Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Northern Australia, Senator McCarthy. Minister, as senators from northern Australia, you and I both know how important the NAIF is. How is the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility unlocking economic opportunities in the north, and why did the government announce an independent review of the NAIF?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I know members opposite are very excited to hear about this too! A strong north is a strong Australia, as Senator Green knows. The Albanese Labor government is committed to creating secure jobs across northern Australia and empowering the region to drive our nation's future prosperity.

A centrepiece of that vision is the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, which we increased to $7 billion. Last month the NAIF reached a significant milestone, with $2 billion now invested in infrastructure projects across the north. A further $2.4 billion has been committed. The 32 projects now backed by the NAIF are transforming the north and are on track to create more than 18,000 jobs across the country. The NAIF also has 31 projects—I can tell everyone's riveted; this is wonderful!—in its pre-investment pipeline, with the potential to create thousands more jobs across northern Australia. Everyone, move north!

On Monday the Minister for Northern Australia announced an independent review of the NAIF, as required by law. The independent review panel will soon start engaging with a range of key stakeholders to ensure the recommendations—

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

even Senator Smith's excited about moving north—put forward to government are robust and reflect the views of the north. I encourage senators to contribute to this important review. But I recommend that those opposite engage meaningfully, instead of attacking an opportunity to ensure the NAIF continues creating secure jobs and economic opportunities for northern Australians.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Green, first supplementary?

Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That's wonderful news, Minister. Thank you for outlining how the independent review of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility will ensure that it continues creating secure jobs in the north. How is the NAIF supporting Indigenous businesses and boosting employment for Indigenous Australians?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the supplementary question. A priority of the NAIF is improving First Nations outcomes and contributing to closing the gap, and all projects backed by the NAIF need to create and implement an Indigenous engagement strategy that is tailored to the aspirations of the local community. NAIF's proponents have so far created more than 1,100 jobs for Indigenous Australians, and projects have spent over $80 million supporting Indigenous businesses. For example, the NAIF has provided a $150 million loan to Charles Darwin University's Education and Community Precinct, which reports 12.5 per cent Indigenous employment. The Minister for Northern Australia has also instructed NAIF to deepen its investment in social infrastructure, particularly housing, that benefits First Nations communities.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Green, second supplementary?

Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the minister for outlining how the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility is increasing Indigenous employment and backing businesses owned by Aboriginal Australians. Minister, how is the NAIF helping to drive Australia's transition towards a net zero economy by also supporting renewable energy and critical minerals projects?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Green. Minister McAllister. I beg your pardon. I'll get the 'Mc's right. Minister McCarthy.

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, President, and thank you, Senator Green. I might also make mention of Mackay because we do have a member in the gallery from Mackay, which is incorporated in northern Australia—welcome.

The Albanese Labor government updated the NAIF's investments mandate this year to better align its focus with our national priorities, including achieving Australia's net zero and energy transition goals. The NAIF has approved loans to three renewable energy projects expected to create more than 900 jobs and six critical minerals projects forecast to create 2,500 jobs. So, senators, let's get on board and support the NAIF.