Election 2013: Nationals' plans for regional Australia

The man who could be the nation's next deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, has made his pitch for re-election, unveiling a one-billion dollar plan for regional development.

Election 2013: Nationals' plans for regional AustraliaElection 2013: Nationals' plans for regional Australia

Election 2013: Nationals' plans for regional Australia

As leader of the Nationals' Party, Mr Truss would become the nation's second in command if the Coalition wins the election.

 

Mr Truss has told the National Press Club in Canberra that without a strong regional Australia, the nation's economy can never be secure.

 

The junior partner of the Coalition leadership team says it's time for Australia's city dwellers to give back to those who clothe and feed them.

 

"It's time for a grown up government to recognised the modern role regional Australia plays in our nation's prosperity. That requires a new pact. A better deal to rebuild the regions and to restore growth. The attitude of take, take, take from the regions has simply got to end. It's time to return to the regions something that they're owed - a fair share."

 

Mr Truss has revealed a Coalition government would allocate $200-million a year to a National Stronger Regions Fund over four years.

 

He says as the economy strengthens, it would plan increase its contribution.

 

To access the fund, state or local governments would have to be prepared to make a 50 per cent matching contribution.

 

Mr Truss says the money would go towards building social and economic infrastructure in regions with high unemployment.

 

The Nationals' regional Australia plan also includes a $106-million rural and regional health initiative, a $2-million fund for Indigenous Australians fighting native title claims, a 100-million dollar injection into agricultural research and development, and a range of road and rail projects.

 

Mr Truss says restoring the live cattle trade to Indonesia and opening up Asian markets are also crucial to Australia's future prosperity.

 

"As a nation that exports 60 per cent of everything we produce on farms, international market access is essential and we'll commit $30-million to bolster our export performance. $15-million of this will provide rebates to small exporters to assist with export certification costs, to encourage them to crack new markets."

Traditionally in a Coalition government, a Nationals MP is appointed Trade Minister.

 

But there's mounting speculation Coalition leader Tony Abbott would award the role to senior Liberal Andrew Robb because the Nationals are considered too protectionist.

 

Mr Truss has indicated he may not oppose this.

 

"We think it's important that here are a number of people who work in that area. The current government has a number of parliamentary secretaries etc and I would suggest that there will be a National among the people working in trade."

 

The current deputy Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese says he's disappointed Mr Truss elected to give a solo address at the Press Club.

 

Mr Albanese says he would have liked to debate his competition for the role.

 


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