Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Birmingham and pursuant to contingent notice, I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent motion No. 1178 being moved immediately and determined without amendment or debate.

Question agreed to.

At the request of Senators McDonald, McMahon and Brockman, I move:

That the Senate recognises the effectiveness of the Liberal-National Coalition Government's Northern Australia Agenda in unlocking the north's vast potential and securing a strong and prosperous region through targeted economic and social development policy, specifically in relation to:

(a) reforming the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), following the recent statutory review, to streamline approval processes and increase the NAIF's risk appetite, to drive the growth of local jobs and increase the opportunities in health, education, resources, energy and agriculture across Northern Australia;

(b) the $190 million 2021-22 budget measures to implement the Our north, our future: 2021-2026 - The next five year plan, which includes:

(i) $9.3 million for pilot geographic regions of growth,

(ii) $68.5 million for a dedicated round of Mobile Black Spot Program and Regional Connectivity Program to enable greater digital connectivity in northern Australia, and

(iii) $111.9 million for a Northern Australia Development Program to help business to scale-up and diversify operations; and

(c) the $10 billion Northern Australia Reinsurance Pool, which will allow northern Australia residents affordable and accessible home, business and strata insurance, and significantly reduce the risk of non-insurance and unsupported bank lending.