Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Minister for Rural Health) Share this | Hansard source

The coalition understand that all parts of government have a role in driving the economic development agenda in regional Australia. I know Senator Macdonald knows that well. The defence white paper investment is well supported by the coalition government's strong regional development approach. This announcement builds on our commitment to key regional roads and infrastructure through programs such as Roads to Recovery, the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Bridges Renewal Program. This is also complemented by the national stronger regions fund, which I might add has its third round closing shortly.

Each of these programs contributes to our unflinching focus on jobs and growth for all of those who call regional Queensland and regional Australia home. I look forward to working closely with the defence minister to ensure the strong relationship between Defence and regional development can continue and deliver greater outcomes to those in rural, regional and remote Australia.