Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. The Reserve Bank governor has called for infrastructure spending to be fast-tracked to support Australian jobs at least 11 times since the 2019 election. Why has it taken a pandemic for this seven-year-old government to wake up to the need to bring forward infrastructure investment?

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This government has been running a $100 billion rolling 10-year program for infrastructure development. Since last November we have worked with state, territory and local governments to bring forward or inject additional investment, which now totals $9.3 billion: $4.2 billion for joint priority projects with the states and territory, which we announced at the end of last year in the midyear update; $1.3 billion brought forward from the Financial Assistance Grant program, which was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in May; $500 million in new funding to establish a new program supporting all councils to undertake local road and community infrastructure upgrades in May; $1.75 billion in additional funding for the Sydney Metro-Western Sydney Airport; and $1.5 billion for shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works, which I've announced.

Mr Albanese interjecting—

I know the interjection from the Leader of the Opposition was about the airport, Mr Speaker. This is the Western Sydney airport that he said he believed in, and he didn't get a dozer on the site in six years. It took this government to make Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport a reality.

Mr Albanese interjecting—

The Leader of the Opposition blames John Howard. The Leader of the Opposition is blaming everybody for his problems today. It's the New South Wales Labor branch's fault. It's the Victorian branch's fault. Apparently it's the New South Wales Liberal Party's fault! But I note that today we have 'Who's going to protect Albo' on the front page of The Age.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Prime Minister!

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I quote it, Mr Speaker. I'm simply quoting the title of the document.

Honourable members interjecting—

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister will resume his seat. The Prime Minister has the call.

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That issue raises many questions. Undoubtedly the Leader of the Opposition will attempt to answer them with, I hope, candour that at least matches that of the Victorian Premier. But the question is: who does he need to be protected from?

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No. The Prime Minister will resume his seat.

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've completed my answer, Mr Speaker.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm still going to point out to the Prime Minister that the question didn't ask about alternative policies.