G21’s five mayors visited Canberra last week to meet with federal government ministers, shadow ministers and high-level public officials to discuss the major pressures the region faces due to rapid population growth.
The meetings centred around changes to working visas to better attract workers and increasing available and affordable housing for them once they arrived.
The delegation also raised patchy digital connectivity, particularly in bushfire- and disaster-prone areas, the need for a federal contribution to the Commonwealth Games budget and transport.
G21 chief executive Giulia Baggio said periodic delegations to federal and state governments were important for regional areas like Greater Geelong.
“It’s an ongoing discussion; twice a year we go up to make sure they understand what’s happening in our region,” Ms Baggio said.
“Our overarching purpose was to spell out just how fast the region is growing. Geelong has been the fastest growing city for the last 10 years, so we really need to make sure the politicians understand the investment required to keep pace with that population growth.
“The other thing was to show them the opportunities. We know that Geelong is attracting 20-30 year olds, so this is a really excellent opportunity to invest in Geelong and the region.”
Ms Baggio said the ministers and departmental heads the delegation spoke with were receptive to G21’s ideas, particularly extending the Working Holiday Maker visa to 12 months, and for up to two or three years for hospitality workers.
“When we spoke to (Minister for Skills and Training) Brendan O’Connor he was quite receptive to the idea,” she said.
“But the underlying shortage of housing means that even with workers coming back, we just have nowhere to house them. So that’s the missing piece of the puzzle.
“The federal government is very attuned to what’s going on and there are a number of policy programs in the pipeline to address this shortage, such as the House Australians Future Fund.
“We were reassured by the minister’s office that there would be proper consideration given to regional areas.”
On the issue of the Commonwealth Games, Ms Baggio said the delegation had been clear in its message to Canberra.
“What we’re asking for is a contribution from the federal government in the May budget,” she said.
“We know the scope for the Games is being developed this year, so we absolutely need that contribution in the May budget.
“We’re talking about a legacy project, things that are going to last for a very long time, so it’s actually a good investment for governments.”
