Independent. Fact driven. Future focused.
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is the nation’s first and only independent think-tank dedicated to empowering Australia’s regions. We are a not-for-profit organisation that undertakes research to inform, educate and activate our rural and regional communities.
The RAI celebrates 14 years in 2025. We are proud of the vast array of research, data, and detailed insights the RAI has provided into many of the significant issues and challenges facing regional Australia. The work of the Institute is made possible through research partnerships with federal, state and territory governments, the national Regions Rising event series, regional consultancy projects, membership, and philanthropic funding.
In 2022, the RAI launched the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 - A Framework to Rebalance the Nation. The Ambition is a 10-year plan for regional Australia that seeks balanced growth across our nation’s regional towns and cities. It outlines key targets, actions and benefits that will contribute to building prosperous regional communities, and a stronger Australia.
The RAI exists so that decision-makers at all levels of government, not-for-profits, industry, and community have the information they need to ensure the best outcomes for regional Australia. By replacing myths and stereotypes with facts and knowledge, the RAI seeks to build a more inclusive, unified and prosperous future for all Australians.
We care about the regions, because when our regions are strong, Australia is strong.