Regional Australia: Roads

Mitchell criticised the Nationals for hypocrisy, noting that the previous coalition government had committed to reviewing speed limits in 2018. Mitchell argued that the current government had doubled Roads to Recovery funding to $1 billion annually and reversed a maintenance funding freeze from 2013. Mitchell claimed the Nationals had failed to deliver on past infrastructure promises in Victoria.

Conaghan referenced international road safety principles, arguing that shared responsibility requires government investment in road design and maintenance. Conaghan stated that reducing speed limits victim-blamed regional drivers and failed to address the poor condition of roads in National Party electorates. Conaghan urged the government to fund road repairs rather than imposing lower limits.

Phillips highlighted the government's record investment in regional roads, including doubling the Roads to Recovery Program and increasing the Black Spots Program to $150 million annually. Phillips detailed specific projects in her electorate, such as the Jervis Bay flyover and Milton Ulladulla bypass, funded by the federal government. Phillips expressed disappointment at a local council's lack of transparency regarding a secured road package.

Chaffey argued that lower speed limits would increase travel times for emergency services and freight, negatively impacting animal welfare and business costs. Chaffey cited rejected disaster relief funding applications for councils in his electorate, including Dubbo and Bourke Shire. Chaffey noted that the Country Mayors Association of NSW opposed the proposal, citing increased isolation and policing burdens.

Urquhart outlined a $120 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, including $2.3 billion for Tasmania over the next decade. Urquhart listed specific projects such as the Bridgewater Bridge and upgrades to the Tasman Highway, funded through various federal programs. Urquhart also mentioned increased support for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme to reduce costs for local producers.

Landry described the speed limit proposal as a shortcut that ignored the need for road maintenance and safety features. Landry argued that lower limits would increase vehicle operating costs and weaken national supply chains. Landry criticised the government for cutting the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program while increasing traffic from renewable energy projects.

Swanson stated that the review of speed limits originated from a 2018 coalition commitment and was part of a transparent consultation process. Swanson highlighted the government's increased funding for Roads to Recovery, the Black Spots Program, and the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program. Swanson pointed to the progress on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension in her electorate as evidence of effective infrastructure delivery.