Turnbull short-changing

Victoria In the 12 months leading up to June 2016, the Bureau of Statistics has estimated that close to a third of Australia’s population growth has settled in Melbourne.

It is clear that Victoria, and in particular Melbourne, is going through a population explosion.

These are levels of growth not seen in any other Australian state.

The Andrews Government has an ambitious infrastructure agenda.

In fact, it is a once-in-a-generation program.

The issue with this transformation is the lack of federal money appropriated to Victoria for infrastructure.

While the program is ambitious, it is also almost entirely state-funded.

Victoria receives only 9 per cent of federal infrastructure funding.

New South Wales on the other hand receives 39 per cent of the national carve up.

The cynics amongst us may note it is the Prime Minister and Treasurer’s home state that comes out on top.

  The need for new infrastructure in Victoria is as obvious as it is overdue and if the Federal Government does not distribute the federal infrastructure budget based on needs and population growth it will leave Victorians with inadequate transport options to meet the needs of a growing economy.

Both Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison appear to understand the importance of transport infrastructure projects, they have displayed their munificence to the people of NSW.

This was not the deal that underlines federation.

South of the border, Victorian’s are wondering: “Why are we being left behind?”  

Michael Danby Federal Member for Melbourne Ports