Some 50 infrastructure projects have been cut by the Albanese government, with Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales hit the hardest.
The projects were announced by the former Liberal government and included in a $120 billion infrastructure pipeline, but were subject to review when the Albanese government came to power in 2022.
Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said many of the projects lacked proper planning and didn’t have informed costings.
“These decisions do ensure that the investment pipeline from the Commonwealth remains affordable, delivers better outcomes for the Australian people in the long term and are aligned with government priorities,” she said.
“There are 50 projects that have been cancelled as part of this process.”
Eighty-two projects were recommended to be cut by the independent review, but not all immediately lost funding.
The Northern Territory was the only state or territory to escape outright cuts to projects, although the government is reviewing or only partially funding further projects around the country.
Five commuter carparks, funded in marginal Liberal-held seats under the controversial scheme by the former government, will not be completed.
Former member for Aston Alan Tudge and Member for Deakin Michael Sukkar announcing funding for a commuter carpark. Photo: AAP
Comments from King about the cooperation of the states struck the wrong chord with Cameron Dick, the Queensland Labor Party’s minister for infrastructure, who didn’t hold back.
Tweet from @camerondickqld
Melbourne’s long-delayed airport rail received funding despite the independent review recommending it be cut, but an ongoing disagreements with Melbourne Airport over whether the station will be underground or overground threatens an even longer wait.
New South Wales lost 17 projects, Victoria 12, Queensland nine, South Australia and Western Australia five each, and Tasmania and the ACT one apiece.