About RDC
Introduction
The Regional Development Council is the Ministerial Council responsible for regional development issues in Australia. It comprises the federal, state and territory Ministers responsible for regional development and a representative from the Australian Local Government Association.
The Regional Development Council was formed under the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Framework for Ministerial Councils and held its inaugural meeting in July 2003.
Aim
The aim of the Regional Development Council is to facilitate more effective cooperation across all spheres of government in order to achieve sustainable economic, social and environmental outcomes for regional Australians.
Terms of Reference
- To provide leadership to all areas of government, industry and the community in working collaboratively to achieve sustainable regional development;
- To provide a forum for Commonwealth, state and territory government Ministers and local government to consider and facilitate national strategic approaches to sustainable regional development.
- To work collaboratively across jurisdictions in association with other Ministerial Councils on regional and economic development and development initiatives of national common interest to address cross portfolio issues; and
- To encourage collaboration and cooperation across all levels of government in the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programs affecting regional development.
Meeting Arrangements
Meetings are held at least once a year and are chaired by the Federal Minister responsible for regional development. Meeting locations rotate throughout the jurisdictions.
Standing Committee on Regional Development
The Standing Committee on Regional Development (SCORD) comprises the chief executive officer or equivalent from the key government agency in each state/territory responsible for regional development, and from the Australian Local Government Association.
The Standing Committee on Regional Development acts as a permanent standing committee, reviewing and recommending agenda items for consideration by the Council.
Secretariat Arrangements
The secretariat is located within the Australian Government Department Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
Background
In June 2001 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a number of immediate changes to streamline the operation of Ministerial Councils. As a result, the Regional Development Council was established by amalgamating regional development issues from the Industry, Technology and Regional Development Council and the informal Regional Development Ministers' meetings.