The Government has determined the policies and programmes it will instigate in support of regional development. It has tasked Area Consultative Committees with contributing to regional development in the following priority areas arising from these policies:

Supporting a planned, cooperative approach to regional development, particularly to the social and economic impacts of structural change, in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia;
Improving the business and investment environment in regions;
Addressing pressing social issues faced by regional communities, particularly through building community skills and capacity;
Improving regional services, particularly by encouraging Federal Government programme take-up and support for partnership solutions;
A partnership approach with indigenous communities to bring whole of government solutions to indigenous disadvantage;
Encouraging the growth of regional businesses and employment; and
Sustaining our natural resources and environment

Actively seeking out those opportunities that arise from the evolving economic, social and technological environment that lend themselves to / are suitable for joint private / public sector development.

ACC Work Principles

In undertaking the above, the following key principles will be embedded in and visible throughout all ACC operations.

Accountability
All activities will comply with good governance practices including sound administrative decision-making, and open and accountable financial management.

Ethical practices
All matters will be handled with integrity and honesty, and in accord with relevant legal obligations.

All members will understand what constitutes 'conflict of interest' and will openly declare any conflict of interest, perceived or actual, in relation to any discussion or decision of the ACC.

Inclusivity
All activities will be conducted so as to recognise the breadth of diversity across their communities and so as to include appropriate representation on their committees, from all within their communities whenever possible.

Independence
All activities will be conducted in a non-partisan manner and in such a way as to be beholden to no individual, group or organisation.

Openness
All processes and decisions will be transparent and open to scrutiny.

Performance orientation
All activities will have clearly defined and measurable performance goals and will be evaluated against these goals in a timely manner.

Professionalism
All activities and decisions will have an orientation to quality. The ACC will seek to be a model of best practice in leadership in community development and capacity building.