Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Davey for her question. I acknowledge the commitment of all of us on the government's side of the chamber to rural and regional Australia and, of course, Australians who live there. As we know, rural and regional Australians are incredibly resilient. This has been highlighted in particular by the incidents of the recent droughts, bushfires, the floods and, of course, the impact of COVID-19. But, as we have all witnessed, rural and regional Australians have come through these significant challenges because of their fighting spirit. It is a fighting spirit that Senator Davey would know cannot be underestimated.

The Liberal and National governments are proud to support rural and regional Australians. Why? Because it's in our DNA. Last week the government announced that drought affected communities across Australia will benefit from 163 local infrastructure and community building projects as part of a $207 million investment under round 4 of the Australian government's Building Better Regions Fund. This fund provides grants of up to $10 million to local governments or incorporated not-for-profit organisations for infrastructure and community initiatives. The fund invests in community projects that create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional and rural communities into the future.

The most recent round of the Building Better Regions Fund specifically focuses on helping communities that have been hardest hit by the crippling droughts. We know that many regional communities continue to face the effects of the prolonged dry spell. Our message as a government to them is clear: we understand that you are suffering, and we understand the challenges that you are facing.