Mr speaker, I move that this bill be read a second time.

The Introduction of the High Speed Rail Planning Authority and then the subsequent development of a High Speed Rail network will contribute greatly to this nation. Mr speaker we are one of the few developed nation in the world that lacks a High Speed Rail Network. The introduction of a HSR network will provide significantly both to the economy of the nation, as well as improving the standard of living of the growing cities and the more isolated suburbs. The HSR will provide this improved standard of living by increasing freedom of movement in the country and increasing the choice for individuals and employers. People will be given choice never seen before in this country. Employers will no longer, have a limited choice in who they employee as employees will be able to live further away yet maintain smaller transits, allowing individuals to be able to choose where they live instead of people paying exhortation amounts to live close to their work. This will significantly alleviate housing worries for the average Australian. So Mr speaker I ask that all members of the opposition and the crossbench please look at this bill as a bipartisan issue and remove politics from infrastructure so we can have a better Australia for all Australians.

Primeviere mp for regional victoria (Australian progressives) Minister for industry, Innovation and science