Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. What approaches has the Albanese Labor government changed in order to better deliver for regional Australians?

Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. She is a proud, regional woman delivering in her regional electorate. Like everyone on this side of the House, I'm incredibly proud of the budget on Tuesday night, which delivers for regional Australians. It's great to see that the government recognises regional Australia for what it is. It's resilient, it's diverse and it's innovative. We on this side of the House see that it's much more than the electorate you live in. We know that regional Australians are the economic drivers of our nation.

We've delivered more for regional Australia in one year than those opposite did in 10. Those opposite loved to release a press release and they loved the 30-second media grab, but they actually forgot the bit about delivering. You cannot win votes, you cannot deliver for regional Australia and you cannot build a bridge with a press release. You can't do a new playground with a 30-second media grab. You've actually got to put the hard work in. Just so you know, a shovel helps you get there—or even sometimes a calculator because what you did was add 800 projects to the infrastructure pipeline but forgot to add the extra money. You can't half-deliver a project to people; you actually have to do it.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Gippsland is warned.

Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The funny thing is regional Australians are awake to you guys. They are sick and tired of having to wait all the time. It's all these announcements and all these media grabs—'We'll do the Rocky ring road'—but it was actually Labor that funded the business case and it will be Labor that delivers the project.

On this side of the House, regional Australia is much more than a grants program. It's health, it's housing, it's skills and it's infrastructure, and we're delivering for everyone. You should know how hard it is to see a GP in regional Australia. You had 10 years and didn't do anything about it.

We on this side of the House are tripling the bulk-billing incentive and are waiving HECS debts for healthcare workers. That's how you get people to come and work in the bush. We've taken action by expanding the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee and we're incentivising build-to-rent properties because in our communities that's what they're after. We're investing in our people through fee-free TAFE places. We're focused on helping our regions grow with the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund and the $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart fund.

We've listened to regional Australia. They've asked for help for mitigation and resilience in natural disasters. You did nothing, and we'll deliver $200 million every year in the Disaster Ready Fund. Just like the bushfire royal commission asked for, we'll deliver a national messaging system to protect people and property. You had a chance. You did nothing. After the BBRF debacle, we'll make sure— (Time expired)

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I didn't want to interrupt the minister during her answer, but I remind all ministers answering questions of standing order 65. It is highly disorderly to use the term 'you'. Please direct all remarks through the chair.