Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The recently released green paper, as part of the Northern Australia white paper, states that unlocking the potential of Northern Australia will require government leadership that fosters private sector investment and ingenuity. New water infrastructure that is designed to build capacity is one of the six key policy areas outlined in the green paper to drive the growth of the north and help capitalise on our geophysical proximity, as we are close to two surging regions of global economic and population growth—the Asian region and the tropical region.

Through the creation of the Water Infrastructure Ministerial Working Group, this government is proving its commitment to the future growth of the development of regional and rural Australia and the water needs of this nation in the future. This is a commitment which underpins our dedication to Australian agriculture as a key pillar of our economy and a fundamental tool in rebuilding our nation after six years of neglect under the previous government.