David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for that question. The coalition government has made an historic investment in the budget to get on with building Australia's infrastructure, bringing investment in infrastructure to $50 billion through to 2019-20. This includes $16.4 billion more than Labor promised in its infrastructure investment program. We are investing $7.6 billion in Victoria alone. The $3-billion commitment to Melbourne's 18-kilometre East West Link will address major transport challenges for Melbourne.

On 9 September 2014 the Australian and Victorian governments announced the preferred bidder, the East West Connect consortium, to construct and operate the eastern section of East West Link. On 29 September this year a $5.3 billion contract was signed between Victoria and East West Connect to build the eastern section of East West Link. The estimated cost of this section is $6.8 billion. This is real money from a government that is getting on with the job because we are delivering some real action in terms of infrastructure. This includes $5.3 billion for the construction, $700 million for public transport and local road upgrades, $500 million for land acquisitions and $300 million of state project management fees. The Australian government is providing $1.5 billion, with $2 billion from the Victorian government and $3.3 billion from private investment. The Australian government has so far contributed $500 million towards the eastern section. The remaining $1 billion Australian government commitment for the eastern section will be paid over three years from 2014-15. The associated works are expected to commence late this year, and I am very proud of that fact. (Time expired)