Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The Morrison-McCormack government is delivering five strategic basin plans to unlock new gas potential across Australia. We're starting with the Beetaloo basin, which is in Senator McMahon's home territory, the Northern Territory, as well as the Northern Bowen and Galilee basins in Queensland.

The government has announced a commitment to provide up to $50 million for exploration of the Beetaloo basin, plus $173 million to upgrade the roads to make sure of that essential access. The Beetaloo basin will bring jobs—Senator McMahon, I know that's something that is very, very important in your home territory—as well as much-needed investment into northern Australia. But, most importantly, it will bring affordable gas prices. Affordable gas is absolutely essential. No-one could question that the economic prosperity of this country and our manufacturing strategies will be enhanced by affordable and accessible gas supply. The government is absolutely committed to giving companies confidence, to make sure that we can build on our economic recovery.