Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

Can I acknowledge the senator's tireless work for, and commitment to, regional communities. I am absolutely delighted to advise the senator that on 17 May, I released Regions 2030: Unlocking Opportunity, which sets out this coalition government's agenda for regional Australia towards 2030. The plan is recognition that our regions are absolutely critical to our nation's future and outlines the government's strong commitment to ensuring regional Australia is as strong, sustainable and prosperous as possible. The plan builds on the establishment of the Regional Australia Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Prime Minister, which is aimed at making regional Australia an even better place to work, live and invest.

As part of Regions 2030, we are focusing on five key areas across government. They are jobs and economic development, infrastructure, health, education and communications.

Since coming to government, the coalition has been making record investments in our regions across all of these areas, whether it is in major infrastructure such as the Bruce Highway, building new dams or rolling out the NBN, or whether it is investing in local community infrastructure—such as a new kitchen for the Junction Clubhouse in Cairns, which I had the privilege of opening last Friday. We are delivering the infrastructure and services that will make regional Australia an even better place to live.

This is a government that has many of us sitting on this side of the chamber living in regional Australia. We understand regional Australia. We are also committed to protecting its future. Regions 2030 is our vision to see regions in Australia get the investment that they need and deserve so that we can ensure the future prosperity of the nation, which we know is built on the back of regional Australia.