Conference Brings North Australia’s Change Makers Together

Government and industry leaders congregated in Mackay last week for the eighth annual Developing Northern Australia Conference.

The conference provides a regular opportunity for northern Australians to come together to reidentify and refine priorities, discuss ideas and form networks.

With the 2022 theme being ‘A Lead on Inclusive Development for the 21st Century’, guest speakers, presenters and exhibitors shared their views on the future of northern Australia.

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald says the conference is an opportunity to positively discriminate the region.

“We’ve got some of the greatest thought leaders in the land,” she said.

“We’ve got the Minister for Northern Australia, the Shadow Minister for Northern Australia and other government officials who are ensuring that we can continue to prioritise these important issues.”

Ms McDonald says the Townsville region spent over $500 million on professional services outside the region last financial year.

“Until we start ensuring that the graphic designers, accountants, solicitors, consultants are all based in our regions, they own a house, they pay the lawn mowing fee, their kids go to school here, until we do that, we’re not demanding that the rest of the country pays the same attention,” she said.

“Positive discrimination for the north.

“Investing in the north ourselves, but also the government, in critical infrastructure and ensuring the momentum that was achieved under the last government is maintained under this one.”

1.3 million people call northern Australia home, and the conference aims to give the representatives of the region a louder voice.

“It is fantastic that we’ve got so many industries, so many government departments are coming here to make sure northern Australia remains the most important portfolio in this government but also understanding the possibility for the north and what we can deliver for Australia as a whole,” said Ms McDonald.

“I want to use this few days as an opportunity to talk to the new Minister, to demonstrate how important it is for those of us who live here, who drive on the roads, who understand the limited internet connectivity, who want to see more childcare services, who want to see greater investment in roads and rail.”

Ms McDonald says the resources sector was also under the spotlight.

“In northern Australia, we have not just the traditional minerals, not just the coal that’s powered the nation, but also the critical minerals that fund the new economy, but also the rare earths,” she said.

“At the moment, the largest rare earths mine is in China.

“Australia needs to secure its own future, particularly with critical mineral fertilisers like potash and phosphate.”

Ms McDonald called on the new resources minister to put potash and phosphate on our critical minerals list to ensure Australia has its own fertiliser supply chains.

“At the moment, it’s mostly rare earths and battery technology minerals, but we need to also concentrate on the most important thing we do for humans which is grow food and for that we need to secure Australia’s supply, stop importing from other countries and ensure that Australia continues to feed itself as well as our near neighbours.”

‍