Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Minister for Rural Health) Share this | Hansard source

This government recognised that innovation is encouraged when foundations are there to allow small businesses and entrepreneurs to prosper. That is why we delivered on the National Innovation and Science Agenda, something we did not see from the other side.

All government programs and policies have a role to play in triggering growth. That is why we have invested $100 million in round 1 of the mobile Black Spot Program that will deliver 499 new or upgraded base stations. We have already committed a further $60 million for round 2. How much did we see from those opposite when it came to mobile black spots? None, not one dollar. We are looking at Roads to Recovery, Bridges to Renewal and the National Stronger Regions Fund to deliver real outcomes for our rural and regional communities. On this side of the chamber, we know that government has to support rural and regional communities, not try and walk away from them, which is what we saw from those opposite. It is this government that will deliver for rural and regional communities.