By: Mark Parton
Canberra Liberals Leader and Shadow Minister for Transport, Mark Parton is calling on the ACT Government to come clean on the true cost of Stage 2B of the light rail project to Woden, warning Canberrans cannot afford more hidden debt and secrecy.
Mr Parton has lodged a motion in the Legislative Assembly demanding the ACT Labor Government publicly release the full early costings and timeline for the project by the last sitting week in June.
The call follows the release of economist Saul Eslake’s report into the ACT’s fiscal sustainability, which described the Territory’s financial position as “unsustainable” and criticised the Government’s lack of transparency around major infrastructure spending.
“Canberrans deserve to know exactly how much this project will cost before the Government signs them up to billions more in debt,” Mr Parton said.
“Stage 1 and Stage 2A have already cost taxpayers billions, yet the Government still refuses to provide detailed figures for Stage 2B.”
Mr Parton said the requested costings should include early works, bridge duplication, roadworks, tram stops, pedestrian infrastructure and additional rolling stock.
“Before more tracks, show the facts,” Mr Parton said.
“Transparency and accountability must come before political agenda.”
Under Labor, you pay more and get less.