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

Absolutely, Mr Speaker. They're better off with an Albanese Labor government than they ever were under those opposite.

We won't stop at tax cuts. We have today introduced the Future Made in Australia Bill, a bill that is a $22.7 billion injection of funds to make sure that we can make more things in this country and be at the forefront of an energy evolution happening across the world. Letting this opportunity, and the economic growth that comes with it, pass by us would be a real kick in the teeth to regional Australia. But we're not going to do that. This fund will be an absolute game changer—the biggest manufacturing package ever seen in Australia's history. We're not prepared to tell car manufacturers to go offshore. We're going to make sure manufacturers set up onshore. We want to make sure that there's an unprecedented level of funding bringing skilled jobs into our regions to boost local economies.

While we're talking to regional communities about the benefits of an energy evolution and the manufacturing jobs that come from it, those opposite are talking to themselves. We are supporting people to stay local and to train local, because we don't want people to have to pack their bags to get an opportunity in a big city. We want them to build a career in regional Australia. We are making our economy more resilient, creating jobs and a better future for regional and rural Australia. That's how you deliver growth for regional communities. We don't want another decade to tick by. Under those opposite, it was delays and excuses. Under us, it's action. (Time expired)

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