Anthony Albanese has been reappointed as the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, and Regional Development has been added to his portfolio.
The Australian Rail Association (ARA) welcomed the announcement that Mr Albanese will continue in his role.
ARA CEO Danny Broad said, “Anthony Albanese has long been a champion of the rail industry and a strong advocate for his portfolio responsibilities.
“Bill Shorten’s decision to maintain this portfolio continuity is reassuring for the rail industry.
“Over the coming parliamentary term I hope Labor will place significant policy focus on Infrastructure Australia’s Australian Infrastructure Plan: Priorities and Reforms for Our Nation’s Future.”
Mr Broad said Australia needs a long-term rail infrastructure plan that is supported at both the Federal and State government levels and is less short-sighted and beholden to the electoral cycle.
“During the recent election campaign Labor made a number of significant and vitally important rail funding commitments that were national as well as state-based in their focus,” Mr Broad said.
“Although Labor has not formed government, it must continue to push the Turnbull Government to come to the party with these important rail infrastructure projects.
“Each of these projects will create jobs, benefit the nation’s economy, generate urban renewal and relieve our road of crippling congestion.”
Mr Broad said there is a lot of work to be done and the ARA looks forward to working with Mr Albanese to create an exciting rail future.
