25/08/05
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today dismissed Opposition claims that a toll would be placed on the Perth-Bunbury Highway.
“Our Government made a clear commitment not to introduce tolls and we stick by that commitment,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“If the Opposition is genuinely concerned to get the road built, they should be pressuring their Federal colleagues to accept the State’s proposition that would see the Federal Government contribute $170million and the State $200million to get the project under way.
“It is outrageous that the Commonwealth is demanding the State contribute $280million in order to get $170million from them - that requirement is not being placed on any other State.
“It is bad enough that Western Australia is only receiving 5.8 per cent of Federal Auslink road and rail funds for capital projects - now they are placing unfair conditions.
“The claim of the Leader of the State Opposition that the real reason for not signing is the requirement to adopt the National Code of Conduct for the Construction Industry is nonsense.
“We have made it clear to the Commonwealth we are prepared to sign the agreement with this provision.
“The Commonwealth does not negotiate agreements - it just dictates conditions - at some point we need to draw a line in the sand.
“Mr Birney is nothing but an apologist for a Federal Government intent on short changing WA when it comes to road funding.
“All we want is our fair share of Commonwealth funding for this vital road project.”
Minister's office: 9213 6400
