Australian infrastructure associations have congratulated the incoming Labor Federal Government, and look forward to working with the new Prime Minister on industry reform.
Roads Australia (RA) and the Australiasian Railway Association (ARA), have welcomed the expertise of the new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, in transport infrastructure.
RA CEO, Michael Kilgariff, said, “The new Prime Minister’s experience as a previous Minister in the transport and infrastructure portfolios is undoubtedly advantageous for this sector.
“During the previous Labor government, the now-Prime Minister was instrumental in establishing Infrastructure Australia and developing key national transport strategies that provided solid foundations upon which successive governments have built.
“At a time when our industry is delivering a record pipeline of transport infrastructure projects across the nation, it will be more important than ever for decision-makers in the new government to have an innate understanding of the challenges we face, particularly around capacity.”
Mr Kilgariff said the RA looks forward to working with Mr Albanese to deliver procurement reform and skill shortages, hasten the uptake of zero emissions vehicles, and embed greater sustainability and circular economy opportunities in construction and transport infrastructure.
Similarly, ARA Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Wilkie, said ARA is looking forward to working with Mr Albanese to advance a strong rail industry to support Australia’s growth.
“The rail industry is leading a significant program of work to meet our future infrastructure needs and ensure our sustainable development,” Ms Wilkie said.
Ms Wilkie said the Labor Government’s National Rail Manufacturing Plan and National Reconstruction Fund would support the development of increased capability in the Australia rail supply chain.
“Policies that support a strong Australian rail manufacturing sector will ultimately lead to better deals for governments and create more jobs in the process,” Ms Wilkie.
Ms Wilkie said the Labor Government’s commitment to establishing a national infrastructure agenda and framework, and its strong commitment to faster rail, would maximise the benefits of rail investment in the future.
“A strong national approach to infrastructure development will assist industry in driving innovation, building workforce capability and delivering improved outcomes for the economy,” Ms Wilkie said.
“We look forward to engaging with the government to support a national focus that ensures new projects best meet community needs and future demand.”
Ms WIlkie said the ARA is also looking forward to working with the Labor Government as it implements its sustainability agendas and skills development initiatives.
The Property Council and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC), have also congratulated the Australian Labor Party on their federal win, and look forward to their outlined priorities.
Property Council Chief Executive, Ken Morrison, said, “The Property Council congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Labor Government on their historic electoral victory and we look forward to working with an Albanese Government over this next term.
“We have worked closely with Mr Albanese and his senior colleagues in opposition and government over many years and we know the experience they bring to their new roles.”
Mr Morrison said the Property Council is looking forward to working with the Labor Government on the issues of housing affordability and helping Australian cities and suburbs thrive.
The ALC also congratulated Mr Albanese and the Labor Party on their election victory.
ALC Chief Executive Officer, Brad Williams, said, “We look forward to working with the new government in the interests of the end-to-end supply chain and the Australian economy.
“However, with global supply chain challenges still impacting the economy, it is critical that the focus remains on supply chain efficiency, productivity and resilience.
“During the last two years, the industry and government have collaborated closely to ensure we keep freight moving, and keep the nation supplied, fed and fuelled and we will continue that effort with the new government.”
Other priorities outlined by the ALC include improving drive productivity, ensuring reform to safeguard against future shocks to the industry, building ALC’s rail freight capacity, fast-tracking the industry’s path to net zero emissions, addressing skills shortages, and implementing a National Road User Charge to maintain infrastructure investment.
These industry associations also acknowledged the outgoing Coalition Government for its leadership and support of the infrastructure sector over the last parliamentary term.
