LABOR’S NATIONAL CONFERENCE SUPPORTS NORTHERN AUSTRALIA DEVELOPMENT

April 01, 2021

 

SENATOR MURRAY WATT
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DISASTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
SHADOW MINISTER FOR QUEENSLAND RESOURCES
LABOR SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND 

 

LABOR’S NATIONAL CONFERENCE SUPPORTS NORTHERN AUSTRALIA DEVELOPMENT

Labor’s Special Platform Conference has endorsed the importance of developing Northern Australia, and formally recognised the vital contribution the region makes to the national economy.

Labor wants to see more jobs in more industries in our north and has committed to realising the north's boundless potential in our National Platform, the party’s primary policy document. 

The new Labor platform also commits an Albanese Labor Government to:

• invest in the infrastructure, skills and jobs that are critical to the sustainable development of our north,
• work with state and territory Governments, local governments and local communities to ensure the north develops its traditional industry strengths, like agriculture, mining and tourism, and creates more jobs in emerging areas like renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, tropical science and service industries,
• work in partnership with First Nations people in our north, to deliver quality education, housing, employment and basic services.

The Morrison Government has repeatedly failed the promises it made to Australians in the north.

In the six years since the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) loan scheme was announced it has only managed to get 6 percent of its $5 billion funding out the door.

At this rate it will take nearly 80 years to release the full amount promised to Northern Australia.

Despite review after review of the NAIF, the Morrison Government has failed to understand the north, and how to help it succeed.

In contrast, Labor has established a Senate inquiry on the effectiveness of the Australian Government’s Northern Australia agenda, and has already published an interim report with nine recommendations to improve the NAIF roll-out.

This builds on Labor's proud history, which includes appointing our country's first Minister for Northern Development.

Labor has consulted with our rank and file members, affiliated unions, MPs and Senators, across the north – from WA, the Northern Territory and North and Central Queensland – to ensure our new platform reflects the local needs of each unique region.

Labor understands that in the past 12 months Northern Australia has suffered drought, fire, floods, trade embargoes and COVID-19.

Labor’s strong message to Northern Australians is that we hear you and we are on your side.

THURSDAY, 1 APRIL 2021