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

Thank you for that question. Let me begin by saying the two are not mutually exclusive. Let's talk about East West Link. Last week I indicated that this government is spending on infrastructure to 2019-20 some $50 billion around Australia. We are spending $7.6 billion in Victoria alone. It is very disappointing that the new Victorian government is looking at backing out of the commitment for us to fund about $3 billion to the East West Link. That program will have a significant impact upon the Victorian economy, but more particularly on local jobs. About 6,700 local jobs are involved with this program.

What the government wants to do is work with the new Premier in Victoria to see if there is a way forward, such that we can provide this important policy initiative to the people of Victoria. I explained in great detail some of the time abbreviations that this project, were it to be delivered, would provide to various parts of Melbourne. The six-kilometre link connecting the Eastern Freeway at Clifton Hill to CityLink, including 4.4 kilometre twin tunnels, saves an enormous amount of time for people travelling around Melbourne. The 12-kilometre link between Appleton Dock and the Port of Melbourne to the Western Ring Road at Sunshine West provides similar convenience. The money has been put on the table for very good reason, and we should not discount it. (Time expired)