Senate debates Questions without Notice
New England Electorate: Roads
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:17 pm
My question is to Senator Nash, the Minister representing the Deputy Prime Minister. I refer to the Deputy Prime Minister's joint release with the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, which states:
The Bolivia Hill upgrade builds on ... the $10 million I recently confirmed for the future Tenterfield Heavy Vehicle Bypass.
Can the minister confirm that the Tenterfield heavy vehicle bypass was funded by the former Labor government?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
2:18 pm
I'm not aware of those funding arrangements. I'll take that on notice for you, Senator.
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party
Isn't this just further evidence that the prospect of a snap by-election in New England has panicked the government into action on long-overdue projects in that electorate?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
No, not at all. What is quite extraordinary is seeing yet another example of the Labor Party opposite refusing to take an opportunity to talk about the issues that are important to people in this country. All week we have seen from the other side not a moment where they show that they are focused on regional Australia. They come in and ask a question right now about something in the regions, not something that is of priority for regional Australia.
Stephen Parry President
Senator McAllister, a final supplementary question.
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party
2:19 pm
Has the government considered any other commitments for the electorate of New England, which have not yet been publicly announced? And will the minister rule out abusing taxpayer funds to protect the Deputy Prime Minister's seat?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
I don't believe that that particular question relates to my portfolio area. Certainly, I reject any assertion that the decisions that the government makes relate to that.
Jenny McAllister NSW, Australian Labor Party
A point of order, Mr President. My understanding is that Senator Nash represents the Deputy Prime Minister in this chamber. I don't understand the basis on which she is refusing to answer the question.
Stephen Parry President
That's a point of clarification. There was no need for me to intervene. The minister made her statement, and part of that question was in her capacity as representing the Deputy Prime Minister, and part of it was not within her portfolio. So the minister was right in her assertion, and the minister answered the portion that she needed to. Minister, have you concluded your answer?
Fiona Nash NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Yes, Mr President.