Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

Continued the debate

Smith argued that northern Australia is vital to national prosperity and that the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility has successfully bridged financing gaps for critical projects. Smith highlighted that the facility had supported 33 projects with $4.3 billion in commitments, generating significant public benefit and jobs. While noting that an independent review recommended the facility operate permanently, Smith stated that the ten-year extension provided necessary certainty for infrastructure planning in regions like the Kimberley and Pilbara. Smith emphasised the need for resilient roads, telecommunications, and housing to support economic growth in the north.

Government response

Green stated that the government was committed to driving economic development in northern Australia through stable and accountable measures. Green explained that the bill extended the investment decision-making period to 2036, strengthened accountability frameworks, and refreshed statutory review requirements. Green argued that this approach preserved the facility's capacity to support transformational projects while providing long-term certainty to investors. Green commended the bill as a practical and future-focused package of reforms.

Opposition response

Scarr supported the facility but argued that it should operate in perpetuity, aligning with the primary recommendation of the 2024 independent review. Scarr contended that the facility uniquely bridges financing gaps for projects that might otherwise not proceed, with no other government institution performing this role. Scarr highlighted the facility's success in generating public benefit and creating jobs, including for First Nations people. Scarr moved an amendment to remove the time limit on the facility's operations, citing the Mount Morgan Tailings Reprocessing Project as an example of its transformative impact.