CHARLIE MCKILLOP, HOST: It was no coincidence that Anthony Albanese started his New Year in Regional Queensland in Gympie and now in Cairns. And this time instead of bringing his boardies and thongs, the PM, well, he has been all business. As you've been hearing in our local news, he's announced a multi-million dollar boost to social housing for some of the most remote and disadvantaged Indigenous communities in the country. And also an unprecedented injection to fix the Bruce Highway. Prime Minister Albanese, thank you very much for being with us on ABC Far North.

The Albanese Labor Government is boosting Queensland’s housing supply by investing $101.8 million in critical infrastructure that will unlock more than 4,800 more homes across the state.

Ten projects will be allocated funding through the Albanese Government’s Housing Support Program, to fast-track housing in regional and metropolitan growth areas.

Funding will be used on enabling infrastructure works such as roads, sewage and water, as well as supporting access to social housing and increasing housing supply.

The Albanese Government is helping Queensland’s regions to thrive by investing $159 million in community infrastructure that will help improve the lives of locals.

Twenty-five projects will share in the funding which will go towards to building or upgrading community infrastructure - such as cultural and sporting hubs, town precincts and parks - that creates strong communities and impacts everyday lives. 

The successful projects, which went through a competitive, merits-based assessment process, are:

STEPHANIE MARSH, HOST: Now we are joined by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who is in Far North Queensland today as he continues a multi state blitz with an election announcement expected within weeks. Prime Minister Albanese, thank you for joining us there from Cairns.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good to be with you.

MARSH: We've got a lot of things to get through today, but firstly, can I get your thoughts on that awful plane crash that's happened in Western Australia?

KENNY HEATLEY, HOST: The unofficial 2025 election campaign is underway with the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, launching a three state blitz to start the new year. Today, he's in Cairns in Queensland announcing $260 million to go towards community and housing infrastructure. And the PM joins me now. Prime Minister, good to see you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.

MATT SMITH, LABOR CANDIDATE FOR LEICHHARDT: Thank you all for coming along today. I am Matt Smith the federal candidate for the ALP for the federal seat of Leichhardt. I’m here with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister Catherine King and of course Senator Nita Green for some really exciting announcements today, not just for the seat of Leichhardt but for all of Australia. A lot around social housing on the Cape, which is absolutely fantastic. In and of itself social housing is really needed up there.

EMILY MAWSON, LABOR CANDIDATE FOR CAPRICORNIA: Well, it's great to be here this morning with the Prime Minister and Minister King and Senator Green and Senator Chisholm to talk about the Federal Government's $7.2 billion commitment to upgrading the Bruce Highway. Like many people in this region, I just made my Christmas and New Year holidays driving up and down the Bruce Highway to visit friends and family.

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future today, announcing $50 million to boost housing and deliver community infrastructure projects in Cairns and Far North Queensland.

Almost $25 million has been allocated through the Housing Support Program package to boost social housing supply across the region.  

This funding will support the delivery of increased social housing supply through the construction of enabling infrastructure and community amenities such as roads, stormwater drainage, earthworks and connection to utilities.

AARON STEVENS: We welcome the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, to Rockhampton this morning. Hello.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: G'day, Aaron. It's wonderful to be back in Rocky. Well, it's a beautiful morning today. I did the brekkie TVs down by the river and it was just stunning.

LUKE FORREST, HOST: Now, Brookie, we have a very special guest on the line, if not the biggest guest we've had on the show. It is the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. How are you, Albo?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. I am very well. Greetings from beautiful Rockhampton this morning. The Fitzroy River was shining this morning. I've got to say, it was just lovely here.