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

I thank Senator Williams for his question and for his unrelenting advocacy for regional New South Wales.

The coalition has delivered a budget and an economic plan focused on jobs and growth, and on investing in rural, regional and remote Australia. One of the significant investments made through the budget that I know will be very well received, not only across regional New South Wales but in regional parts of other states as well, is a further significant commitment to the iconic Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project. The coalition is building on the 2013 election commitment which saw $300 million invested into this job-creating project—taking it off the drawing board and putting it on a strong pathway towards delivery. Building on this, $594 million in additional funding will flow to the ARTC to acquire land for the inland rail corridor and to continue preconstruction and due diligence activities.