Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) | Hansard source

This is a clear example of the investment that we are making in the future of our nation to make us stronger and to make it happen as quickly as possible.

It's not just there. We are making massive investments in the Pilbara. This is an area where tens of billions of dollars are being invested by the companies in that area, and we are building on it. We believe it's untenable that in the 4,000 kilometres between Perth and Darwin we don't have a city of 100,000 people, and we are working with these companies to make sure we build the Gladstone, we build the Newcastle of the north-west of Australia. This is vision. This is what we do.

We are sealing the roads through the desert, through the Tanami, to these areas. We are building the dams in North Queensland—Hells Gates, Urannah—but, of course, we need Labor's support at a state level. We are building the ports, including Bundaberg port, and we're proud enough to stand behind the miners of the Hunter Valley in upgrading Newcastle's port. We are making sure that this nation is stronger. We are making sure that we have the capacity to expand our agricultural production—60,000 hectares from one dam alone before we get to Urannah.

But the member for Parkes asked for alternative policies. We will see tonight whether there are alternative policies. We will see tonight whether their blood runs red or green. That is how we'll be able to choose. Will they support Hells Gates dam? Will they support the Urannah dam? Will they support the Hunter Valley and the coal miners? Will they support the great city of Gladstone and their miners? Will they support the Northern Territory vision for our nation? This is an election where we have a choice. We have a choice about whether we want the Minister for Defence to be the member for Gorton or the member for Dickson. We have a choice about whether we want the foreign affairs minister to be Senator Marise Payne or Senator Penny Wong. We have a choice about whether we want sneaky Jim as the Treasurer or Josh Frydenberg. We have a choice about whether we want the member for Cook or the member for Grayndler, and I know the choice the Australian people will make. (Time expired)

Honourable members interjecting—

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