Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Services) Share this | Hansard source

Many regional communities are doing it tough right now, and I'd like to thank all Australians for getting behind those communities with your generous support. It's why it's so important that our government is investing in regional Australia. Our nation is strong when our regions are strong. The agriculture and mining industries account for 70 per cent of our exports and provide jobs for over two million Australians. Agriculture, particularly, contributes $60 billion to our national economy every year. The coalition has invested over $1.4 billion into regional programs since coming into government, including $200 million for Building Better Regions and $22.5 million for the Stronger Communities Program. These programs provide economic stimulation, create jobs and drive growth right across regional Australia. This is so important because we know that the rain will eventually come. The coalition government stands shoulder to shoulder with our drought-affected farmers and their communities to help them get back on their feet when that happens.