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'Brain drain' hitting bush
3 Oct 2003
Regional Australia will suffer a shortage of leadership unless governments act to overcome barriers to business development, according to Dr John Keniry, chairman of a panel that produced an analysis for the Federal Government. Dr Keniry said regional Australia has a different age distribution from Australia in general, with people from the late teens to the mid-30s largely absent. They are leaving to get an education and not coming back, he said. Many country towns find it hard to attract skilled executives and professionals, and the best people are leaving and not returning.
Dr Keniry also said potential investors see regional Australia as "problematic". Their images are formed by mass media showing fires, droughts and floods or "someone wanting a handout". Regions seldom have good business plans, Dr Keniry said.
Another problem is reduced government spending on rural infrastructure, which means it's declining in many areas.
The panel has recommended measures such as a small-business financing program, a rolling loan program, more specialised support services, accelerated depreciation on certain classes of fixed assets, better regional planning, revision of the zone tax rebate system, schemes to attract more business migrants, and proposals to boost infrastructure.
The Land, 2/10/03.
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