Northern Australia Infrastructure legislation a step in right direction

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed legislation introduced in Federal Parliament today to set up the $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), calling for it to be based in North Queensland.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the introduction of the legislation was a step in the right direction for the north.

“Queensland has been working with the Federal Government to finalise the detail of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, and ensure the scheme is properly designed and implemented,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“I am keen for the legislation underpinning the scheme to be put in place by the Federal Government as soon as possible, so financing for projects and business cases can be put forward to be assessed,” she said.

“The people, businesses and local councils I have been speaking with are wanting the Federal Government to get a move on and make a decision around the NAIF location and get the fund going.

“I call on the Federal Government to establish the NAIF headquarters in North Queensland. We had been concerned the Federal Government wanted to base NAIF in Sydney with the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation.

“More than 70 per cent of the population of Northern Australia is based in Queensland, so it makes sense for the facility to be based here.

“I would also like to see the lion’s share of funding for projects coming to Queensland.”

Minister O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to developing North Queensland, by working closely with industry, local governments and investors.

“Last month I led a delegation of Mayors representing Councils across North Queensland to Canberra to meet with a range of Federal representatives, including Josh Frydenberg, to discuss priority projects for our region.

“This followed a series of economic roundtables I hosted across the state last year with business and regional stakeholders

“I will continue to work with the Federal Government to advocate for key infrastructure projects to be funded under the NAIF, and I look forward to the scheme becoming operational.”

Media Contact:                          Minister O’Rourke’s office             3719 7184