George Christensen (Dawson, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, it is already built when it is on paper apparently. The study finished in 2012-13 and then not one cent was allocated for the next financial year to actually start the project. Despite protests from the member for Grayndler, the fact remains that his budget put the ring road in the too-hard basket. That is not surprising, coming from the former regional affairs minister, representing an inner metropolitan Sydney seat, who decided that metropolitan Sydney was actually a 'regional' area deserving of 'regional' funding.

It is that basic lack of understanding—that lack of recognition and that lack of appreciation for real regional Australia and infrastructure like the Bruce Highway—that left the Labor Party caught short. We are getting on with providing the infrastructure and funding needed to ensure that this remains the engine room of regional Australia. (Time expired)

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