Darren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Deputy Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

The member did refer to decentralisation and regional development opportunities and the role of the RDAs in that. I acknowledge that the minister has received the report, and the government is considering its response as we speak. She did refer to opportunities for regional growth in her own electorate. There are commitments being made by the Turnbull-Joyce government, commitments that have seen the Great Alpine Road upgrades progressing, the Kiewa Valley Highway upgrade, and the North East railway line receiving $100 million. The member for Indi's local council has received $14.5 million through Roads to Recovery, because we have committed to those programs, like Roads to Recovery, black spots, bridges renewal, and mobile phone blackspots—all these programs which are delivering for regional committees. So I say to the member for Indi: get on board. Get on board this team. This is a team that stands up for regional Australia: the Turnbull-Joyce team actually stands up for regional Australia. Do not be like the Leader of the Opposition, who cannot decide whether he barracks for the Swans or the Magpies; you have got to pick a team! The member for Kooyong picked a team; he picked the Blues. You have to pick a team, member for Indi. This Turnbull-Joyce team is delivering for regional Australia and you should get on board.

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