The members of the Northern Australia Universities Alliance provide the following submission to the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia to assist with their inquiry into workforce development in Northern Australia. We look forward to further opportunities to expand on this submission through direct consultation with the Committee.
Central Queensland University, Charles Darwin University and James Cook University are the three Australian universities headquartered in Northern Australia. We have established the Northern Australia Universities Alliance (the Alliance) to enable us to collectively engage with the policy making and practice that is essential for the sustainable social, environmental and economic development of Northern Australia.
In considering the opportunities for northern development and the enablers to sustainable economic growth, we believe it is important to acknowledge the interconnections between (and interconnectedness of) regional development policy and employment policy.
It is particularly important to consider the pre-conditions for positive labour market outcomes, including educational attainment within the north and growing our region’s liveability (including access to integrated health, housing and social services). It is also important to consider specific opportunities for employment in regional areas, including Indigenous-led enterprises, growing the innovation ecosystems, strengthening the care sector, and catering for major economic transitions within the region, inclusive of environmental and climate change management.
Contact us to collaborate, explore and progress strategic opportunities that hold immense potential for Northern Australia.
