Regional Development Australia National Forum
The Regional Development Australia (RDA) National Forum was held at Parliament House, Canberra, on Thursday 18 March 2010, and was preceded by the RDA National Dinner on Wednesday 17 March 2010.
The Forum brought together Chairs and Deputy Chairs from the new national network of 55 committees that have been charged with helping drive the prosperity and sustainability of the nation's regions.
Hosted by the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, the Hon Maxine McKew MP, and facilitated by the well known journalist Ellen Fanning, the Forum provided a good opportunity for Committees to learn more about relevant Australian Government programs, services and initiatives.
A key theme was the importance of establishing strong links between the various RDA committees, so they can work together to find the best, most innovative solutions possible to the challenges facing their regional communities.
The RDA National Forum included addresses on key issues affecting regional Australia from eminent thinkers such as demographer Bernard Salt, Richard Spencer, CEO of the Benevolent and Society various Federal Departmental Secretaries.