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

I certainly can, as last week, in a further sign of our commitment to regional and rural Australia, this government released the white paperon developing northern Australia. We are investing $700 million in transport infrastructure, including $100 million to upgrade cattle roads. In addition, we are investing $75 million to establish a northern cooperative research centre with a focus on agriculture to help solve some of the issues that have impeded development in the past. We have set aside $200 million for water infrastructure capital spending in the north and additional funds to fund water development studies. Having water available in the right area is crucial for economic growth. The measures outlined are but a few of the initiatives contained in this landmark document, and it will be complemented with a further vision for agriculture more broadly when the Minister for Agriculture releases the agricultural competitiveness white paper in the coming weeks.