Senate debates Questions without Notice
New England Electorate: Roads
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:09 pm
My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Nash. How many road-funding projects have been announced in the New England electorate since September 2013?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
I don't have that brief with me. I'll take that on notice for the senator.
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
2:10 pm
The Bolivia Hill upgrade on the New England Highway was funded in Labor's 2013 budget. Why did it take until last week for tenders to be called on this vital project?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Again, I'll take that on notice. But the senator would be aware that often there are a number of things that delay contracting with projects. There is information required from proponents; there is all manner of financial arrangements that have to be ticked off on. While I don't know the details of that particular project, I'll take that on notice for the senator.
Stephen Parry President
Senator Cameron, a final supplementary question.
Doug Cameron NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services
Given that this project was funded in Labor's 2013 budget, but tenders were only called last week, isn't it clear that it's the prospect of a snap by-election in New England that has panicked the government into action on this vital project?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
2:11 pm
No, that is not clear. I completely reject the assertion by the senator.