A parliamentary committee has urged the Federal Government to work with councils to attract trade and investment to regional Australia.

The Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment has recommended Austrade engage in more partnering and cooperation with all levels of government, including councils.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) made submissions on how local government can promote trade and investment in Queensland.

“These submissions may only represent local government perspectives from one state but helped to highlight cooperation and coordination as an area for improvement,” the committee’s report said.

“The LGAQ emphasised that greater coordination between all three tiers of government for trade promotion and investment facilitation is needed.”

The LGAQ pointed out in its submission to the committee that any efforts need to include all levels of government “so that it does complement current initiatives and does not lead to overlap or duplication”.

“Working with the three tiers of government in a coordinated approach will position Australia in what is now a very globally competitive market for investment attraction strategies,” the Association’s report said.

The full report is accessible here.