Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

As part of this package we continue to invest in our long-term nation-building agenda. We have already set aside more than $26 billion for nation-building funds to finance major infrastructure projects, but we have also put $4.7 billion as part of this package into our roads, rail and education institutions—dividends that will be coming to the Australian community for many years to come. These funds will go towards improving school facilities—school halls, school libraries. These will provide long-term investment and long-term return for Australia. This package delivers on our nation-building agenda. It delivers facilities and infrastructure for the Australian community. While the opposition may ridicule it, every school I have been to realises that this is a very important investment. They know it will provide benefits and jobs to the Australian community. (Time expired)