The Australian Government has established an Office of Northern Australia (ONA) within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government with funding of $2 million per year over four years. ONA will be under the direction of the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia, the Hon Gary Gray AO MP.
ONA will facilitate the provision of high level policy advice on a range of sustainable development, economic, social and environmental issues affecting economic development and major projects in northern Australia. It will also provide advice to the Government about regional priorities, strategies for development and barriers to economic growth in northern Australia, including advice on the sustainability of economic development activities.
A consultation process with key stakeholders is expected to commence shortly, and will assist the Government in identifying the main areas of concern for communities and industry in northern Australia.
ONA’s ongoing roles and responsibilities are expected be further define as a result of these consultations.
