This bill became law on Jul 3rd, 2023.
Transport & communications
The Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. can now support projects aimed at the particular infrastructure needs of Indigenous peopleThe group the bill says can benefit from NAIF-supported infrastructure when it meets their particular needs. in Northern Australia.
The law left Christmas IslandThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. and the Cocos (Keeling) IslandsThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. outside NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia., made Indigenous-benefit infrastructure support unclear, and did not reflect the October 2022-23 Budget decision to lift funding. This bill expands eligibility, clarifies support for infrastructure meeting Indigenous peopleThe group the bill says can benefit from NAIF-supported infrastructure when it meets their particular needs.’s needs, and raises NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia.’s funding pool from $5 billion to $7 billion.
The Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. had operated since 2016 as a $5 billion financing vehicle for economic infrastructure in the north, but its law still left Christmas IslandThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. and the Cocos (Keeling) IslandsThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. outside the scheme and did not clearly state that funding could back infrastructure meeting Indigenous peopleThe group the bill says can benefit from NAIF-supported infrastructure when it meets their particular needs.’s particular needs. After the October 2022-23 Budget decided to lift the facility to $7 billion, the 2023 bill updated the ActThe original law this bill changes to expand NAIF's reach, funding and purposes. to match that decision, widen eligibility and clarify Indigenous-benefit projects, before Parliament passed it and Royal AssentThe final approval that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. made the changes law.
The main criticism was that the extra NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. funding could still be used for coal, gas or other environmentally harmful projects, instead of being limited to clean and socially responsible infrastructure. That concern was raised mainly by crossbench independents and the Greens, who sought tighter limits, while no party represented in the debate opposed the bill outright.
Hon Madeleine King MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 03 July 2023
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
1 recorded amendment or procedural vote was found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.
Passage speed
103 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
The Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. can now support projects aimed at the particular infrastructure needs of Indigenous peopleThe group the bill says can benefit from NAIF-supported infrastructure when it meets their particular needs. in Northern Australia.
Infrastructure projects on Christmas IslandThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. and the Cocos (Keeling) IslandsThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. can now qualify for Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. support.
The law now makes clearer that Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. funding can be used for infrastructure that benefits Indigenous peopleThe group the bill says can benefit from NAIF-supported infrastructure when it meets their particular needs..
The Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia.'s funding pool rises from $5 billion to $7 billion, increasing money available for eligible infrastructure projects.
(1A) An additional object of this Act is to facilitate the provision of financial assistance for the development of Northern Australia economic infrastructure that meets the particular needs of Indigenous persons.Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Act 2023 final Act text
This amendment will enable the NAIF to provide financial assistance for the development of Northern Australia infrastructure that provides a basis for economic growth, or stimulates population growth, in the territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, collectively known as the Indian Ocean Territories.Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) explanatory memorandum
Item 6 omits reference to paragraph 51(xxvi) of the Constitution in 7(1A)(b) of the Act, so as to correct a minor drafting issue and make it clear that the Act enables the NAIF to provide financial assistance for the development of Northern Australia economic infrastructure for the benefit of Indigenous persons.Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) explanatory memorandum
Omit “$5 billion”, substitute “$7 billion”.Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Act 2023 final Act text
Context
The Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. had operated since 2016 as a $5 billion financing vehicle for economic infrastructure in the north, but its law still left Christmas IslandThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. and the Cocos (Keeling) IslandsThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. outside the scheme and did not clearly state that funding could back infrastructure meeting Indigenous peopleThe group the bill says can benefit from NAIF-supported infrastructure when it meets their particular needs.’s particular needs. After the October 2022-23 Budget decided to lift the facility to $7 billion, the 2023 bill updated the ActThe original law this bill changes to expand NAIF's reach, funding and purposes. to match that decision, widen eligibility and clarify Indigenous-benefit projects, before Parliament passed it and Royal AssentThe final approval that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. made the changes law.
Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. is created with a $5 billion pool
Speakers on the bill said the facility was established in 2016 to finance economic infrastructure and fill financing gaps across northern Australia.
Hansard ↗Budget decides to lift NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. funding to $7 billion
The bill was framed as implementing the October 2022-23 Budget decision to increase the facility’s funding pool from $5 billion to $7 billion.
Why introduced ↗Government introduces a bill to widen NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. eligibility and clarify Indigenous support
The minister introduced legislation to raise the appropriationThe legal authority to spend public money; here it is the size of NAIF's funding pool., add Christmas IslandThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. and the Cocos (Keeling) IslandsThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support. to northern Australia, and make clear that projects benefiting Indigenous peopleThe group the bill says can benefit from NAIF-supported infrastructure when it meets their particular needs. could be funded.
Hansard ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing the parliamentary step needed to lock in the expanded funding and eligibility settings.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final approval that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. makes the changes law
Royal AssentThe final approval that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into an Act, formally expanding NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia.’s reach and increasing its available funding to $7 billion.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Referred to Committee (30/03/2023): Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee; Committee report (04/05/2023)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final approval that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the extra NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. funding could still be used for coal, gas or other environmentally harmful projects, instead of being limited to clean and socially responsible infrastructure. That concern was raised mainly by crossbench independents and the Greens, who sought tighter limits, while no party represented in the debate opposed the bill outright.
Criticism was real but narrow, and mostly focused on how the money could be used.
No ban on fossil fuel funding
Critics argued the bill increased NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. funding without stopping the facility from backing coal, gas or related projects, creating a risk that more public money would support high-emissions development rather than cleaner infrastructure.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
Senate
Defeated 13 to 29. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Labor, UAP, and One Nation.
The amendment was defeated 29-13, so the bill kept its original funding settings and expanded the NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. without those new restrictions.
