The Regional Australia Institute launches its national roadshow - Regions Rising 2019 - in Canberra on Thursday morning.
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More than 250 people will be travelling from across the country to have their say about the future of regional Australia.
Regional leaders, politicians, economists, academics, industry chiefs, commentators and government representatives will converge on the nation's capital to discuss the biggest issues, including population, health, education and regional jobs.
In a statement, RAI co-chief Liz Ritchie said the event series was the first of its kind for regional Australia; a bipartisan think-tank focused solely on regional issues.
"Today is about lifting up regional Australia and bringing the issues to the forefront where regional leaders can engage directly with key decision makers," Ms Ritchie said.
"It's not designed as a talk-fest, but a vehicle to see real changes for regional Australia, with some of the most influential and forward-thinking minds focusing on solutions for the future."
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Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack will deliver the keynote address and launch the RAI's latest body of work, The Future of Regional Jobs report.
Other speakers include: Bridget McKenzie, the Minister for Regional Services; Mark Diamond, chief executive of the National Rural Health Alliance; economist Dr Nicholas Gruen; Gabrielle Chan, author of Rusted Off; Peter Strong, chief executive of the Council of Small Business; and Kate Carnell, Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
A series of policy hacks in the afternoon will aim to create a plan of action to be presented to both sides of government.
The Canberra summit is the first in the RAI's national Regions Rising series, where a forum will be held in every state and territory throughout 2019.
