‘New tradition’: Scott Morrison’s latest pitch as he announces $17.9bn infrastructure package

This group has started a “new tradition” and will be instrumental in carrying out a new $17.9bn infrastructure pipeline.

Scott Morrison says the women of Australia have “established a new tradition” and will be instrumental in delivering the federal government’s $17.9bn infrastructure pipeline.

Dozens of projects have been outlined across all states and territories as part of the government's pre-election budget, with Queensland set to reap the biggest rewards with a $3.9bn pledge.

The Prime Minister said the projects would create 40,000 jobs across the country, driving Australia’s unemployment rate even lower than the current 4 per cent, and women would be key.

“(The rate) is going to a 50-year low as a result of the economic plan we’ve been putting in place, and the budget will add further to that economic plan. It’s working … Australians working in record numbers and particularly women,” Mr Morrison said on Monday.

“More than a million women have gotten into jobs, many of them here at this very project (at Western Sydney Airport) in what would some would call non-traditional industries.

“But I think we can get rid of that point of reference … A new tradition has been established by the women of Australia.

“Working on big projects like this, out on the mines and taking on trade apprenticeships.”

Scott Morrison says female tradies will play a big part in delivering the government’s $17.9bn infrastructure pipeline. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

As per last month’s unemployment figures, the 3.8 per cent unemployment rate for women is the lowest since May 1974.

In the same month, 62.4 per cent of women participated in the labour force, up 0.3 per cent from the previous month and up from the pandemic-induced low of 57.5 per cent.

More women will be encouraged to take up jobs as part of the infrastructure pipeline, including $3.1bn towards the Melbourne Intermodal Terminal Package.

The government has also set aside $1.6bn for the long-awaited Beerwah-Maroochydore rail extension on the Sunshine Coast and a $1.1bn rail upgrade for the Gold Coast.

The government has committed $3.3bn for NSW projects.

The Western Sydney Airport is one of dozens of projects bankrolled by the latest budget commitment. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said an additional 40,000 jobs would be created as a result of the projects.

“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as Covid-related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters. This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times,” Mr Frydenberg said.

Opposition Treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers said Labor was urging Australians to take the budget announcements with a grain of salt.

“These guys make these big announcements before every election, but they often don’t actually build anything,” he told the Nine Network.

“Let’s see what they actually deliver.”