QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator ROBERTS (Queensland) (14:34): My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Farrell. Minister, the great Australian infrastructure project— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Roberts, please resume your seat.

Order across the chamber. I need to be able to hear the question. Senator Roberts, I'm going to invite you to start again, and I expect there to be silence.

Senator ROBERTS: Thank you, President. There'll be no welcome to country. My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Farrell.

The great Australian infrastructure project, GAIN, proposal has been with the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility for more than two months now. The proponents have provided all the information the NAIF requested. This proposal is coming from a consortium of leading Australian companies, some publicly listed, who have the expertise and resources including funding to progress this project.

The GAIN project will add more than $100 billion to Australia's GDP, provide 40,000 breadwinner jobs and provide transport, power, water and internet access across northern Australia, including lifting remote Aboriginal communities out of poverty through improved market access, town services and tourism. Minister, will you undertake to work with the NAIF to progress GAIN as a matter of urgency?