Mr STEPHEN SMITH (2:35 PM) —My question is to the Treasurer. Is it the case that, until the Treasurer spoke in the House on 8 and 16 February about infrastructure capacity constraints, the Treasurer had not previously spoken in the parliament about infrastructure capacity constraints since becoming Treasurer in 1966?

Honourable members interjecting—

Mr COSTELLO (Treasurer) —After being Treasurer since 1966! Why do I look so young? Somewhere there is an ageing photograph of me with wrinkles and lines, which is taking all of the punishment. Of course I have mentioned infrastructure in this parliament on a number of occasions. One of the obvious times that comes to mind was from last year’s budget in relation to AusLink. AusLink would probably be the most major infrastructure that we have ever announced in relation to roads. I would be very surprised if I did not mention that. Australia’s largest road project under consideration at the moment is a thing called the Scoresby Freeway. Memory would tell me that I have mentioned the Scoresby Freeway in this House on a number of occasions.

Memory would also tell me that I have mentioned some of Australia’s big mining projects and the investment that has been going on in mining. Let me make this point: infrastructure is not merely a matter for government; a lot of infrastructure in Australia is built by the private sector. Whether it be the alumina plant at Gladstone that I have spoken about on a number of occasions or whether it be other mining projects, that is real infrastructure. The other point that I have been making is that private investment, particularly in mining infrastructure, has been going up for a long time. We appreciate the question, but I will warrant you that, like many questions, it is based on a false premise.