The Nationals Federal Conference has unveiled policies of direct benefit to regional Australia.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams said Nationals Leader Warren Truss announced that if elected to Government, the Coalition would establish a $1billion regional education fund.

Senator Williams said the fund will invest in 21^st century education and will encourage students to complete Year 12 and will support them when they move away from home to higher education.

“A Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education will be appointed and the Coalition will also establish a dedicated regional education unit in the Department. We will also have a Minister for Regional Health.

Both people will live in a regional area, unlike Labor which administers everything from the cities.

The Nationals will also keep and rejuvenate the Better Regions Program.

Coupled with last week’s announcement of a $600 million bridge renewal program and direct funding to Councils, the Coalition is putting forward strong policies in the lead-up to the election”, Senator Williams said.