Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Askew for the question. The Morrison government understands that if you invest in infrastructure you are investing in the creation of jobs. That's why, through our budget 2020-21, we continue our record investment in job-creating, economy-boosting infrastructure. The recent budget also sees additional critical funding for transport infrastructure across all states and territories in Australia. The government's transport infrastructure program has now increased to a new record $110 billion over 10 years, from 2020-21. The new projects that we have announced in the budget are expected to support 30,000 direct and indirect jobs over the construction lives of the projects, at a time when we know Australia needs job-creating policies. This further investment builds on the significant investment that the Morrison government has already made in infrastructure, with projects already under construction supporting around 100,000 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the projects.

Our infrastructure program is making a difference right across Australia. We now have had more than 60 projects starting construction in the last financial year, and more than 50 projects have been completed. Not only that, but our investment in our regions extends to every one of the 537 local government areas across the nation. In fact, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program delivers a benefit to every council, no matter where it is. If you invest in infrastructure, as this government continues to do, you invest in jobs for Australians.