Malcolm Turnbull set to announce major transport package in WA vote war
Updated
The Turnbull Government will dramatically escalate a bidding war for WA votes, with the Prime Minister set to announce a multi-billion-dollar funding package, headlined by $500 million for the proposed Ellenbrook train line.
Malcolm Turnbull will also make substantial funding commitments to other aspects of the WA Government's Metronet public transport plans, as well as major road projects in and around Perth.
The cash splash comes as the Federal Government attempts to shore up voter support in WA, where there has been widespread anger over the state's low share of revenue from the GST.
As well as guaranteeing funding for the Ellenbrook line, Mr Turnbull will commit federal dollars to the extension of the Armadale line to Byford and the relocation of Midland train station.
Mr Turnbull's announcement means the McGowan Government can count on Federal Government support for the Ellenbrook, Byford and Midland projects regardless of who wins the next election, with Labor leader Bill Shorten having previously pledged his support to all those projects.
Labor covets Government seats
Labor has its eye on several WA seats ahead of the next election, including those held by Turnbull Government ministers Christian Porter, Ken Wyatt and Michael Keenan, and both sides have been attempting to woo voters with substantial funding commitments.
Mr Shorten has been a regular visitor to WA in recent months as part of that push, campaigning around its promised $1.6 billion WA infrastructure fund.
But the WA Government has continued to argue the state needs a fundamental overhaul of the GST distribution system to permanently fix its low share, rather than just receiving boosted infrastructure funding.
Mr Turnbull's announcement today will also guarantee hundreds of millions of dollars for major road projects, including the latest northern extension of the Mitchell Freeway.
It follows a commitment of an additional $189 million for WA hospital infrastructure yesterday.
Topics: states-and-territories, government-and-politics, rail-transport, transport, perth-6000, wa
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