MINISTER for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes says discussions are ongoing to determine “best model” for community engagement.
The comments come in response to accusations from Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh that the state government has “abandoned” Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees.
The state Nationals leader hit out at the government late last week following reports five of the state’s six RDA committees had been left to operate without board members, instead run by a lone chairperson.
The committees are jointly funded by the state and federal government.
Ms Symes said discussions around the future of the committees were scheduled, with an eye towards streamlining the Victoria RDA committees and regional partnerships, following suggestions of duplication of effort.
Each RDA chair currently sits on the relevant regional partnership, made up of community and business leaders, tasked with identifying local priorities for their region.
A meeting scheduled for late August between Ms Symes and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was reportedly cancelled due to outstanding circumstances.
“We’re supporting country Victorians through our $2.6 billion delivering for regional and rural Victoria program, and listening to the views of our nine Regional Partnerships — which include the six RDA committee chairs, who together direct local priorities to the heart of government decision making,” Ms Symes said.
“As Victoria’s regions continue to grow, it’s important that we work together with the Commonwealth to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities in regional and rural Victoria.
“I’m looking forward to further discussions with Ministers Michael McCormack and Nola Marino on the best model for the federal and Victorian governments to concentrate on listening to local communities — because they know best.”
