David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. In Perth, the $1 billion Gateway project will provide a critical link for Perth's freight and logistics industries—may I say, without a mining tax. This vital infrastructure will improve access to the airport, reduce congestion and cut travel time for commuters, whilst also making it easier for people-access. We know that freight and container traffic in the area will double by 2030, so we need to act now to ensure Perth has the infrastructure to cope with this increase in demand. It will also be essential for getting agricultural, mining and other resources to the port more efficiently. The coalition is strengthening Australia's economy by investing $3.8 billion into this critical piece of transport infrastructure, all without the pain and suffering and the purely Western Australian tax on mining. (Time expired)