The Wire

The three independents say they might decide as early as tomorrow who the next government will be. Meanwhile one the independents, Tony Windsor, says he wants to develop a lasting “regional development structure” driven from the Prime Minister’s office. The details of the plan remain under wraps as he tries to gather support for the idea from both major parties today. The renewed focus on regional development has been welcomed by some economists and geographers. But they warn that the catchcry of “regional development” has waxed and waned throughout Australia’s history, and without long-term thinking, regional development may be destined to lose the spotlight again.