These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
King supports the bill, saying it delivers the government’s commitment to lift the Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia.’s funding, extend its reach to the Indian Ocean TerritoriesThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support., and clarify its support for Indigenous outcomes.
Read in Hansard ↗McCormack supports the bill and says it is important because it expands the Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia., updates its powers, and gives effect to previous coalition announcements.
Read in Hansard ↗Ryan says the bill should only proceed if the extra NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. funding is not used to back fossil fuel projects in the Beetaloo or Middle Arm, and she wants those assurances put in writing.
Read in Hansard ↗Neumann supports the bill because it lifts the NAIFA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia. funding cap, expands the facility to the Indian Ocean TerritoriesThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support., and clarifies its Indigenous affairs provisions.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
6 speakers · 7 contributions · 6 support
“I am very pleased to support this legislation. I have been a big supporter of the development of the north of my home state for a long time. I have family and friends living in places like Cairns and Townsville, and I've visited the cape and the Torres Strait many times. This is a great opportunity. I'm pleased to support this bill, and I commend it to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bill extends the NAIF's ability to provide financial assistance to the states and territories for the development of northern Australia's economic infrastructure. That is exactly what we need to be able to contribute more to our nation. With the NAIF working with proponents and the state and territory governments, there is more to come in terms of infrastructure that drives our economy and drives jobs for Territorians. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2023 seeks to amend the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Act 2016 and extend eligibility for NAIF financing to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, affectionately known across parliament as the Indian Ocean Territories. This is a fantastic outcome for those external territories and one that we have been advocating for. The NAIF provides a basis for economic growth in Northern Australia and helps to stimulate population growth.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It is in both of these capacities that I speak in full support of these amendments—amendments which will enhance economic growth right across northern Australia and, importantly, the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) islands.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Madeleine King on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Minister's second reading speech
King supports the bill, saying it delivers the government’s commitment to lift the Northern Australia Infrastructure FacilityA government financing body that lends or supports big infrastructure projects in northern Australia.’s funding, extend its reach to the Indian Ocean TerritoriesThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support., and clarify its support for Indigenous outcomes. She argues the changes will help drive economic growth, jobs, and infrastructure in northern Australia.
“This government committed to increase the facility's appropriation in the October 2022-23 budget, and this amendment legislates that commitment. By providing the facility with an additional $2 billion to provide financial assistance to businesses and communities in Australia's north, this government is demonstrating its commitment to developing the north. To date, the facility has committed over $4 billion to projects, generating substantial public benefit.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
King supports the bill, saying it will strengthen northern Australia by expanding the facility's lending power, lifting the appropriationThe legal authority to spend public money; here it is the size of NAIF's funding pool., adding the Indian Ocean TerritoriesThe two Australian territories added to the scheme so their infrastructure projects can be eligible for support., and clarifying that Indigenous outcomes are an additional objective. She also says the facility should help deliver the government's net zero transition priorities.
“The Australian government is committed to driving economic development in northern Australia. The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility amendment bill will amend the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Act 2016 in order to extend the capability of the facility to provide financial assistance to the states and territories and other entities for the development of northern Australia's economic infrastructure. The amendments to the act will increase the facility's appropriation from $5 billion to $7 billion; add Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, collectively known as the Indian Ocean Territories, to the definition of northern Australia in the act; and clarify that the facility may provide financial assistance for the development of northern Australian economic infrastructure for the benefit of Indigenous persons and that this is an additional objective of the act.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“This Government committed to increase the Facility's appropriation in the October 2022-23 Budget, and this amendment legislates that commitment. By providing the Facility with an additional $2 billion to provide financial assistance to businesses and communities in Australia's north, this Government is demonstrating its commitment to developing the north. To date, the Facility has committed over $4 billion to projects, generating substantial public benefit.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
4 speakers · 4 support
“This legislation is important. We know how important the NAIF has been. When changes were made to the NAIF to make sure that more money got out the door because the original conditions around it were probably a little restrictive, I think you saw it at its best self. This Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2023 makes a number of amendments to give effect to previous coalition government announcements, and it clarifies definitions and existing powers relating to Indigenous persons. Indigenous people should have a say in this. It expands NAIF's appropriation from $5 billion to $7 billion.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I support the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2023, as it makes amendments to the previous coalition government's announcement and clarifies definitions in existing powers relating to Indigenous persons.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As our lead speaker has indicated, we in the coalition support this bill, the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2023. We are very proud of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, which we established in government as part of having as a priority the concept of nation-building and investing in projects of a significance that can really help us as a country take a quantum leap forward.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm pleased to confirm that we will support this bill, which puts the coalition policy into law.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 2 mixed
“In a briefing with the minister, Minister Madeleine King, on 22 March 2023, she assured me and other members of the crossbench that NAIF funding would not be used to support the Middle Arm project in Darwin harbour. I ask the government to put that assurance in writing. I ask it also to guarantee further that the NAIF will not be used to support the development of infrastructure projects in the Beetaloo basin. We will hold the Albanese government to account on these commitments.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The amendments that I will propose will ensure that the NAIF funding is directed only towards worthy projects, not fossil fuel projects. The NAIF should remain independent. It should invest only in clean technologies that are actually for the future of northern Australia. Anything else would be irresponsible and would be public money wasted. At a time where there is so much need within communities, that kind of prioritising must occur. I commend the government for the bill, the support of the Northern Territory and the funding, but let's get real and make sure that that funding goes to where it should.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Consideration in detail debate
Consideration in detail
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Consideration in detail debate
Consideration in detail
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final approval that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee; Committee report (04/05/2023)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (30 Mar 2023): Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee; Committee report (4 May 2023)
APH bill page notes
