Regional Australia

Joyce argued that government policies were decimating industries such as hardboard and increasing poverty through high power prices driven by intermittent renewable energy. Joyce claimed the government had cancelled previous infrastructure projects including dams, pipelines, and inland rail, while failing to provide adequate health services in regional towns. Joyce also criticised water buybacks for leaving local businesses and residents in economic destitution.

Chesters highlighted the government's investment in early childhood education to address childcare deserts in regional areas, including reforms to subsidy structures and scrapping the activity test. Chesters noted the completion of the NBN rollout to fibre-to-the-kerb, which improved connectivity for businesses and schools. Chesters also emphasised fairer school funding agreements that benefited smaller regional public schools and increased bulk-billing rates in her electorate.

McCormack disputed the minister's claims, citing a local mayor's disappointment at missing out on road funding due to tight application deadlines. McCormack argued that changes to distribution priority areas had caused general practitioners to leave regional areas for suburbs, worsening doctor shortages. McCormack also stated that bulk-billing rates had dropped significantly in regional areas, leaving patients with limited access to affordable care.

Coker detailed infrastructure investments in her electorate, including road upgrades, rail improvements, and school technology enhancements. Coker reported that Medicare urgent care clinics and increased bulk-billing incentives were strengthening healthcare access for regional Australians. Coker also highlighted the success of free TAFE and expanded paid parental leave, warning that these services were at risk under coalition policy.

Landry argued that regional Australia was suffering from sustained inflation and high energy costs under the government's economic management. Landry claimed that critical infrastructure funding, such as for the Bruce Highway, had been slashed initially, leading to dangerous road conditions and fatalities. Landry also stated that small businesses and manufacturers were being stifled by excessive regulation and red tape.

Phillips listed specific road projects funded by the government, including the Nowra bypass and Jervis Bay flyover, alongside disaster recovery funding for landslips and road repairs. Phillips highlighted the success of Medicare urgent care clinics and mental health hubs in her region, as well as cheaper medicines and energy bill relief. Phillips also noted apprenticeship incentives and tax cuts as measures supporting regional families and workers.

Birrell argued that the government had reneged on agreements regarding the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, removing water essential for farming and food processing industries. Birrell criticised the Integrated System Plan for lacking serious analysis on firming renewable energy, which he claimed threatened agricultural operations requiring reliable power. Birrell also expressed concern about large-scale solar and wind installations on prime agricultural land near small communities.

Repacholi countered that the government had rebuilt regional infrastructure, citing significant funding for the Muswellbrook and Singleton bypasses and other road and bridge projects. Repacholi highlighted NBN upgrades, school improvements, and flood recovery funding in the Hunter region. Repacholi also pointed to benefits from tax cuts, cheaper childcare, and same job, same pay laws as evidence of the government's commitment to regional Australians.