Barnaby Joyce (Queensland, National Party, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Senator Conroy. I refer the minister to reports that the government has frozen $2 billion worth of grants as a result of a $120 billion black hole in its budget and the NBN cost blow-out. Can the minister confirm that part of this freeze includes the $1 billion Regional Development Australia Fund, which it promised to the Independents in return for their support after the 2010 election? Can you confirm that you will deliver all promises to regional Australia in the time frame you promised the Independents?