Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to talk about the development of rural and regional Australia—in particular, northern Australia. We need investment to develop the north. We need investment to boost the northern population. We must seek investment if we are to develop our northern economy for the benefit of our whole nation. Together we can activate the north for the good of our nation, but there are some roadblocks to success—for example, this government doing the opposite of its stated aim of decentralisation by moving more than 400 public servants out of the northern capital of Darwin.

It is imperative that decision-makers understand the north. Let me give you a hot tip: you do not get to understand the issues facing the north by flying into Darwin for an hour, hanging out with what's left of the CLP and bagging the Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition is leading policy development in the north—in particular, through slating $1 billion from the NAIF for tourism infrastructure in the north. This is a welcome commitment in an area of our economy that needs more attention. It will also benefit Indigenous Australians across northern Australia. When we talk about the economies of rural and regional Australia, let's not forget about the north. Let's all come down to the Mural Hall on Wednesday afternoon and join in Facing the North, where people can learn more.