Media Releases
Monday, 21st January 2008
Federal Cabinet today formally approved the establishment of Infrastructure Australia, a key driver in the Rudd Government’s plan to fight inflation.
Infrastructure Australia will help fight inflation by boosting the economy’s productive capacity, unlocking infrastructure bottlenecks like clogged ports and congested roads.
Infrastructure Australia represents a dramatic shift in national economic policy, bringing national leadership to infrastructure development for the first time since Federation.
Legislation establishing Infrastructure Australia will be introduced during the first session of the new Parliament.
The Rudd Government will develop a strategic blueprint for Australia’s infrastructure needs and ensure future projects are determined by economic, social, and environmental needs – not short-term political interests.
Infrastructure Australia will be a statutory advisory council with twelve members drawn from industry, government and local government. This will include five from the private sector, one of whom will be the chair. Infrastructure Australia will:
Infrastructure Australia’s immediate task will be to audit the nation’s infrastructure shortfalls and produce an Infrastructure Priority List to guide billions of dollars of public and private investment.
The first Infrastructure Priority List will be completed within 12 months. In developing the List, Infrastructure Australia will assess projects in terms of specific goals, such as:
Infrastructure Australia will also review the extent to which governments can better facilitate infrastructure investment, including through public-private partnerships as well as better planning and approval processes.
The task ahead for Infrastructure Australia is considerable.
The OECD ranks Australia 20th out 25 countries when it comes to investment in public infrastructure as a proportion of national income.
For 11 years the Howard-Costello Government failed to act on Australia’s infrastructure needs.
The Rudd Government is committed to investing in Australia’s future and addressing our nation’s long-term infrastructure bottlenecks.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
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Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
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Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.