Another project which would be of great national merit and less cost would be to fix Malcolm's wreck of an NBN, to bump Australia up the international internet rankings from #60 or #70 where it currently languishes, to match comparable nations.

At least that comes within Federal constitutional responsibilities, whereas transport is a state matter.

Victoria is the leftiest state in the country. From his own point view, of course he 'should' fund it - and everything else Victorians demand.

Of course, he and the fed should. Only politically partisans fools would try and prevent/argue against that!?

Melbourne is almost alone designing a (soon to be Australia's largest) city for the future, which will include fast commuter trains and extend commute distances to 300Klm's

. Moreover, this system which Melbourne will absolutely need! NO QUESTION Therefore and against the patently partisan will of the Author will need to be rolled out ASAP! Solely for the sound economic reason, that every decade of delay doubles the cost of infrastructure.

There was a time when we were the third wealthiest nation on the planet and a creditor one at that. and where sanely infrastructure preceded development!
Alan B.

Public transport as it is practiced in Oz is almost as immoral as public housing. Both penalise the majority to favour just a few.

All public transport should be at least full cost recoverable, with both the infrastructure & running costs paid by the users.

The most disgusting thing is that public transport so favoured by Greens & the left, uses more fuel per passenger mile than private transport, thus is very anti their global warming policies of reducing CO2 emissions.

Then we find that some get expensively tax payer funded transport for some, more expensive private bus lines for some others, & absolutely nothing for a quite large percentage of the population. Of course those with nothing, are still subsidising the travel of the chosen.

A vote should be taken of the people it will advantage, after the cost is advised, & they are advised that they will be levied to pay for it. Bet no one would want it when it's not someone else's money paying for it.

No need to worry about it now!

Shorten, as a predicted short odds winner, seems a little short on votes to be in a position to fund anything.

And the short story. Will leave as leader of Labor shortly Which may also shorten his political career?

There seems to have been a little short selling here? That's the long and short of it.
Alan B.

Seems a bit short of the full loop!!