MINISTER BILLSON:
Morning everybody.
We see on the front page of the Herald Sun today the likely cost of cancelling the East West Link construction contract in Victoria would be in excess of one billion dollars if Labor proceeds with its plan to abolish this crucial project.
That is just the direct costs of abandoning a contract to build this vital piece of infrastructure. What is also lost would be six thousand jobs in the construction phase - a vital artery from the great city of Melbourne carrying commuters and commerce to build a prosperous future and more opportunities for Victorians.
Even Bill Shorten is in favour of the East West Link and we know Bill Shorten is a wily character who was able to convince two Prime Ministers that he was on their side before knifing them.
They were seeing Daniel Andrews being unclear about his position and speculation over the weekend but even if Labor is elected on Saturday, they still might go ahead with the project. Well, this is well past the time for mystery and intrigue.
This is a vital piece of infrastructure.
Denis Napthine and the Coalition Government in Victoria are committed to this project because it is a vital element of Victoria’s future.
I urge all Victorians to recognise the importance of the East West Link project and get behind the Napthine Government this Saturday.
QUESTION:
Do you think Prime Minister’s broken promise will be affecting the campaign in Victoria?
MINISTER BILLSON:
Our clear commitment is to implement our commitment to the East West Link.
If you are talking about other commitments the Government has made, we promised we would abolish the carbon tax - that has happened.
Stopping the boats? That is well advanced.
Building the infrastructure for the future? That is what the East West Link project is about.
On the budget issues, we promised we would get the budget back under control.
Today’s decisions should not inflict on future generations a heavier debt burden and a reduced opportunity for them to make their own choices.
In regard to the ABC, well there are operational efficiencies. It is important that we embrace those operational efficiencies and implement them.
With the resources that we have as a nation, there is no opportunity for any agency or any department to operate on auto pilot and we have all got a role to play in restoring the budget position of the Commonwealth.
QUESTION:
Member for Grey says that it may have been unfortunate for the Prime Minister to make that promise in the lead up to the election last year. Do you agree?
MINISTER BILLSON:
What I know is that we have got a task of repairing the budget.
There is no option and there is no alternative to the important task of getting our finances under control.
Even Bill Shorten was saying that he would make reductions to the ABCs budget allocation.
What is important about the approach the Government is taking is there is no justification for a reduction in services to viewers, to listeners, to those people who enjoy the ABC.
These are back of house efficiencies, they should be implemented as such and that’s the responsible thing to do.
QUESTION:
Minister, we saw what a broken promise did to the last Government, are you concerned that this could have wider ramifications?
MINISTER BILLSON:
I think the Australian public are absolutely clear on what our driving principles are and continue to be. That is to get the budget under control.
We know all agencies have to make a contribution.
An auto pilot approach to Commonwealth expenditure is simply unsustainable. That is irresponsible and is not a position that any responsible Government could take.
Even Bill Shorten has realised that where there are operational efficiencies, in important organisations including the ABC, you still need to hit them with those efficiencies.