Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sterle for his question. Our main priority remains direct investment, and that is why for every dollar in payments we are investing more than $2 in schools, roads and houses. Between 11 March and 6 April Centrelink will deliver payments to families, students and drought affected farmers and small businesses. The key payments being delivered in the fortnight commencing 24 March are the $950 training and learning bonus, the temporary supplement to the education entry payment and the $950 farmers hardship payment. These payments are just one part of the Nation Building and Jobs Plan. We are also making a direct investment in housing and infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and support jobs. These key measures include free ceiling insulation for Australian homes, new or refurbished facilities in every Australian school and building more than 20,000 new social housing and defence houses. (Time expired)