MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Coat of Arms

23 January 2008
AA005/2008

COAG WORKING GROUP MOVES INFRASTRUCTURE AGENDA FORWARD

The Rudd Government's efforts to address infrastructure bottlenecks such as those at our ports and on our congested urban roads has taken another significant step forward with today's inaugural meeting of the COAG Infrastructure Working Group.

Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese chaired the high-level working group of state, territory and Commonwealth officials just days after Federal Cabinet approved the establishment of Infrastructure Australia, a new body to better coordinate infrastructure planning and investment across the nation.

Mr Albanese said the working group have agreed upon a timetable for reforming the way infrastructure is planned, financed and delivered - one that will be taken forward by the soon-to-be established Infrastructure Australia.

"There is tremendous goodwill from the states and territories as well as the Commonwealth to end the blame game and advance the infrastructure agenda," said Mr Albanese.

"Today's meeting was extremely constructive."

There will be one further meeting of the working group prior to the next Council of Australian Governments.

"Infrastructure Australia's immediate task will be to undertake a National Infrastructure Audit to determine the capacity and condition of nationally significant infrastructure, including the areas of water, energy, transport and communications," said Mr Albanese.

"After taking into account expected future demand, the Audit will also identify gaps, deficiencies, impediments and bottlenecks across these important sectors of the national economy."

The Working Group has agreed that the Commonwealth Government as well as all state and territory governments will provide the information necessary for the Audit to Infrastructure Australia by 30 June 2008

"Once the Audit is completed, Infrastructure Australia will consult widely, including with the owners and operators of existing infrastructure assets, in preparing an Infrastructure Priority List to guide investment," said Mr Albanese.

Infrastructure Australia's first Infrastructure Priority List will be completed within 12 months and presented to the Council of Australian Governments.

Infrastructure Australia's other functions will include:

  • The standardisation of tender processes and contract documentation between Commonwealth and state jurisdictions for the use of PPPs and other relevant procurement options;
  • Standardising project approval techniques; and
  • Streamlining planning and approval process by harmonising guidelines, legislation and regulation across jurisdictions.

"The task ahead for COAG Infrastructure Working Group and Infrastructure Australia is considerable," said Mr Albanese.

"But I am confident that with the right reforms and long term planning we can lock in economic growth and fight inflation."

Legislation establishing Infrastructure Australia will be introduced during the first session of the new Parliament.

Media Contacts

Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890