Infrastructure Australia Amendment (Independent Review) Bill 2023

The majority voted in favour of disagreeing with an amendment introduced by Gippsland MP Darren Chester (Nationals), which means it failed.

What does this amendment do?

Mr Chester explained that:

This amendment is an important, practical and fair measure that will ensure that regional Australia has a strong voice on the board of Infrastructure Australia. In appointing the commissioners on the board of Infrastructure Australia, our amendment requires that the minister must ensure that at least one of the commissioners has a substantial connection or substantial experience in a regional area through business, industry or community involvement. The federal coalition urges the House to support this amendment.

Amendment text

(1) Schedule 1, item 22, page 12 (after line 25), after subsection 8(2), insert:

(2A) In appointing the Commissioners, the Minister must ensure that at least one of the Commissioners has a substantial connection to, or substantial experience in, a regional area through business, industry or community involvement.