Regional Australia

Katter argued that the parliament focused too much on redistributing existing wealth rather than growing the economy through infrastructure and resource development. Katter criticised the government for taxing land ownership in regional areas while exempting large metropolitan properties, and noted that banks had effectively redlined lending for home construction in regional electorates. Katter advocated for projects such as the Bradfield Scheme and opening the Galilee coal basin to boost national income and employment.

Templeman highlighted the government's delivery on commitments, including the announcement of 90,000 tonnes of agricultural-grade urea to support fertiliser needs. Templeman pointed to improvements in Medicare access through increased GP training and the 1800MEDICARE telehealth service. Templeman also noted increased funding for the Regional Arts Fund and programs bringing national gallery collections to regional communities, arguing these measures demonstrated tangible support for regional areas.

Haines stated that while the budget contained welcome elements, such as funding for the Growing Regions Program and a commitment to regional housing infrastructure, it did not do enough to address key drivers of regional inequity. Haines criticised the axing of the rPPP program and called for a transparent, merit-based funding scheme for health facilities in regional areas. Haines argued that taxing gas exports could provide revenue to invest in regional productivity and infrastructure, asserting that regional inequity was a policy choice that required bolder reforms.

Scrymgour detailed government investments in remote employment, including 6,000 jobs, and doubled Roads to Recovery funding, with 85 per cent directed to regional areas. Scrymgour highlighted support for small businesses through instant asset write-offs and a food security strategy to address challenges in remote communities. Scrymgour also noted improvements in bulk-billing rates in the Northern Territory and the rollout of tax cuts and the Working Australians Tax Offset as part of the cost-of-living relief agenda.

Chaney identified opportunities in green energy exports, green iron, and critical minerals to boost regional economies, particularly in Western Australia. Chaney emphasised the need for genuine community consultation and co-ownership in development projects, citing the East Kimberley model. Chaney highlighted housing affordability and digital equity as critical barriers, noting that without adequate housing and reliable internet, the transition workforce could not be supported, and virtual services could not substitute for in-person care.

Clutterham argued that the government delivered universal policies that benefited regional Australians, including tax cuts, the Working Australians Tax Offset, and the universal outdoor mobile obligation. Clutterham highlighted specific infrastructure investments in South Australia, such as upgrades to the South Eastern Freeway and funding for local road projects. Clutterham also pointed to support for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and public hospitals as evidence of targeted investment in regional health and connectivity.

Joyce criticised the budget for lacking support for the Tomago smelter and for failing to invest in dams and freight rail, arguing that the government did not understand how to generate wealth on the nation's balance sheet. Joyce condemned the capital gains tax changes affecting small rural properties and expressed disappointment with the slow processing of fuel import financing through Export Finance Australia. Joyce urged the government to expedite approvals for spot market diesel imports to secure fuel supplies.

Coker outlined government investments in her electorate, including Medicare urgent care clinics, mental health services, and road upgrades. Coker highlighted broader policies such as tax cuts, cheaper child care, expanded paid parental leave, and reductions in student debt and PBS medicine costs. Coker also noted the $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund, with specific allocations for regional enabling infrastructure, and the $10 billion fuel security package as measures supporting regional resilience.