Labor must hit pause button on Suburban Rail Loop

Liberal Party Victoria

The Allan Government should not enter into multi-billion dollar Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) contracts amid growing uncertainty around the financing of the project.

It follows revelations today that Labor is considering a public-private partnership to cover the cost of building the project which faces a multi-billion dollar funding hole.

It casts further doubt on the total cost and financing of the project, as the Federal Government refuses to commit further funding and no details have been provided on the more than $11 billion of new “value-capture” taxes, charges and levies.

Shadow Minister for Major Projects, David Southwick, said: “This project is a mess and the Premier is clearly desperate to find ways to fund it.

“With Victoria’s debt heading towards $200 billion, Jacinta Allan is now turning to the private sector because she can’t manage money and can’t deliver projects on time or on budget.

“The Premier needs explain how this project will be funded and what new taxes, levies or charges Victorians will pay as a consequence of her mismanagement.

“In the meantime, Jacinta Allan must do the responsible thing and delay signing any contracts.”

/Public Release. View in full here.