Day two of the 2024 Bush Summit has featured addresses from Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and mining magnate Gina Rinehart, as attendees tune in to discussions over the key issues facing Australia’s regional communities.
Hosted in Bendigo on Monday, after opening its program in Townsville last week, the summit will address major challenges for regional and rural communities, including the renewables transition, road and infrastructure funding, crime, and cost of living pressures.
Ms Rinehart kicked off the day’s notable speakers, followed by an address from Ms Allan and Q&A session in which attendees were able to question the state’s leader on how her government was supporting regional development.
A panel on the future of Victoria’s energy mix followed, featuring National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke and shadow minister for infrastructure and regional development Bridget McKenzie.
The day’s second panel will discuss road funding, with Infrastructure Victoria CEO Jonathan Spear expected to outline how the state plans to improve major transport routes and increase safety.
A final panel on what is needed to help boost prosperity in Victoria’s regional communities will round out the day, featuring NBN chief development officer for regional and remote areas Gavin Williams and Commbank general manager for small business banking in Victoria Tess McCormack.
Rinehart talks up ‘best in the world’ primary industries
In a video address, Ms Rinehart spoke at length about the importance of Australia’s primary industries, with a particular focus on the importance on mining.
“We have developed primary industries that shine on the global stage,” she explained.
“Our agricultural produce is amongst the best in the world. Aren’t we fortunate to be able to enjoy? Or mining companies are world leaders, again, lucky us.
“That is the engine room of Australia and massively contributes, more than all other industries combined, to give us the high standards of living we currently have.”
The mining magnate highlighted the “massive” export earnings and taxation revenue generated by her industry, suggesting many government services and agencies would struggle to survive without the funding derived from resources.
She added that mining provided many of the materials essential to build homes, meaning the industry had a key role to play in the ongoing effort to grow supply and make housing more affordable.
At a time where scrutiny of the sector is higher than ever, Ms Rinehart also pushed back at critics, reminding them “everything either has to be grown or mined.”
