Labor’s magic-pudding on infrastructure
19th December, 2008
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Transport Minister, Warren Truss has described the wish list of 94 infrastructure proposals released by the Rudd Labor Government today in the report Infrastructure Australia as a ‘cruel hoax’.“It is clear that given the Labor Government’s poor economic management, most of the items on the $200 billion wish list will never see the light of day,” Mr Truss said.
“Due to Rudd Labor’s reckless abandonment of the Coalition’s carefully built budget surplus, only $7.9 billion is now available in the Building Australia fund after setting aside the $4.7 billion for the National Broadband Network,” Mr Truss said.
“As there is no funding available for 96 percent of the total cost of these projects, the Rudd Government’s promise to fast-track key infrastructure is exposed as a sham.”
The infrastructure audit notes that there is another list of just 28 unnamed projects within the 94 that ‘may be suitable for funding’ – divided into two classes. The report provides no detail as to what these projects are.
By providing a list of projects, most of which have already been discarded, the Government has cynically raised false hopes for project proponents.
“The Rudd Government’s refusal to identify the projects left on the short list is just another example of its lack of openness. The Government’s determination to avoid accountability is an admission of how limited its infrastructure program will be.
“Having spent almost the entire $20 billion surplus inherited from the former Coalition Government, Mr Rudd’s cupboard is now bare and his ability to address our nation’s infrastructure needs is now severely limited”, Mr Truss said.
“Mr Rudd and Minister Albanese must now explain how they will manage the expectations they have created by their foolish rhetoric.
“Infrastructure Australia’s final priority list will not be available until March next year. Mr Albanese must explain how he will meet his commitment to start work on the ground on these projects in 2009.”
