Scott Morrison has this week announced infrastructure funding for all mainland states – leaving the Territory out in the cold.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King said the ad-hoc announcements across the country showed Scott Morrison was under pressure to be seen to be doing something.
“These ad-hoc infrastructure announcements are an admission that the economy is weaker than Scott Morrison has been telling us,” Ms King said.
“Rather than ensure projects support jobs right across the country, including in the Territory, these announcements are designed to protect two jobs – that of the PM and his deputy.”
Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon said there are many projects across the Territory that the PM could bring forward, like the road upgrades in Kakadu.
“The PM told me in the Parliament last month that design work is underway for the Kakadu road upgrades, so why doesn’t he bring forward funding to get construction underway sooner?” Mr Snowdon said.
“At the moment, federal funding is not allocated to Kakadu until after the next election. Our communities need this work brought forward to create jobs, improve tourism access and road safety across Kakadu National Park.”
Member for Solomon Luke Gosling said the Federal Government is yet to commit any funding to the Darwin Ship Lift, which will boost jobs in the top end.
“I’ve been campaigning for a Ship Lift for Darwin for a long time – it will create 100 jobs in construction and also solidify Darwin’s position a key maritime hub,” Mr Gosling said.
“The Federal Government should invest in a Ship Lift to boost our economy and set us up for a more sustainable future.”
Senator Malandirri McCarthy said this snub continues the Prime Ministers neglect of the Northern Territory.
“This snub is yet another example of the Morrison Government failing Territorians,” Senator McCarthy said.
“Territorians tell me they need jobs now not in four, five, six years’ time when most of the federal funding will flow.”
“It’s time Scott Morrison got behind Northern Territory and brought forward infrastructure spending and the jobs that will come with it.”