Elsie Lange
A record number of women were sworn in on the Labor government’s front bench on Wednesday, including the new Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.
Ms King inherits the portfolios from Nationals Barnaby Joyce and Mark Coulton.
The new minister said she was “deeply honoured and humbled” to be sworn into the role.
“As a regional person myself, I understand how much this portfolio can mean to the lives of Australians across our great country,” Ms King said.
“Good infrastructure investment creates jobs, builds opportunity and unlocks economic growth and productivity.
“Resilient and reliable transport is the backbone of the nation.
“And local government is the closest level of government to the community, delivering the services that Australians rely on.”
Ms King is familiar with the portfolios, serving as minister for regional Australia, local government and territories under the Rudd Labor government in 2013, and opposition spokesperson for infrastructure, transport and regional development from 2019.
The Ballarat MP said she was determined to see the portfolio play a role in building a better future.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues in the states, territories and across local government to deliver the projects and the reforms that will make a real different to the lives of all Australians,” Ms King said
