More jobs are coming to Orange following today's opening of the Australian Government's new Regional Programs branch office in the New South Wales regional city.
The launch of the office follows the branch's relocation from Canberra under the Australian Government's decentralisation agenda, supporting regional jobs and local economies.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, who officially opened the new office on Byng Street, said the relocation supported the city by shifting public service functions from Canberra to Orange, generating local jobs.
"Today's opening builds on the strong focus The Nationals in Government have always placed on decentralisation, boosting the Central West's economy and delivering local jobs," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Bringing public servants to Orange from Canberra makes them more connected to the regions and the communities they serve.
"It also increases accessibility for locals, connecting them to significant functions of government.
"Investment in regional centres always pays off for local communities and I look forward to Orange attracting high-calibre staff, who will bring with them a strong understanding of regional issues.
"Our decentralisation agenda is supporting regional jobs and communities at a time when it's needed most."
Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, and Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, welcomed the Australian Government's commitment of $4.7 billion from 2013-14 to 2025-26 to regional development programs.
"The new Regional Programs office in Orange is a fantastic example of the Government's decentralisation agenda in action, and will complement the work of the Regional Investment Corporation's head office which was established in Orange 2018," Minister Gee said.
"The Central West, like many country communities, has benefited immensely from the Australian Government's regional development programs.
"They have provided vital funding for a range of projects across all four corners of Calare, including funding for the reactivation of the Oberon-Tarana Heritage Railway, a second racetrack at Mount Panorama in Bathurst, the expansion of the Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex in Mudgee and an MRI licence for Lithgow Hospital.
"These programs are making a real difference in regional Australia.
"That is why it is only fitting that the staff responsible for delivering these vital regional policies and programs are located in country Australia.
"The relocation of the Regional Programs Branch to Orange will create more local jobs and offers a great opportunity for public servants from across Australia to make the 'tree change'.
"It also means that the staff responsible for programs such as the Building Better Regions Fund, the Stronger Communities Programme, and the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages will be able to see firsthand the positive impacts of their hard work at play in their local community."
The new office has already created 23 permanent government jobs, adding to the five permanent staff already based in Orange.
Ten of the new employees have relocated with their families, further supporting the local economy through renting, purchasing new homes and children attending local schools.
When fully staffed, the office will employ up to 31 people, 26 of which will be new jobs in the region, in a variety of roles ranging from entry-level positions through to senior executive management.
