Reimagining the social contract between country and metropolitan Australia

Reimagining the social contract between country and metropolitan Australia

The summer 2019-2020 bushfire crisis and disruptions caused by Covid-19 have drawn attention to both the contribution of country Australia to the national economy, and the continuing social challenges faced in country areas.

This Discussion Paper considers the causes of the relative, economic decline of country Australia and its consequences for country residents. It argues for the reconstitution of regional development and social policy in a new ‘social contract’ between country and city. The paper then outlines four policy propositions as a starting point for debate and discussion about the future of country Australia.

This Paper is part of ongoing research by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in Smart Specialisation and Regional Policy on rethinking regional policy after the bushfire crisis.

For more information about this work please contact Dr Chloe Ward (chloe.ward@rmit.edu.au).

30 November 2020

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30 November 2020

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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