At the request of Senator Ketter, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in June 2019:

The indicators of, and impact of, regional inequality in Australia, with particular reference to Government policies and programs in the following areas:

(a) fiscal policies at federal, state and local government levels;

(b) improved co-ordination of federal, state and local Government policies;

(c) regional development policies;

(d) infrastructure;

(e) education;

(f) building human capital;

(g) enhancing local workforce skills;

(h) employment arrangements;

(i) decentralisation policies;

(j) innovation;

(k) manufacturing; and

(l) any other related matters.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave is granted for one minute.

In December 2016 the Treasurer commissioned a study by the Productivity Commission into transitioning regional economies. The study was completed in December 2017 and provides detailed research and evidence into the effectiveness of policies designed to support regional prosperity and to reduce disadvantage. The government notes the ongoing workloads of committees and committee secretariats and related concerns about additional references.

Question agreed to.