Ms Catherine King (Ballarat, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) Share this | Hansard source

Significantly, they found that, without making significant immediate changes to program settings, the Australian government cannot afford to meet cost pressures or, I add, add any new projects to the pipeline for the next 10 years. That is the legacy left by those opposite: under them, no new Commonwealth investment in infrastructure projects until 2033. That is the legacy and the mismanagement of those opposite. That is because, in the words of the reviewers:

There are projects in the IIP that do not demonstrate merit, lack any national strategic rationale and do not meet the Australian Government's national investment priorities.

That is why today I have announced our new infrastructure policy statement that will guide Commonwealth infrastructure investment into the future. It recommits the Commonwealth to delivering nationally significant infrastructure, ensuring that we've got productivity, sustainability, livability and investment in infrastructure that is nationally significant—projects including an involvement of Commonwealth contribution of at least $250 million, freight investment in our key freight routes, and projects that align with our broader national priorities in increasing housing and unlocking critical minerals. We will be investing in projects that enhance that productivity.

Those opposite have left a complete and utter mess when it comes to the infrastructure investment pipeline, and it's no wonder, frankly, that it was the members of the National Party who were protesting so much. We're getting on with cleaning up your mess and delivering the infrastructure the nation needs. (Time expired)

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