STATE OF THE REGIONS REPORT 2012-13: RETHINKING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This year's Report is timely given that it examines the future of regional development in light of the ongoing impacts of the patchwork economy, ever tightening fiscal budgets at both the national and jurisdictional levels, the darkening economic clouds in the United States of America and Europe.

Consequently, the Report raises several questions designed to encourage policy makers to contemplate what changes may need to be made to Australia's regional development policies to strengthen regional investment in the future. It continues the call for more action to be delivered in the areas of critical infrastructure provision and provides an interesting commentary on the history of financing infrastructure in Australia..

This year's report also includes discussions on trends in real unemployment, population growth, productivity and general construction activity.

The report introduces a new benchmarking methodology for Australian regions and provides commentary on what may be required in developing a more rational approach to regional development in this country.

As with previous years, the Report will provide detailed projections for 67 regions.