A NEW report will be delivered focusing on how Australia’s mining sector can support businesses in regional economies.

It comes after Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Matthew Canavan, asked the Innovation, Industry, Science and Resources Committee to inquire into and report on the important role industry plays in regional Australia.

The Inquiry will consider a wide range of issues into the relationship between the mining sector and businesses and how the industry can support regional economies.

It will also look at the barriers of increased business participation in the procurement of services by the mining sector, along with building skills and expertise of businesses to leverage opportunities in the mining sector.

Opportunities for businesses to diversify to other markets; including the mining industry in Australia and overseas, and across different industries is another area to be considered.

The role of METS (mining equipment, technology and services) companies in research, development and innovation will also be scrutinised.

Chair of the Committee, Barnaby Joyce MP, said the inquiry would consider how businesses in regional economies can benefit from the development of the mining sector.

“The economic benefits of the mining industry are not limited solely to the ‘big miners’,” he said.

“In any mining area there will also be a raft of businesses providing the mining operation with necessary goods, services, and logistics support.

“Ensuring that there is a close connection between where wealth is extracted and where it is spent is vital for regional economies.”

Click here for more information, including terms of reference for the inquiry and how to make a submission.

The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions before 10 August 2018.

AREEA members seeking more information or looking to contribute to the inquiry should contact [email protected]