Sarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

What a disappointing contribution from the member for Watson. What we have seen in the Nationals agreement with the Prime Minister is a party, along with our party, the Liberal Party, determined to stand up for regional Australia, something the Labor Party have never done. I support this deal and think it is fantastic for regional Australia. What a shame that the member for Watson was not able to take the same approach to regional and rural Australia when he was in government.

Just look at our mobile base station program as an example. When Labor was in government, there was not one dollar on mobile phone black spots—an absolute disgrace. We are proud to stand up for regional Australia. We are proud to stand up for regional communities, whether it is for the NBN, more money for roads or our fantastic mobile phone black spots program. And look at what members opposite are doing on the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The attempts to rip that down just show how little members opposite care about farmers and regional Australia. It is an absolute disgrace. If this legislation is not quickly brought through the parliament and passed, it will cost agriculture and farmers $300 million straight away because they will miss out on two tariff cuts. Frankly, the record of those opposite in standing up for rural and regional Australia is an absolute disgrace, and I say 'hear, hear!' to more money, more investment and a greater commitment to rural and regional Australia.

And speaking of a disappointing record—I come from the proud city of Geelong. I represent the federal electorate of Corangamite very proudly.

See this speech in context