James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The coalition government is determined to ensure the best value for money for Australian taxpayers in all infrastructure projects. The government's Australian Industry Participation Plan encourages full, fair and reasonable opportunities for Australian industry to compete for work in major public and private projects in Australia. For example, the Australian Rail Track Corporation currently has a long-term supply agreement with Arrium Steel for rail tracks sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia. Under the new Commonwealth procurement rules, government construction procurements above $7.5 million need to consider the economic benefit of the procurement to the Australian economy, which will provide greater opportunity for Australian industry involvement in infrastructure projects while remaining consistent with our international trade agreements.