Calls for Probe Into $2.2 Billion Federal Funding on Major Rail Project

Published on December 29, 2023

Shadow Infrastructure Minister Bridget McKenzie is calling on the auditor general to investigate a $2.2 billion (US$1.5 billion) contribution from the federal government to a major Victoria’s rail project. The Albanese government promised the funding prior to the election and committed the dollars in the first budget of this term. The rail project, dubbed the “biggest transformation of public transport in Australian history” will provide a 90-kilometre (56-mile) rail line that links every major train service in Melbourne However, Ms. McKenzie is concerned about the federal government signing a “blank cheque” for a project that doesn’t stack up. “I’ve written to the Auditor General because I’m very concerned about the risk that this project puts on Commonwealth taxpayers and Commonwealth governments going forward,” Ms. McKenzie told Sky News. ...

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