Andrews keen to pitch to Morrison for North East Link funding

Daniel Andrews wants to meet with Scott Morrison to convince him to divert cash set aside for the East West Link to the North East project. But his pitch might be helped by a surprising group of Victorians.

Premier Daniel Andrews is happy to meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss diverting federal East West Link cash towards other Victorian projects.

Mr Andrews and state Treasurer Tim Pallas have urged the Commonwealth to stump up the $3 billion that the federal Coalition has said is in a “locked box” for any state government willing to build the controversial toll road.

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Labor has rejected the project at two state elections, including when it ditched contracts in 2014 and wasted $1.2 billion already spent.

Considering there is no chance of partnering with the state to build the EWL next term, some Liberals are keen to see other major infrastructure projects get a cash injection to boost their infrastructure credentials ahead of what is likely to be a May election.

Mr Pallas said the money should be “urgently redirected to the North East Link”, which the Commonwealth has already pledged $1.75 billion towards.

Tim Pallas wants federal funding directed towards the North East Link project.

Some Liberals think that it would be better to spread EWL money around to other Victorian projects given the Andrews Government has previously said the $16 billion NE Link would be “fully funded”.

The NE Link would connect the Eastern Freeway in Bulleen to the M80 in Greensborough, and is popular in eastern and northern suburbs, including those that are within federal seats such as Deakin and Menzies.

After a Treasurer’s Forum on Population in Canberra yesterday Mr Pallas reiterated his call for an increase in federal funding for roads and rail.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas (centre) with NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet at the COAG Treasurers meeting on population at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday. Picture Kym Smith

He said if the Commonwealth’s infrastructure investment was distributed based on population share, Victoria would receive an additional $4.9 billion.

“Victoria accounts for a third of the nation’s population growth and our economy generates more jobs than anywhere else in the nation,” he said.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the population forum was “constructive” and that the group discussed pressures on transport and education and health services, as well as migration issues.

“Population demographics are destiny and they have a major impact on how treasurers and governments manage the economy,” he said.

The federal budget will be handed down on April 2.

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