Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

Madam Speaker, I didn't know the third test had started in Perth! Putting that aside, can I say, in addition to the 87 projects committed, we have also got 277 projects in the pipeline. I am pleased to say that, over the course of the next week, I will be having discussions both in India and in Singapore about three of those key projects which represent further investment opportunities for Australia in 2013. They include two in the Galilee Basin, by GVK Hancock and Adani, both major projects with the capacity to open up the Galilee Basin. I will also be having discussions in Singapore with potential investors in the Roy Hill iron ore project, which hopefully will go to find an investment decision about the middle of next year.

I raise these questions because the Australian community understands the importance of attracting further investment, despite a dramatic drop in commodity prices, and in doing so maximising employment and training opportunities for Australia. That is what the Australian community wants us to speak about. That is what we are committed to continue to do and that is what we will go forward on in terms of our plan for the future—further investment and jobs for ordinary Australians.

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