Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I'm asked about Tasmania. I was there yesterday and the day before. I met with Jeremy Rockliff, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure. We talked about the infrastructure needs of the Apple Isle and what a great job Will Hodgman and his Liberal government are doing down there. As well, I had discussions with the candidate for Braddon, Brett Whiteley, about Bass Highway funding. He understands the critical importance of infrastructure funding. I stood there with Brett, Senator Richard Colbeck and local mayors Daryl Quilliam and Robby Walsh to discuss infrastructure for our region. Later, I discussed it with Senator Steve Martin, a new voice for Tasmania in the government. In Tasmania, there is $461 million to replace the Bridgewater Bridge, a fundamental piece of infrastructure, and there is $400 million under the roads of strategic importance, a Tasmanian roads package that is going to make such a difference to Midland Highway, Bass Highway and all the highways and byways in the Apple Isle. We're getting on with the job of building the infrastructure Tasmania needs, Victoria needs and this nation needs—building our future. I'm asked about the alternative. Well, the alternative is very bleak. In Tasmania, it's just a few million dollars promised compared to our $400 million roads project. The bleak future of those opposite is there before me. It is very bleak indeed. They stand for less jobs and for higher taxes. We stand for infrastructure.

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