Fresh audit needed as Labor’s rail loop blows out

The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has backed calls for the Victorian Auditor-General to undertake a fresh review of the Allan Labor Government’s costly Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), following explosive revelations about its ballooning price tag.

The motion, passed in the Legislative Council, urges the Auditor-General to update his 2022 report on the SRL East to reflect Infrastructure Australia’s latest warnings and the $9.5 billion black hole revealed in the Commonwealth budget.

Mr McCurdy said it was time for real accountability on a project that threatens to drain resources from every corner of Victoria.

“This rail project is shaping up to be the most expensive infrastructure blunder in our state’s history,” Mr McCurdy said. 

“At a projected cost of over $200 billion, it’s clear the Allan Labor Government is putting Melbourne pet projects ahead of the needs of regional Victoria.”

With state debt surging to $188 billion and interest repayments forecast at $26 million a day by 2027–28, Mr McCurdy said it’s regional Victorians who will be left to pay the price.

“Every dollar wasted on the SRL is a dollar not spent on regional roads, hospitals, schools and housing. Labor needs to pause this rail fantasy and start investing in all of Victoria — not just in Melbourne.”

“The Auditor-General must shine a spotlight on this disaster before more damage is done.”

Labor can't manage money, and regional Victorians are paying the price.