Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Patrick for the question. Infrastructure in this country is determined, at least by this government, in a methodical assessment. It is not divided up on the basis of population. I'm often reminded of this in my home jurisdiction of the Northern Territory. We have a population slightly bigger than Bondi—it's about 228,000—and people argue that we might have a greater amount of GST or that, for the number of people we have, we have more infrastructure funding. But that's just not how it works in a federation. So I believe that the government is investing in the right projects both in South Australia and right across Australia. But, if there are some particular issues, Senator Patrick, where you think the priorities need to be readjusted, I will be more than happy to make an appointment with the minister so you can bring those matters up with him.

But I don't believe in simply carving up the infrastructure funding bucket, as I have indicated, based on the number of people. As you would expect, some jurisdictions have greater needs than others, and I hope you would also agree that infrastructure needs of jurisdictions change from year to year. We accept that, and that's why we approach infrastructure in the way we do.

But South Australia will absolutely benefit from the investments we're making as part of this investment pipeline. There are projects such as the $220 million for the Gawler rail line electrification. I know that that is a high priority. There is $160 million for the duplication of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge and $177 million for the north-south corridor Regency Road to Pym Street.

Again, thanks for the question. I can assure you and all South Australians that we do fund infrastructure across the nation in line with the most rigorous and comprehensive assessment process.