Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

(   I rise today to draw attention to the serious infrastructure shortfalls that exist in the Northern Territory and my desire for my home jurisdiction to receive the fair cut of GST revenues being discussed at this week's Council on Federal Financial Relations meeting. In terms of its development and in terms of the infrastructure that exists, in particular outside of the major centres, the Northern Territory is at least 100 years behind other jurisdictions in the country. Many of our roads fall well short of the mark, with the vast majority of public access roads still unsealed. The problems are not just around non-existent infrastructure. The facilities that are already there are under ever-increasing pressure as a result of our growing population.

Last year the federal Labor government slashed more than $100 million from the Territory budget, affecting the capacity to deliver education, child protection and health services. The coalition has a much better understanding of the Territory's needs than Labor does. That is why I know this slashing of funds will not be repeated.

I look forward to a positive outcome for Friday's meeting, when the former member for Solomon and the current Treasurer for the Northern Territory, Dave Tollner, will put the case forward for the Northern Territory.