Regional Roads

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (14:58): I seek leave to give a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Regional Development about regional roads projects in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO: In November last year, the Albanese federal Labor government axed important regional roads projects across the regions of South Australia, including the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade, the Onkaparinga Valley Road/Tiers Road/Nairne Road intersection upgrade and the Truro freight route. Last week, it was announced that western Sydney will receive $1.9 billion of infrastructure funding in the federal budget, including for transport projects that were slashed as part of Labor's review. My question to the minister is: what advocacy has she done to ensure these projects are restored in tonight's federal budget for the benefit of regional South Australia?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:59): I thank the honourable member for her question. The Minister for Transport in the other place is the lead minister in regard to all roads in the state, including regional roads. In terms of his advocacy, I know that he has been very active in this space. He was keen when the announcements were made by the federal Labor government to ensure that communication remained open in terms of supporting and advocating for funding to be available for those priority projects.