Parliamentary Friends of Northern Australia Universities Alliance Event

Good morning, everyone. 

It is a privilege to join you today at the Parliamentary Friends of Northern Australia Universities Alliance event. 

Having worked in the University sector for over ten years, it is a subject matter that I have a keen interest in.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we

meet, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, and pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Before we begin can I say that the floods in large parts of north Queensland are a reminder of the struggles communities in northern Australia often face. 

But its also a good reminder of how strong and resilient communities in northern Australia are. 

I extend my thoughts to those who have been impacted by this event and express my sincere condolences to those who tragically lost a loved one.

I also acknowledge the work of emergency services and all those responding to – or impacted by – this devastating event. The true character of the north is once again on display, and it is truly inspiring.

My federal colleagues including Minister McAllister are working closely with the Queensland government to support all those affected and will continue in the days, weeks and months to come.

Recovering from a disaster like this can take a while, and government, industry and communities all need to work together to help out. 

I’d like to acknowledge my parliamentary colleagues here today, particularly the Hon. Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, for giving us access to this beautiful courtyard.

And to the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of the North and our hosts today:

- Luke Gosling OAM MP, Special Envoy for Northern Australia, and

- Senator Susan McDonald, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia

Both of you work tirelessly for the north, with your sustained advocacy and efforts towards making a real difference to the region.

I want to thank the Northern Australia University Alliance and their Vice Chancellors who I will be meeting with later today:

-Professor Nick Klomp, Vice Chancellor and President of Central Queensland University

-Professor Scott Bowman, Vice Chancellor and President of Charles Darwin University; and

-Professor Simon Briggs, Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University

Working together is what this event is all about and is at the heart of the Northern Australia agenda. 

I know this all too well through the Ministerial Forum on Northern Development which has met four times since it was re-established by the Albanese Labor Government . This Forum has been critical in ensuring that the Federal, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland Governments are working together. 

Another important part of the Federal Government’s investment in the north is the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility which we have topped up by $2 billion to bring their total appropriation to $7 billion.

More recently we appointed an independent panel to undertake a Statutory Review of the NAIF Act. I received an interim report including recommendations in December and I look forward to receiving the final report in coming weeks.

The NAIF has made a significant investment in northern Universities.  It has provided:

• $76 million to Central Queensland University to support Digital Transformation through supporting infrastructure, enhancing campuses and remote learning through digital infrastructure;
• $151.5 million to Charles Darwin University’s education and community precinct and Casuarina Campus project; and
• at James Cook University, $140 million for the Engineering & Innovation Place and Student Halls of Residence projects

These projects are critical to attracting domestic and international students to northern universities and solidifies the role of universities in their respective regional economies. 

I’m appreciative of the collaborative work and consultation that has gone into the Equity and Workforce initiative you are here this week to discuss.

Events such as this are critical in fostering new relationships, strengthening existing ones and learning more about the potential and the future of northern Australia.

As noted in the Northern Australia Action Plan I released last year, Universities are an important developing partner to ensure the needs of the north are addressed through government action. 

This is why I’m looking forward to connecting with new and old friends and hearing your insights on how we can continue to work together to unlock the full potential of northern Australia.

Thank you.