Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

Clearly, Senator O'Neill must have been living under a rock because the government has for some time been committed to increased investment in water infrastructure. The government has for some time been committed through the agriculture white paper and the Northern Australian white paper to significant additional investment, particularly across Northern Australia in the context of the agriculture portfolio. As I have indicated in my primary answer, the agreement that was reached between the Leader of the Liberal Party and the Leader of the National Party formally reconfirmed pre-existing policies and pre-existing budget commitments, in the main. Clearly, there was a reassurance sought and a reassurance given that under the new leadership of the Liberal Party these policies would continue to be pursued. Of course, the fiscal implications of that are reflected in the budget in the usual way.