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The national network of Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) has been an important link between the Australian Government and regional and metropolitan Australia. The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, announced on 20 March 2008 that, as foreshadowed in the Government’s key regional election commitments, Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) would provide the basis for the creation of Regional Development Australia (RDA). What were Area Consultative Committees?Area Consultative Committees (ACCs) were non-profit, community-based organisations funded by the Australian Government.
There were 54 ACCs across Australia serving rural, regional, remote and metropolitan communities. The national network covered the whole of Australia.
ACCs positioned themselves as key regional stakeholders that built networks and partnerships to find local solutions to local problems. Through these networks, ACCs promoted and disseminated information on Government priorities and programs for the benefit of business and the community. ACCs were an example of how the Australian Government worked in partnership with business and the community to achieve regional economic growth. RDA will build on this foundation.
How is the transition from Area Consultative Committees to Regional Development Australia progressing?Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) regarding RDA have now been signed with each State and Territory Government. These agreements support the adoption of more integrated and aligned arrangements for regional engagement and economic development between the RDA network and each State and Territory Government.
ACCs across the country are in the process of winding-up, with some having already closed. Most ACCs will close by the end of October. At the same time, RDAs are being incorporated and opening their doors for business.
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