Regional Victioria: Why the Bush Is Hurting - Abstract
By Bob Birrell, Jacqui
Dibden and Jo Wainer
A Monash Regional
Australia Project report, January 2000
Outline
This report details the results of preliminary work designed to chart the nature of the alleged 'regional crisis'. While those debating the issue tend to take it for granted that the 'bush is hurting', there are counter claims. Some areas are doing well. They have a justified interest in challenging overall assessments about regional disadvantage. The tag of failure can be self-reinforcing if it encourages potential investors to look elsewhere.
In the run-up to the 1999 Victorian State election, spokespersons from both the Liberal and National Party were loud in their claims that regional Victoria as a whole was sharing in the economic recovery associated with the Kennett Government's years in office (1992-1999). The results of the 1999 State election were interpreted as a resounding refutation of these counter claims. Nevertheless we have approached the issue with an open mind and have sought to provide an objective survey of the evidence about the level of economic activity and social well-being in Regional Victoria. The hope is that this evidence will contribute to informed debate about both the extent of regional disadvantage and what might be done about it. The research reported here is the starting point for further investigation.