Electing a federal Labor government on July 2 would risk tens of thousands of jobs across northern Australia.

Minister for Northern Australia Matt Canavan said today that Bill Shorten's lack of support for mines and dams across the north puts at risk tens of thousands of jobs in coming years.

"Bill Shorten is trying to side-step questions on whether he supports new mines or dams. Labor either supports them or they don't. They should stop trying to hoodwink the public and just be upfront.

“The Coalition supports mining infrastructure, we support dams and we support agriculture. We support jobs and growth. It’s that simple.

“On visits to North Queensland, Bill Shorten has refused to give his strong support for the Adani Carmichael mine and expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal.

“On Brisbane radio this morning, he again refused to give strong support for coal mining, despite the fact it is responsible for providing more than 180,000 jobs and billions of dollars income throughout Queensland alone.

“Bill Shorten’s own parliamentary secretary, Terri Butler, told a national television audience on Monday night: ‘I don’t support the Adani mine … I don’t support it’.”

Senator Canavan said dam-building was another vital issue where Labor had refused to support job creation.

“The Coalition has pledged $130 million for Rookwood Weir on the Fitzroy River and has budgeted $2.5 billion for water infrastructure investment across the country. By contrast, Bill Shorten and the Labor Party have flat out refused to back Rookwood Weir and they won’t commit to a position on vital water infrastructure.

“More and more, Labor governs for the inner-city. The Coalition governs for all Australians, including families in rural and regional Australia.”