David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the learned and honourable senator for his question and pause to acknowledge his longstanding interest in and, indeed, very outstanding contribution to regional matters, particularly regional infrastructure. The Australian government is demonstrating its commitment to the future by investing $22.3 billion in its AusLink 2 program. This is building on the highly successful AusLink program which has already committed to investing $15.8 billion in the nation’s road and railway infrastructure from 2004 until June 2009. AusLink 2, the second stage of the government’s national land transport plan, is the biggest investment in the nation’s road and railway infrastructure that has ever been made by an Australian government. It is 41 per cent larger than the current AusLink program that is investing $15.8 million from 2004 until June 2009. AusLink 2 will continue the government’s massive investment in roads and railways. It will help build the strategic road links we need to create new industries and jobs in regional Australia.

As a result of AusLink 2, a significant benefit to Australian exporters will be enhanced through better infrastructure with improved and innovative technologies, better traffic management systems and better rail signal upgrades. This will allow exporters to move their goods to ports more effectively and more efficiently. As a result of this massive expenditure on the nation’s infrastructure, interstate transport will be both quicker and, just as importantly, more reliable. In short, Australia’s regions will be better connected to their markets and services. Specifically, the $22.3 billion AusLink 2 program will deliver, from 2009-10, $16.8 billion for rail and road projects on the AusLink national network. The government will announce the details of the project in due course. The project will reflect the result of the 24 AusLink corridor studies that we are currently conducting with state and territory governments. These studies will set out the strategic priorities for making our major transport links work more efficiently and effectively. Unfortunately, AusLink 2 will have to bear the cost of substantial carryovers and blowouts occurring because of the delays in state and territory governments implementing AusLink 1 programs.

I am only too familiar with such blowouts. In Western Australia, the Perth to Bunbury highway, incorporating the Mandurah bypass, was stalled by the Western Australian government. And I believe it is currently stalled, although it had to start in December of last year to get the funding. I remember the Premier turning a sod, and nothing has happened since. AusLink 2 will include new rules to stop the costs of projects running out of control due to poor planning and management. Unfortunately, that is what the states all too often bring to the party. We will step in and resolve that. We will require all state and territory governments to contribute to the cost of all new projects under AusLink 2. I could go on, but this is the greatest investment in Australian road and rail infrastructure ever made by an Australian government. I am very proud of last night’s budget.