BUDGET 2020: THE NATIONALS IN GOVERNMENT DELIVER FOR REGIONAL AUSTRALIA

The Nationals in Government will continue supporting job-creating, economy-boosting infrastructure, as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for Australia, rebuilding our economy to secure regional and rural Australia’s future.

The Nationals in Government are delivering a record $110 billion transport infrastructure program and $3.5 billion rolling water infrastructure fund to support local jobs and businesses at a time it is needed most.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Leader of The Nationals Michael McCormack said the Budget delivered on our economic plan for a stronger and more resilient Australia, boosting the economy, providing water security for regional and rural Australia, meeting our national freight challenge and getting Australians home sooner and safer.

“The Budget includes new and additional funding in the 2020-21 Budget for projects and initiatives, supporting more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the projects, to get Australia back to work and back in business following the pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Minister for Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Government was boosting farm exports, investment in the agricultural workforce and ensuring regional Australia could build resilience to drought, floods and bushfires.

“This is a Budget that makes the necessary investments to set regional and rural Australia up to keep driving the nation’s economic recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said the Budget backed the resources industry, unlocked Northern Australia’s potential and boosted water security for farmers.

“Our gas-fired recovery plan will deliver more jobs, as we introduce strong reforms to the North Australia Infrastructure Facility and help farmers lead the recovery effort through a $50 million extension to the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme,” Minister Pitt said.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said The Nationals in Government were delivering more funding for veterans and our Australian Defence Force.

“We are providing more than $100 million to bolster mental health support for our veterans and their families, whilst providing Defence with more than $42 billion this financial year – that’s what The Nationals in Government are able to deliver,” Minister Chester said.

Shane Manning