Media Releases
Friday, 7th November 2014
Briggs' Call For Proper Process Comes Too Late
Assistant Infrastructure Minister Jamie Briggs' call for proof that projects represent value for public money comes too late, given Tony Abbott has already handed out billions of dollars to states for projects which have not been the subject of cost-benefit analysis.
These include the Napthine Government's proposed East -West Link in Melbourne, for which Mr Abbott has provided his Liberal colleagues a $1.5 billion advance payment, including money for Stage II, which is not due to begin until at least 2016.
Mr Briggs was today reported as complaining that states were reluctant to release business cases to prove proposals provide legitimate economic benefits rather than being proposed for political reasons.
His concern reeks of hypocrisy.
Since taking office last year Mr Abbott has scrapped commonwealth funding for public transport projects across the nation, including the Melbourne Metro and Brisbane's Cross-River Rail project - both of which had produced cost-benefit analysis approved by Infrastructure Australia.
He has transferred that funding to the East-West Link, Sydney's Westconnex project and Toowoomba's Second Range Crossing.
None of these projects have been subject to final cost-benefit analysis.
Given his record, Mr Briggs' late conversion to proper process is unconvincing.
Sign up to get the latest news from Anthony
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
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.