Senator Kate Lundy has today accused the Prime Minister of holding up the Sydney-Canberra high speed rail project.
“Advice that we have received indicates that the Prime Minister is ignoring approaches from NSW Government to advance the project to the next stage – the calling of competitive Expressions of Interest.
“I understand that the NSW and ACT Governments are seeking the participation of the Federal Government in a jointly funded Commonwealth, ACT and NSW task force to progress this next stage. Formal approaches have been made to the Prime Minister but as yet the response has been silence.
“The Prime Ministerial hold-up is blatantly obstructionist” Senator Lundy said.
“The fast train link has the potential to transform the Canberra and Australian Capital Region economy and is one of the few bright spots on our regional horizon. The Prime Minister has an obligation to take action immediately.
“The ball is in the Prime Minister’s court. Once again we see him languishing in indecision and denying regional Australia the opportunity to even explore future growth opportunities.
“The viability of the fast train project needs to be explored immediately and I call upon the Prime Minister to respond immediately and support the State and Territory Government proposal,” Senator Lundy concluded.
For further comment call Senator Kate Lundy or Kym Connolly on 277 3334
