Peel Development Commission to play key economic role

7/9/93

The Peel Development Commission would continue to play a key role in the region's economic advancement, Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan said today.

Commenting on recommendations in the McCarrey Report, Mr Cowan said its basic thrust in regard to regional development was already being implemented by the Coalition Government.

"The McCarrey Commission saw the role of regional authorities and commissions as facilitating, co-ordinating and promoting economic growth in the regions," said Mr Cowan, who is also the Minister for Commerce and Trade.

"That is very much the philosophy being pursued by the Government now.

"The Commission was very critical of the trend which developed under Labor administrations of politicising regional development authorities.  That trend saw authorities duplicating the roles of other government departments and being directly involved in the delivery of government services.

"As Minister responsible for regional development, I will be ensuring that trend is reversed.

"I have said repeatedly that regional development commissions should be more community-driven, with local people deciding which projects should be encouraged and pursued.

"Again, this is in keeping with the principles of the McCarrey Commission."

Mr Cowan said claims by Labor South-West MLC John Cowdell that the Peel Development Commission would be endangered by the McCarrey Report were unfounded.

Previously foreshadowed legislation placing all development commissions on the same legal and statutory footing was being drawn up and would be introduced before the end of the year.

There were no plans to restrict funding or staffing to levels suggested in the report.  Funding arrangements were subject to the normal State budgetary processes.

Staffing levels would be appropriate to the needs and requirements of the development commissions.

"This Government is strongly committed to regional development, and development commissions will have a major role to play in achieving that goal," Mr Cowan said.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595