The Federal Labor Government has confirmed there is no end in sight to delays on critical Western Australian road projects — leaving motorists stuck in traffic and threatening the delivery of infrastructure vital to the nation’s defence and economy.
Questioned during Senate Budget Estimates by Western Australian Senator and Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Matt O’Sullivan, the Department of Infrastructure confirmed a reduction in infrastructure funding for Western Australia, despite surging construction costs and urgent local priorities. Officials admitted that future funding will depend on whether the Government agrees to fund projects that are already delayed or still in planning.
Senator O’Sullivan: “Can you confirm whether the Commonwealth is providing a smaller, larger, or similar proportion of funding for WA infrastructure compared to previous years?
Department: “There has been a reduction in funding in WA primarily due to a number of big projects coming to an end, like Metronet, those sorts of projects. There was a significant amount of funding spent on Metronet last year, but in saying that, there are also a number of other significant projects that are currently in planning that will require future delivery funding once that planning has been undertaken should the government agree to fund those projects. So, there’s some significant pieces of work in the pipeline.
“This Government never delivers – it only delays,” Senator O’Sullivan said. “While Federal Labor blames State Labor for the hold-ups, and State Labor blames the Commonwealth for the shortfall, Western Australians are stuck waiting for projects that should have been completed years ago.”
Senator O’Sullivan said the cuts are hitting both local communities and nationally significant infrastructure.
In Estimates, Senator O’Sullivan raised the ongoing delays to the Tanami Road and the Great Central Road – two of Australia’s most critical cross-country transport links. He said “These projects are vital for connecting remote communities, supporting freight and tourism, and building the nation’s resilience, yet both remain stalled under Labor.”
He said the southern corridor of Perth, which will play a central role in supporting AUKUS submarine operations, is also being neglected.
“The first rotation of US and UK submarines is due in 2027, yet the essential road infrastructure needed to support this major national security partnership won’t even commence before then – because of Labor’s continued delays. The southern corridor is where WA’s defence future will be built, but right now, it’s being held back by inaction.”