Decentralisation
The Illawarra is proximate to both Sydney and Canberra, and Wollongong, as the capital of the Illawarra region, is well positioned for the relocation of government bodies. The relocation of government administration bodies to regional areas over time can provide substantial cost savings for government and improve labour force participation and unemployment.
An example of a federal government decentralisation is the Australian Taxation Office which has over 400 employees working out of Wollongong. Lease costs in Wollongong are often 50% lower than Sydney and retention rates are higher compared to Sydney.
RDA Illawarra has made a submission to the Regional Development and Decentralisation Committee and continues to advocate for decentralisation in the region.