After an election there’s always a degree of uncertainty, and questions abound. Who will we be working with? Will responsibilities change? What’s the policy agenda? Will new priorities be set?

Regardless of the outcome, Welcoming Cities is committed to working with any person, political party, department or organisation who’ll move the dial towards welcome and inclusion. And we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Federal Government to advance an Australia where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.

Congratulations to all new and returning members of Parliament. We’d especially like to congratulate Ken Wyatt on his historic appointment as Minister for Indigenous Australians (Minister Wyatt is a Noongar man and the first ever Aboriginal person in the role).

Earlier this week we gathered an exceptional group of people from government (Federal, State and Local), community and business to discuss regional migration.We considered everything from successes, failures and learnings to community checklists and the implementation of evidence-based population strategies for thriving communities. We’re working to create a framework that might assist a local council to develop a localised population attraction and retention strategy.

This is exciting and complex work, and I’m looking forward to being able to share it with you in due course.

The work of our members and supporters in advancing welcoming and inclusive communities remains as important and vital as ever. Thank you for all that you do - we greatly value your passion, ideas and contribution.