Building the Nation Again

Australia once built big things and thought big thoughts. We built dams, rail, roads and ports. They opened up new chances across the country. The Nationals’ plan for the economy is about getting that nation building spirit back.

We want a modern works program. It will deliver the dams, roads, rail, ports and tech hubs Australia needs. So we can grow, lift output and unlock the next wave of new jobs.

Australia has everything it needs to do well. Yet too many Australians feel squeezed. Living costs are rising. Output is under pressure. The path to a secure job, a home and a family life is getting harder. The gap between what people earn and what life costs keeps growing.

The Nationals have a practical plan to rebuild our strength. Make more in Australia. Build more in Australia. Secure more of our future here at home.

It starts with value adding. We should not ship out raw goods and then buy back finished products at a higher price. Stronger factories lift wages. Deeper supply chains build strength. More work done at home helps Australia respond when conditions turn.

It also means plenty of reliable energy. Strong industry cannot run on weak ground. We need cheaper, dependable energy. A balanced mix keeps the system stable and supports new spending.

And it needs nation building in the regions. Country centres power our exports and industry. They need freight links, water, housing, digital links and basic services to grow.

This is the shift. From managing decline to building growth. From talk to real action.

To deliver the plan, the Nationals will:

• Back a 21st century works program. Dams, power, freight corridors, digital connections and industrial precincts that unlock investment.
• Back farmers by cutting red tape, lowering costs, strengthening farm-gate returns and protecting productive farm land.
• Drive a “make and build here” program. Focus on value-adding, strong supply chains and buying rules that back Australian made.
• Deliver an energy plan that is affordable and reliable. Bring input costs down. Keep domestic supply in the system.
• Back regional growth packages. Link jobs, housing and services so families have real choices beyond the capital cities.