The Andrews Labor Government’s decision to not publish Budget Paper No. 4 detailing $69 billion in capital works programs leaves Victorians completely in the dark.
In relation to transport infrastructure capital programs, there is no detail about precisely what the eye-watering amount of $47.8 billion of taxpayer dollars will be spent on.
There is no detail of when transport infrastructure capital projects are expected to be complete and no milestones by which to judge successful and timely construction of projects.
Andrews’ appalling performance on major infrastructure projects, all well over budget, overdue, or both, such as the level crossing removal program, the Metro Tunnel and the West Gate Tunnel demands more project performance details be published, not less.
Andrews has flatly and repeatedly refused to release the cost to Victorians of each level crossing removal, despite massive budget blowouts.
With major transport infrastructure projects collectively years overdue and already $25 billion over budget, Andrews’ response is “nothing to see here” and in the absence of a capital projects budget paper, he means it literally.
Comments attributable to the Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure, David Davis:
“Daniel Andrews and Tim Pallas have written Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan a blank cheque for $47.8 billion with no performance or accountability strings attached.
“This is likely the single most irresponsible act by a Government in Australia since Rex Connor’s unconstitutional approach to Tirath Khemlani way back in 1975.
“Running up huge debts to create a massive slush fund for poorly managed and woefully underperforming transport infrastructure projects will simply not wash with Victorians.
“Andrews’ arrogance simply knows no bounds.”
