QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:48): I thank Senator Payman for the question. I understand that there has been a lot of discussion about the Westport program, which is one of the most significant container port developments in decades, and we are, as a government, supporting the WA government to deliver this landmark infrastructure that will create lasting economic and social benefits for Western Australia and for the country.

The Commonwealth investment is in Westport planning and enabling infrastructure. It builds on the program that has been delivered by our government with the Cook Labor government, including Metronet, the Tonkin Highway Corridor, the Outback Way and the Fremantle Traffic Bridge. We will continue to engage with the WA government as they advance Westport.

This is about ensuring and future-proofing Western Australia's trade capacity, and the investment is intended to help keep freight costs down, ease pressure on the price of everyday goods and support a pipeline of local jobs. Safe and efficient access to the future Westport precinct will support industry, create jobs and strengthen the Western Australian and national economies.

In relation to the workforce, obviously, there is great demand for skilled workers in Western Australia, both as a consequence of infrastructure and civil and defence investment and as a consequence of the size and success of the resources sector. You have seen this government invest in skills and in vocational training. We are very conscious of the importance of ensuring we have more skilled workers in our economy to meet these demands.