The Hon Peter Dutton – Leader of the Opposition, Federal Member for Dickson
Senator The Hon Bridget McKenzie – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Leader of the Nationals in the Senate
3 April 2025
An elected Dutton Coalition Government will support our mining, resources and farming sectors by investing in infrastructure to upgrade agricultural and mining roads critical to getting product to
domestic and export markets.
Every Australian has a higher standard of living because of the wealth generated by selling our resources, food and fibre to the world. Critically, the agriculture and resources sectors employ more
than 600,000 Australians.
We appreciate the contribution that Western Australia in particular makes to Australia through the mining, resources and agricultural sectors. We know that WA’s exports help pay for the nation’s
roads, hospitals and schools.
To support our farmers and miners to grow jobs and opportunities for all Australians, the Coalition will invest $600 million to establish a new Ag & Mining Roads program. This will make it easier to transport products from the farms and pits to the supermarket shelf, to power our businesses, or on a boat to go overseas.
The Coalition will work with representatives of the trucking, farming and mining industries to identify the priority roads to be upgraded in each state to remove barriers to the growth of our resources and
farming sectors.
In contrast, the Albanese Labor Government has cancelled, cut and delayed more than $30 billion worth of infrastructure projects across Australia.
Labor has abolished infrastructure programs that were established to assist our truckies in their freight task including:
● Roads of Strategic Importance
● Bridges Renewal Program
● Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program
By investing in the new Ag & Mining Roads Program, the Coalition will build on our record of investing in critical regional freight routes through initiatives like the Beef Roads, Roads of Strategic Importance and Northern Australian Roads programs.
The program will be delivered over four years and will invest in sealing, widening and strengthening roads, highways and bridges, building flood immunity and resilience upgrades.
This plan will ensure that we have a strong economy, powered by our strength in regional agricultural and resources sectors. A strong economy will drive down inflation, drive down interest rates, and improve Australians’ standard of living.
Only a Dutton Coalition Government will strengthen our resources sector, strengthen our economy, and get Australia back on track.
Quotes attributable to the Hon Peter Dutton MP:
“I want Western Australia to continue to be the powerhouse of the national economy. But we need a government in Canberra that plays to WA’s strengths, not works against it.
“Unfortunately, crucial industries like mining and agriculture are under threat from an Albanese Labor Government that is more interested in appeasing inner-city Greens activists, than the prosperity of
our nation.
“Australia relies on the strength of our mining and agricultural sectors – but they can’t operate at full potential when the roads connecting them to markets are not up to scratch. That’s why this announcement is so important to WA infrastructure and investment.”
Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie:
“The Coalition values the important contribution the agriculture, mining and trucking industries make to our nation and we do not take for granted the sacrifices you make to put food on our tables or turn
on our lights.
“This is why it is important to upgrade our regional freight routes to help get product to domestic and export markets quicker and safer.
“We will invest in productivity and efficiency enhancing upgrades to regional roads and highways to support local industries and jobs and strengthen the national economy.”