do you work so successfully as a regionally located team, focussed on regional issues? Tell us about the upcoming Regions Rising Summit in Canberra in August and what you're hoping to achieve and what you'd like to highlight to decision makers at the conference?

POLICY - Which policy areas are you currently focussed on? Which departments do you work with and how do you work as an advocacy organisation with politicians and departments to ensure the voice of regional, rural and remote Australia is heard?

PURPOSE Tell us about your recently published reports and what you’re trying to achieve in the policy space for each of these?

The daughter of a farmer who grew up amongst the rice crops and river redgums around Deniliquin in south-western New South Wales, Liz Ritchie’s had a lifelong affiliation with regional Australia. As CEO of the Regional Australia Institute her purpose is to empower regions to thrive through leadership, activation, and impact. Liz firmly believes that by replacing myth and stereotype with facts and knowledge, the RAI can help build a bridge between city and country Australians. She spearheaded the development of the Regionalisation Ambition – a framework to ‘rebalance the nation’ by driving a parity of population between the regions and cities. Prior to joining the RAI, Liz worked for Westpac and the Committee for Economic Development of Australia.

Independent and informed by both research and ongoing dialogue with the community. The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) develops policy solutions and advocates for change to build a stronger economy and better quality of life in regional Australia – for the benefit of all Australians.

To find out more about Regional Australia Institute, check it out HERE