Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

In fact, the Labor government wants to gut our dams policy. They want to take money out. They want to remove $232.5 million. They have no vision for this nation. They have no vision for North Queensland. You know that and I know that—that is why we have to try and move this project along. I am looking for the Labor government to stand up for North Queensland, I really am.

But the problem is that when we want to try to deal with these issues we have the member for Grayndler, the shadow minister for infrastructure—but he is not so much a shadow: it's pitch black, it's radio silence; he is like a Cistercian monk, who has come in here with a vow of silence and cannot say boo unless it is an interjection—

Mr Burke interjecting—

I will take the interjection from the member for Watson, because the member for Watson, the Leader of Opposition Business, should give the member for Grayndler a question. You really should. You should look after your workmates. You should treat him fairly. Be fair at work and give that gentleman a question. You should let that man go to that box and ask a question—but you will not.

Opposition members interjecting—

We are going to fight for this dam. I understand how important it is. I have an absolute passion for dams. I have a passion for Rookwood, in the seat of Capricornia; a passion for developing the north; a passion for dealing with water infrastructure; and a passion for Snowy Hydro 2. You cannot get much better than that. That is real vision. Inland rail is also our vision. We have vision; they have none. That is the story. (Time expired)

Mr Snowdon interjecting—

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