Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

The Commonwealth’s funding arrangements with the states, the territories and the block grant authorities require that these authorities deliver value for money. They are required to report monthly on how the money is actually being spent. The shadow minister for education has tried to sow confusion by comparing apples with Schmackos, the cost of building to lock-up stage with the cost to the final fitout. Our buildings will have everything they need to make them fully operational.

Construction is always a low-bid industry, and in the difficult economic times competition becomes even more intense. Without this program, we would see hundreds of builders, tradespeople and service providers out of work. In fact, without the government’s stimulus measures since last October an extra 210,000 Australians would be out of work today. (Time expired)