Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Hansard source

The funny thing is regional Australians are awake to you guys. They are sick and tired of having to wait all the time. It's all these announcements and all these media grabs—'We'll do the Rocky ring road'—but it was actually Labor that funded the business case and it will be Labor that delivers the project.

On this side of the House, regional Australia is much more than a grants program. It's health, it's housing, it's skills and it's infrastructure, and we're delivering for everyone. You should know how hard it is to see a GP in regional Australia. You had 10 years and didn't do anything about it.

We on this side of the House are tripling the bulk-billing incentive and are waiving HECS debts for healthcare workers. That's how you get people to come and work in the bush. We've taken action by expanding the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee and we're incentivising build-to-rent properties because in our communities that's what they're after. We're investing in our people through fee-free TAFE places. We're focused on helping our regions grow with the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund and the $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart fund.

We've listened to regional Australia. They've asked for help for mitigation and resilience in natural disasters. You did nothing, and we'll deliver $200 million every year in the Disaster Ready Fund. Just like the bushfire royal commission asked for, we'll deliver a national messaging system to protect people and property. You had a chance. You did nothing. After the BBRF debacle, we'll make sure— (Time expired)

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