Latest News

Regional Labour Markets Update – April 2026

Using datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) provides a monthly snapshot of the regional labour market.

31/05/2026

Regional Labour Markets Update – March 2026

Using datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) provides a monthly snapshot of the regional labour market.

28/04/2026

Ten million Australians now call the regions home as growth continues

Ten million people now call regional Australia home, and Western Australia is leading the way with its regional population growing faster than the cities, according to a deep dive into the latest population statistics released by the ABS.

7/04/2026

When systems fail, regions feel it first

Across the country, this fuel crisis is not theoretical. Diesel bowsers are running dry. Petrol prices are surging. Farming communities are facing real uncertainty about supply.

31/03/2026

Regional Labour Markets Update – February 2026

Using datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) provides a monthly snapshot of the regional labour market.

30/03/2026

Sunshine Coast holds onto capital‑city appeal amid broadening regional migration trends

The Sunshine Coast is still a favourite for Australians leaving capital cities, but more regional Australians are looking further afield, according to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI).

30/03/2026

Policy Pulse: Critical minerals - Regional Australia holds the key

Australia’s critical minerals future will be built in regional communities. This Policy Pulse looks at why social licence, infrastructure and workforce planning are essential to turning extraction into long‑term regional prosperity.

29/03/2026

Regional Labour Markets Update – January 2026

Using datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) provides a monthly snapshot of the regional labour market.

2/03/2026

Gen Z Leads Great Urban Exodus

The RAI's annual snapshot shows more than 5.3 million or one-in-three metropolitan Australians have set their sights on regional Australia saying they would consider a future move.

17/02/2026

Case Study: Griffin Green Affordable Housing, Griffith, NSW

Explore the Griffin Green Affordable Housing, Griffith, NSW case study from our Answering the Call for Regional Housing report.

13/02/2026

Case Study: Huntlee Master-Planned Community, Hunter Valley, NSW

Explore the Huntlee Master-Planned Community, Hunter Valley, NSW case study from our Answering the Call for Regional Housing report.

5/02/2026

Regional Labour Markets Update – December 2025

Using datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) provides a monthly snapshot of the regional labour market.

2/02/2026

Honouring Regional Australians: 2026 Australia Day Recipients

The Regional Australia Institute recognises the many great Australians in our regional communities who have been acknowledged in the Australia Day Honours.

27/01/2026

Case Study: Wimmera Southern Mallee

Explore the Wimmera Southern Mallee, Victoria case study from our Towards Net Zero: Building a Legacy report.

26/01/2026

Case Study: Winchelsea Community Village, Winchelsea, Vic

Explore the Winchelsea Community Village, Winchelsea, Victoria case study from our Answering the Call for Regional Housing report.

21/01/2026

Regional appeal strong as southern states see migration growth

Australians continue to swap city skylines for regional horizons, with relocations from capitals to regions outpacing moves in the opposite direction by more than one-third (36%), according to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI).

18/01/2026

Case Study: Hay’s Community Roadmap

Explore the Hay’s Community Roadmap, Hay, New South Wales case study from our Towards Net Zero: Building a Legacy report.

9/01/2026

Case Study: Woree Social and Affordable Housing Project, Cairns, Qld

Explore the Woree Social and Affordable Housing Project, Cairns, Queensland case study from our Answering the Call for Regional Housing report.

8/01/2026

Regional Labour Markets Update – November 2025

Using datasets from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) provides a monthly snapshot of the regional labour market.

19/12/2025

Newsletter Quarter Four 2025

Keep up to date with the latest Regional Australia Institute activities in our newsletter. Including our CEO's latest article.

12/12/2025

Policy Pulse: Year in Review

As 2025 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on whether national policy development has adequately focussed on the needs of growing and changing regional populations.

11/12/2025

Reflections on a year full of purpose, impact and connection

As I pen this note, I reflect on a year full of purpose, impact, connection and reflection. Almost 12 months ago, our family relocated to the Bega Valley, and what an incredible move it’s been.

10/12/2025