Ted O'Brien (Fairfax, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Deputy Speaker Claydon, as I'm sure you would agree, there is no better state in Australia than Queensland. The importance of Queensland as a state was affirmed in this year's federal budget, where we saw so much money dedicated to infrastructure—well over $5 billion—on new projects. One of those projects, the upgrade of the North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Nambour, will receive a $390-million contribution. This represents 50 per cent of the funding. We rely now on the state government that owns this asset to tip in the remaining 50 per cent for that project. However, the Treasurer for Queensland has made a statement saying that the federal government's contribution is:

… not available for another four to five years, which makes it a bit of a gag, really.

Well, rather than a 'gag', I suggest that Minister Trad's comments are, in fact, a gaffe—at least a mathematical gaffe. If the Treasurer looks at page 140 of the 2018-19 budget paper No. 2, she will see the confirmation of $390 million, and $200 million of that is scheduled for the forward estimates. What we need right now is the Queensland state government to make its commitment. That's the only thing outstanding—make that commitment.