JANUARY 2025 E-NEWSLETTER
31st January 2025

Over the quiet summer news period, the Newcastle Herald dusted off an opinion piece I had submitted late 2024 on consultation overload.
With a number of consultations underway in addition to the NSW and Federal budget pre-submissions and advocacy for the upcoming Federal election, 2025 looks set to continue the pace and intensity.
It continues to be a busy space for advocates like the Committee. But having long fought for relevance with NSW and federal decision-makers, we welcome the Hunter being at the centre of priorities. It is in our interests to get in there and provide advice to governments on questions they are asking to influence better policy and investment for Hunter communities and the economy.
Your membership fees are critical in supporting the Committee to provide dedicated advocacy services on behalf of the Hunter, with our unique whole-of-region and cross-sector scope.
The Unified Voice platform facilitated by the Committee, bringing together 14 local representative bodies across sectors, will be an especially important vehicle to coordinate and collaborate on advocacy.
The first meeting of the year is next week, where we will focus on how we work together in the lead up to the Federal election. This will include engaging with the Opposition, and, on the other side of the election, working with the cross bench in the outcome of a likely fragile balance of power.
We continue to innovate on advocacy by securing government boots on the ground in the Hunter for comprehensive itineraries and roundtables. These proving effective in providing the joined-up story of the Hunter, aligning priorities, showcasing our capabilities, building ongoing relations and fostering partnerships.
In February, we will host the Climate Change Authority Chair and the High Speed Rail Authority CEO, while partnering with Transport for NSW and UDIA Hunter Chapter in a targeted workshop on the new draft regional transport plan. All have opportunities for member involvement.
In 2025, the Committee is designing a range of platforms to engage members on regionally-significant issues and inform CftH responses to government consultations.
Our distinctive approach convenes a diverse range of stakeholders that would not normally get seated around the table together to identify shared priorities and advocate with a unified voice. These are great opportunities for members to showcase their expertise and build networks, while solving problems important to our region. Keep your eye open for invitations and get involved.
If you have an idea for a member forum within the scope of the Committee set out in our Strategic Plan and would like to host one in partnership with the Committee, I’d love to hear from you.
The Regional Communities Consultation Standards workshop I attended last week identified the need for more coordination across departments and levels of government. The task of coordination often falls to the region. Instead of resenting this, it is in our interests to embrace the role and get governments where we need them to be quicker.
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