Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, President, and thank you, Senator Sterle. The National Reconstruction Fund is about creating jobs—secure jobs, well-paid jobs, blue collar jobs, jobs in our regions,—and a number of National Reconstruction Fund priority areas have a strong regional presence in sectors such as resources, agriculture, defence and renewables. In fact, one-third of manufacturing jobs are located outside our capital cities. That is exactly why we should get behind the National Reconstruction Fund and that is exactly why any party that claims to represent regional Australia should be backing in the National Reconstruction Fund as well.

But don't take my word for it. Let's just take a look at some of the stakeholders who actually care about regional Australia have to say. The NFF president, Fiona Simpson, when this was announced, said:

I am heartened by Mr Albanese's support for the NFF's call for a renaissance of regional manufacturing … Labor's announcement is a step in the right direction …

Geelong Manufacturing Council—Senator Henderson, you might be interested in this—said: 'We strongly congratulate the government for a focus and emphasise on regional development in the National Reconstruction Fund consultation.' Get on board. Back our regions. (Time expired)