Susan McDonald (Queensland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Resources) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much. When governments withdraw support to northern Australia and the capacity for the north to continue the economic lifting for the rest of the country, every single Australian can expect the cost of living to soar even further. Each additional impost and opportunity removed from the north drives up prices for everybody, whether they live in Darwin or Hobart. It used to be said that we rode on the sheep's back, alluding to wool being the source of Australia's prosperity. Now it is mining, agriculture and tourism. It is correct to say that we ride the northern Australian wave, because, when northern Australia prospers, the whole nation prospers and every Australian is better off. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.