Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returned to Victoria this week to celebrate a major milestone in the North East Link Project, marking a significant step forward in easing congestion and boosting productivity for Melbourne’s growing population.
Speaking in the electorate of Menzies, Albanese thanked Victorians for their continued support in the recent election and highlighted the government’s strong commitment to Victorian infrastructure, including a $5 billion federal contribution to the project. He emphasised that this investment will cut travel times by 35 minutes, remove 15,000 trucks from local roads, and create thousands of jobs.
“Less time in traffic. More jobs for Victorians,” Albanese posted on X.
“More than 8,000 people are already working on the North East Link — creating good, secure jobs while building the roads Melbourne needs. We’re working with the Victorian Government to make your daily commute quicker and safer.”
“The North East Link is about breaking down traffic congestion, making it easier for people to get around Melbourne for work, recreation, and business,” the Prime Minister said.
“This project also improves road safety and reduces emissions by getting cars off the road and out of traffic lights.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who joined Albanese on site, echoed the sentiment, noting that the long-awaited project was finally becoming a reality. “Thirty metres below Lower Plenty Road, we’ve just relaunched the tunnel boring machines to build the missing link in our freeways,” she posted on X.
“The North East Link has been a line on the map for 60 years — but now, in partnership with the Albanese Labor Government, we’re getting on with it. Once complete, it’ll take thousands of trucks off local roads and get families home safer and sooner.”
The project features twin tunnels stretching over six kilometres, upgrades to the Eastern Freeway and M80 Ring Road, and the state’s first dedicated busway, all designed to support Melbourne’s freight, logistics, and commuter needs.
On other matters, the Prime Minister addressed questions on superannuation tax reforms, ongoing free trade negotiations with the European Union, and the inclusion of Senator Dorinda Cox in the Labor team amid controversy.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fair and productive economic policies, promising continued engagement with all stakeholders to secure deals that benefit Australia.
Albanese also expressed support for urban redevelopment projects in Tasmania, including the Macquarie Point site in Hobart, highlighting the importance of transforming waterfront precincts to benefit communities and economies.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasising the government’s focus on economic growth, declining inflation, and low unemployment, with infrastructure investment as a key driver for a better and fairer future.
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