Andrews Government calling for registrations of interest to help build airport rail link

VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews still has not spoken to new PM Scott Morrison, almost three weeks since he claimed the top job, but he says their airport rail link partnership is still on track.

VICTORIAN Premier Daniel Andrews still has not spoken to new Prime Minister Scott Morrison, almost three weeks since he claimed the top job.

Mr Andrews has written to Mr Morrison about the infrastructure projects being backed by both governments, including Melbourne’s airport rail link, and said it remained a “real partnership” despite the downfall of Malcolm Turnbull.

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Victorian Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said she met last week with her new federal counterpart, Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge, and both sides “share a desire to get on and deliver” the train to Tullamarine.

The state government is now calling for construction companies, designers, engineers, developers and investors from Australia and overseas to register their interest to help build the airport rail link.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan. Picture: Julian Smith (AAP)

A full business case is currently being developed and construction is due to start in 2022.

While the federal government is pledging $5 billion to help Victoria build the project, federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is yet to make a formal commitment to match the money, although he has been a supporter of airport rail.

Mr Andrews said the federal money was “in the actual budget” already and he was sure the project “will have support across the aisle”.

Mr Andrews and Mr Turnbull, prior to losing the leadership to Mr Morrison, had negotiated closely on the airport rail link and determined the route via Sunshine was the preferred option.

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