Andrews government sources have dismissed the opposition's demands as a stunt because the government’s Big Build website states the contracts in dispute are “expected to be awarded in 2023 and 2024” – after the November election. | paulsakkal
The Victorian opposition has demanded the Andrews government refrain from signing billion-dollar contracts on the mega Suburban Rail Loop project that may need to be ripped up if the Coalition wins government and delivers itsShadow Treasurer David Davis has written to the Department of Premier and Cabinet opposing the signing of contracts before the November election, creating a new test for the government in an infrastructure battle that has created a gulf between the parties.
Davis on Wednesday requested early caretaker conventions – the period about a month before an election when governments stop making decisions unilaterally – for major projects and reiterated the pledge to “shelve” the first stage of the orbital rail loop from Cheltenham to Box Hill, which is set to cost about $35 billion.
“This position is in line with the Victorian government’s previous position concerning the signing of contracts close to elections, particularly in light of considerable budget and major project cost uncertainty.Advertisement “Every cent irreversibly committed to this project prior to the election is a cent that can’t be spent on fixing the health crisis.”Eddie Jim
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