"A rising tide no longer lifts all boats". Across the board income and taxation policies provide important recipes for creating economic growth but, as the past few decades have demonstrated, economic growth does not create opportunities for all communities. In this respect both neo-classical and Keynesian economic strategies with their emphasis on global macro-economic policy have been found wanting. This paper puts a case for regionally based strategies that target the most needy zones of poverty and inequality in Australia. The proposal is for the nation, and particularly middle Australia, to back the creation of "job zones" which involve a multi-faceted and customised approach to employment creation in urban and regional areas. By basing our policies on regional inequality there is a risk that mobile populations will take advantage of particular regional responses, however, by carefully targeting urban, inland and coastal community employment needs, it is argued that a more nuanced employment strategy and regional policy can anticipate and create positive outcomes from possible migration effects. The regional focus should also be the basis for more expansionary economic strategy as well as supply side adjustments.
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