Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Tourism) | Hansard source

I'd like to start by thanking senators for their contribution to this debate on the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026. I'll keep my comments brief because I know there are more amendments for us to work our way through this morning.

The Australian government is committed to driving economic development in northern Australia in a stable, reliable and accountable way, and this bill delivers practical and targeted updates to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Act 2016. It ensures that the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility remains fit for purpose and capable of supporting transformational projects across the north well into the next decade. There are a range of amendments that this bill takes us through—extending NAIF's investment decision-making period for another 10 years, strengthening accountability and compliance, establishing joint responsibilities for the ministers of northern Australia and finance and refreshing the statutory review requirements so we can keep that accountability as part of the system. The continuation of the investment period through to 2036 responds directly to the findings of the review that Senator Scarr spoke to. This will preserve NAIF's capacity to continue promoting transformational projects across northern Australia and provide long-term certainty to investors and communities.

This bill strengthens the legislative foundations of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, enhances accountability, provides certainty to investors and project proponents, ensures that NAIF remains a reliable partner in delivering the long-term infrastructure necessary to grow northern Australia. It's a practical, measured and future focused package of reforms. I've seen with my own eyes the real transformational effects and economic benefits that the NAIF has had in northern Australia—and will continue to have over the next 10 years if this bill is passed. I think, genuinely, if you are a supporter of the people of northern Australia and the NAIF, then you will support this bill. I thank the Senate, and I commend the bill to the Senate.