Truss thanks Area Consultative Committees
30th June, 2009
Leader of The Nationals and Federal Shadow Minister for Regional Development Warren Truss today praised the efforts of volunteer Area Consultative Committee (ACC) members and staff for their contributions to their communities. “June 30 marks the last day of existence for the highly respected ACC network, which ends after enduring months of shabby treatment from the Rudd Labor Government,” Mr Truss said.
“ACC volunteers and staff have made an enormous contribution to the development and vitality of their regions since ACCs were first established in 1993.
“Over that time their role had expanded significantly and they had taken on greater responsibility for assisting in the delivery of the former Coalition Government’s regional development programs, as well as providing immigration, employment, indigenous, trade and small business programs.
Before the election, Labor promised to expand and enhance the role of Area Consultative Committees and re-brand them as Regional Development Australia.
“Upon coming to office, Kevin Rudd and Anthony Albanese have conspired to close the ACC network down by stealth and today signifies the demolition of Labor’s regional development election promises,” Mr Truss said.
“The Rudd Labor Government’s treatment of ACC volunteers and staff over the last 18 months is nothing short of offensive. Having promised so much and delivered so little, the deceptive tactics that the Rudd Government engaged in over this time have been disgusting.”
Mr Truss said today will be a sad day for more than 150 staff and more than 500 volunteers across Australia who have given so much to improve their regions. Their role has been terminated without even a thank you from an ungrateful Labor Government.
“I was always impressed by the commitment and passion that ACC volunteers and staff had for their communities. Without their talent, knowledge and expertise many social and economic projects that created and sustain jobs right around Australia would not have been realised.
“On behalf of many grateful communities throughout our nation I thank ACC volunteers and staff for their contributions.”
