“Tonight’s Budget is part of the Coalition’s plan to build a strong, safe and prosperous future,” Senator for Victoria the Hon Mitch Fifield said.
“This includes building the infrastructure of the future that will benefit Melbourne’s South East.”
“The Abbott Government regards the much-needed East West Link as a project of national significance that will create thousands of jobs and reduce congestion for Victorians,” Senator Fifield said.
“People across Melbourne’s South East know how important the East West Link is to combating the congestion that plagues Melbourne’s road network.”
“Daniel Andrews will waste at least $640 million not to build this world class project, but the East West Link may still be reinstated at a later date by a government willing to do the right thing by the people of Victoria,” Senator Fifield said.
“The Abbott Government will provide $3 billion to the first Victorian Government willing to build the East West Link and is recording this commitment as a Contingent Liability in the Federal Budget.”
“I am pleased that we have reaffirmed our commitment to build the East West Link, despite the Victorian Government tearing up the project contract,” Senator Fifield said.
“Clearly, the Andrews Labor Government has abandoned responsible governance and created sovereign risk, which means the East West Link is being mothballed delayed, but not dead.”
“The Abbott Government wants to invest in major infrastructure projects of national significance in Victoria should the Victorian Government come forward with credible options,” Senator Fifield concluded.
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