Northern Tasmania is a region of enormous strength.

It has world-class agriculture, food and fibre, advanced manufacturing, major industry, tourism, education, health, energy, natural assets and a highly skilled workforce.

However, businesses are facing rising costs and slower approvals.

Families are struggling with housing, childcare and the cost of living. Major employers are under pressure, facing uncertain futures or leaving the region. Skills shortages are holding back growth.

Essential health, education and community services are stretched. Too many decisions affecting the North are still being made without the North.

As representatives of State Labor, Bass and Northern Tasmania, our responsibility is to listen, represent our communities and work for them.

We convened the Tasmanian Labor Northern Economic Forum because we wanted to listen carefully, understand the local experience, test ideas, build relationships and develop practical policy.

We brought together leaders from business, industry, local government, education, employees, regional development and community organisations to identify what is holding the region back, where the opportunities are and what needs to change.

We thank everyone who attended and contributed openly and constructively.

The experience, ideas and willingness to engage gave us a clearer understanding of the challenges facing the region and the practical action needed to address them.

You can read the summary report of the event here.