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

This important reform will ensure that all Australians share in the benefits of the resources boom. As a Western Australian I am pleased to say that the resource-rich states of WA and Queensland will also directly benefit from a $6 billion regional infrastructure fund. In WA this government will invest more than $2 billion on critical regional infrastructure like roads, rail and port. Already, the government has committed $480 million to fund the important Perth airport road project, which will help reduce congestion. More than $2 billion will also be invested in Queensland to build roads, rail and port. We have already committed to fund the Townsville ring-road and a major upgrade of the Peak Downs Highway. In addition to funding critical infrastructure, which will enable the Western Australian and Queensland economies to continue to grow, businesses will also benefit from the cut in company tax and an instant tax write-off for small businesses.