Clarity sought over Labor review

A PAIR of Coalition senators descended on the future site of Ballarat Intermodal Freight Hub on Tuesday to slam the Federal Government’s move to review a number of proposed infrastructure projects.

National Party senator Bridget McKenzie and the Liberals’ Sarah Henderson attacked Member for Ballarat and Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, over a pause and review of the previous Government’s $120 billion infrastructure investment pipeline project.

“Here in Victoria over 90 road and rail projects totalling in excess of $20 billion are now up for review and that has led to uncertainty for the construction industry,” said Ms McKenzie.

“These vital projects which are going to make sure we drive productivity gains in our economy and get people home safely are under question.”

The pair called on Ms King to provide clarity over what this review means.

“We are here today to ask Catherine King and the Federal Government what is going to be the future for critical projects in this region like the duplication of the Western Highway from Ararat to Stawell, like the Sunraysia Highway from here to Oyen or indeed the critical realignment at Pikes Creek,” said Ms McKenzie.

The Coalition senators also questioned the review in the contact of another the Labor Government announcement on the acceptance of new migrants.

“This year the Government is planning to bring in 400,000 new arrivals, next year 315,000 new arrivals and over the next five years a total of 1.5 million new arrivals,” said Ms McKenzie.

“That is putting stress and strain on housing supply and critical infrastructure such as road a rail projects.”

Ms McKenzie said she would like to see the Labor Government provide a list of all projects which will be under review.

“Clarity in communication provides certainty,” she said. “Governments get elected and they have the mandate to peruse the merit they were elected on, of course they should.

“But that’s why I’m saying if you want to review the infrastructure pipeline review all the infrastructure projects instead of using it as a smokescreen for your poor behaviour.”

Earlier this month the Labor Government announced that they would be reviewing projects in the $120 billion investment pipeline for value and significance.

A spokesperson from Ms King’s office described the pipeline as clogged with “press release projects.”

“The previous government left the $120 billion infrastructure investment pipeline in a total mess, backed-up with projects that were announced without the support of States or Territories, poorly scoped, underfunded at the outset, or designed simply to win votes,” said the spokesperson.

“It is very clear the pipeline is in disrepair and is not sustainable, which is why a 90-day review will inform the Government about which projects are able to be delivered, and how much they will actually cost.”

As part of the review projects found unsuitable will be scaled back or cut and those which are deliverable, respond to economic pressures and are nationally significant will continue.