Joint media release with Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Michelle Landry
Significant reforms to the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) that will speed up its delivery and broaden its scope to support job-creating projects have passed a major step through parliament, despite the efforts of two southern MPs to delay it.
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, said the Bill has passed through the House of Representatives and will now head to the Senate.
"Our reforms follow extensive consultation with stakeholders throughout northern Australia and the Coalition Government has listened," Minister Pitt said.
"We will ensure NAIF has the flexibility it needs to further drive economic activity, create jobs, drive population growth and open up new opportunities for people across northern Australia.
"It was the height of hypocrisy to see inner-city southern MPs trying to delay the Bill because the NAIF proudly supports resources projects throughout the north.
"The message from Adam Bandt and the Independent "Green" member for Warringah to the north was clear - we're against jobs for the north," Minister Pitt said.
"NAIF supports a wide range of industries and I look forward to the Bill passing through the Senate so we can deliver new projects for the north as soon as possible," Minister Pitt said.
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Michelle Landry, said the NAIF has already had a significant positive impact on development in the north.
"Our reforms will help NAIF play an even more crucial role at a time when the Government is committed to driving opportunities as part of the national economic recovery from the COVID recession," Assistant Minister Landry said.
"NAIF investments in health, education, resources, energy and agriculture projects , will support more than 7,200 jobs in Australia's north and generate billions in economic activity."
Minister Pitt said people throughout the north in cities, regional and remote communities deserve the opportunities that NAIF can deliver.
