Melbourne’s north showcases regional priorities in Canberra

Edition 9:  November 2025

A high-level delegation from Melbourne’s north also visited Canberra in August, achieving a series of productive meetings with key federal leaders.

Organised by the NCA and local economic development organisation NORTH Link, our visit highlighted the region’s pressing infrastructure needs and its potential as a hub of jobs, education and innovation.

The delegation brought together a broad representation of senior decision-makers, including Mayors and CEOs from member councils and industry leaders.

Delegates met with senior government and Opposition figures to discuss projects critical to the north’s future. Meetings took place with:

• the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

• the Hon Patrick Gorman MP,  Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

• the Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Minister for Emergency Management

• Senator the Hon Jane Hume, Senator for Victoria

• Dr Anne Webster MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Local Government

• Senator James Paterson, Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for Government Services, and Shadow Minister for the Public Service

• Senator the Hon James McGrath, Shadow Special Minister of State and Shadow Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities

• our local MPs:

  • the Hon Andrew Giles MP, Member for Scullin and Minister for Skills and Training

  • the Hon Peter Khalil MP, Member for Wills and Assistant Minister for Defence

  • the Hon Ged Kearney MP, Member for Cooper, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Assistant Minister for Social Services

  • the Hon Kate Thwaites MP, Member for Jaga Jaga and Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaption and Resilience

  • Rob Mitchell MP,  Member for McEwen

  • Basem Abdo,  Member for Calwell

  • various advisers and departmental officials.

​These conversations reinforced the north’s position as one of Australia’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions and emphasised the importance of planning and investment to keep pace with demand.

The visit also highlighted the strong collaboration across local government, health, education and industry in advocating for our region.

The delegation was well received in Canberra, with constructive dialogue paving the way for ongoing engagement. The NCA and NORTH Link will continue to advocate for the needs of our region, working to ensure that Melbourne’s north secures the infrastructure, services and support required into the future.