Inequality+Based+Upon+Living+in+Rural+Environments

 ·   In the late 1990’s a term emerged in the media to try to describe the barriers between the oppurtunities found in urban environments, and those found in rural environments.  ·   The term was sandstone curtain. This was said to be the symbolic dividing line between regional Sydney and the rest of NSW.  ·   The debate over the responsibility of governments to provide some sense of eqaulity between city and country has become a key feature of political life in Australia since the late 1990’s.  ·   Australia has agreed to the international covenant on economic, cultural and social rights, which recognises the right of every citizen to the enjoyment for every citizen to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health and education.  ·   School dropout rates are rising in rural areas.  ·   It is likely that the differences in oppurtunities between the city and the bush will become a major political battleground in Australian society.  ·   The top ten taxable income postcodes in NSW were all in Sydney, while the lowest ten were all in rural areas of NSW.
 * Inequality based on living in rural areas **

Examples: ACCESS - Health Care is a key focus of this area of inequality. Not enough doctors/hospitals Education: There are limited resources for schools. It is difficult to attract good teachers. Transport - Limited rail/bus services