- Published:
- Tuesday 16 May 2023
In response to the National Infrastructure Investment Program Review, the Andrews Labor Government is providing clarity for workers on Victoria’s Big Build.
The Albanese Government has announced it will undertake a review of its multibillion-dollar Infrastructure Investment Program, with joint Victorian projects to be included.
The review does not include federal election commitments or projects under major construction, and the current total Commonwealth infrastructure investment will stay with Victoria once the review is completed.
Further details of the review were confirmed with the Federal Budget, with states informed that no new contracts to progress works can be entered into during the review period, without express permission of the Commonwealth Government.
That means projects that are moving from early works packages cannot move to the next phase of works for the review period. The Victorian Government has identified several joint projects with work packages close to contract award, including SRL Airport, Clyde Road Upgrade and the McGregor and Racecourse Road upgrades in Pakenham.
Work on these projects will continue until the conclusion of their current package of works. Dates for conclusion vary across each project.
To ensure certainty for workers during this time, they may be temporarily redeployed to other Big Build sites, where their skills and experience are useful for major works, while the review is underway.
The vast majority of Victoria’s Big Build remains completely unaffected, including projects like the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel and the removal of 110 level crossings – all fully funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
There are currently more than 50,000 Victorians working on Victoria’s Big Build – including on the city-shaping Metro Tunnel, North East Link Program, West Gate Tunnel, major road projects and level crossing removals, with opportunities for workers to move across different projects and utilise their skills.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“With a massive pipeline of projects on the way for Victoria, we’ll be building big for years to come – supporting thousands of jobs across our major transport infrastructure projects and boosting the state’s economy.”
“While this national review is undertaken, we’re being upfront with our contractors, workforce, and the public, and following the direction from the Federal Government.”
“We’ll continue to advocate for Victoria to get its fair share of infrastructure funding from the Commonwealth, after being short-changed by the former Liberal government for a decade.”