Robert Oakeshott (Lyne, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I have six issues, and I am happy to have some taken on notice and for you to respond where you can, Minister. The first is the RDA and the resourcing of the RDA structure into the future. It is going to become a critical issue for delivery of programs in our area going forward as we transition from being a priority employment area. It is a great advocacy and lobby structure that is being built. For it to be more than that, though, there needs to be a recognised resourcing base that goes with it. So anything you can give with regard to the funding or resourcing of RDAs would be welcome.

I thought I heard you mention earlier that there is funding attached to the regional infrastructure program, and I would be interested in the ongoing and recurrent funding of the local infrastructure program. That was, over the last 18 months, an excellent program for local communities such as mine on the mid-North Coast. It did make a big difference. Small area labour market figures today have us at record unemployment levels, and that can be partly attributed to the local infrastructure program. I am worried that it is getting lost as we come out of stimulus mode. I would hope that that is an ongoing program. So anything you can give on that front would be appreciated.

The issue for local government, particularly in New South Wales, where we are rate pegged, is infrastructure backlog. I have to mention again the Greater Taree City Council, which has had the old New South Wales Treasury fellow go through. I cannot remember his name.

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