Senate debates

Thursday, 7 September 2017

Questions without Notice

New England Electorate: Roads

2:17 pm

Photo of Jenny McAllisterJenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

2:18 pm

Photo of Fiona NashFiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | | Hansard source

I'm not aware of those funding arrangements. I'll take that on notice for you, Senator.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator McAllister, a supplementary question.

Photo of Jenny McAllisterJenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Fiona NashFiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Senator McAllister, a final supplementary question.

2:19 pm

Photo of Jenny McAllisterJenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Fiona NashFiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Jenny McAllisterJenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

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.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

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?

Photo of Fiona NashFiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | | Hansard source

Yes, Mr President.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister.