Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Stoker for that question, and I recognise that Senator Stoker was there and opened the Cairns Jobs Fair last month. While I couldn't make it, I understand it was a terrific success with around 33 exhibitors, over 700 jobs on offer and almost, I think, 1,300 people through the doors of the jobs fair in Cairns. It's one of three jobs fairs that the government has put on in the last few months, including the ones in Townsville and Wide Bay. It's all part of making sure we connect North Queenslanders and all Australians with the job opportunities that we are growing in North Queensland and right through our country.

In North Queensland, we have, over the past year and a bit, made significant announcements about investments through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. Just the other week, we announced an over $600 million loan to Genex to help build a massive power station in North Queensland and create 510 jobs. We've also made an investment with James Cook University in a technology innovation centre. There will be 270 jobs there. And we've made an investment in the Townsville Airport to upgrade the terminal, creating another 267 jobs there.

In addition to those investments through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, the Northern Australia Roads Program is in the process of upgrading significant road infrastructure in North Queensland, including the Hann Highway, creating the first inland sealed route from Cairns to Melbourne and cutting eight hours off the journey. Right across northern Australia, those roads programs are supporting more than 2,000 jobs being created.

Our government is focused on jobs. It is our No. 1 focus when it comes to the economy because we know that having a job allows you to provide for your children, allows you to pay for your home and allows you to think about other things you will do to support your family and create a better environment for your children. It is a prerequisite to create a better Australia and better communities right across Australia. That's why we fight for jobs and create jobs, and we're doing all we can to keep job growth strong.