The Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee’s inquiry will look into the operation, effectiveness and consequences of relocating corporate Commonwealth entities into the regions.

“I urge every Council, Chamber of Commerce and community association to have their say in the new Senate Inquiry into the decentralisation of Commonwealth agencies,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Decentralisation has the potential to increase employment in regional Australia, creating stronger communities and regional economies.

“The experience in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie with the Department of Human Services call centres is a perfect example, with the increased staffing levels at those centres delivering additional well-paid jobs for our region.

“With stable employment, people working at these centres have the confidence to take out mortgages, and put down deep roots in our community.

“Northern NSW is an attractive place to live and grow – there is no reason that it shouldn’t be more of a centre for government employment.

“My Nationals colleagues and I have long believed that the Government should consider shifting federal government functions out of the capital cities to give people the choice of living and working in regional areas.

“It is time for the people of the North Coast, and the Bellingen Shire, to have their say by making a submission to the inquiry,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

For more information about the Inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Finance_and_Public_Administration/PublicGovernance