Kevin Rudd (Griffith, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I hear the interjection from those opposite that we have washed our hands for two years! We have washed our hands for two years. What did they do for 12 years? Can we hear those clear statements of policy on our cities’ infrastructure from those opposite for 12 years? What were they? I cannot recall a huge list. What I do remember is the former Treasurer standing in this place and saying: ‘When it comes to urban water, don’t look at us; that’s a responsibility of the states. When you look at infrastructure in general, don’t look at us; that’s a responsibility of the states. Future needs of the hospitals? Don’t look at us; look at the states.’

The people of Australia expect us to rise to this challenge and partner with the states and territories to get on with the business of building the best cities for the future. The nation needs a productivity revolution to build the big Australia we all need and want for tomorrow.

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