Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the Government’s approach to major infrastructure, economic development and social cohesion, using a major Western Sydney forum to highlight progress on airport development, high-speed rail planning and Australia’s multicultural identity.
Speaking at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Airport City Summit on Friday, the Prime Minister said Commonwealth funding for key Western Sydney infrastructure projects remained committed, including support for transport links to the Bradfield and Western Sydney International Airport precinct.
“Our money is in the Budget, so it’s available,” Albanese said, noting that planning responsibilities sit with the NSW Government.
He said coordinated planning across governments was essential to avoid cost blowouts and delays, citing lessons from past infrastructure projects.
“Unlike what’s happened with the protection around Badgerys Creek, in some areas housing being approved is just nuts, and so it’s going to be more expensive than it would have been otherwise.”
On broader national development strategy, Albanese backed stronger collaboration between federal and state governments to align infrastructure investment with economic growth precincts.
He pointed to Western Sydney, South East Queensland and South Australia as examples where coordinated “economic and jobs strategies” were already underway.
The Prime Minister also highlighted major defence and transport investments, including the Western Sydney airport, AUKUS submarine infrastructure, and freight and logistics upgrades.
“We’re doing everything from building housing on-site… the roads are being built. There’s really fast tracking.”
Turning to high-speed rail, Mr Albanese said the Government was investing heavily in planning and business case work, arguing that careful preparation was essential to avoid past mistakes.
“We’re spending around about $660 million to make sure it’s got absolutely right.”
He said Sydney–Newcastle had been identified as a logical starting point based on patronage demand, with long-term expansion toward Melbourne also under consideration.
Albanese criticised previous major infrastructure programs, including Inland Rail, saying poor planning had contributed to significant cost overruns.
“It literally does not go to a port anywhere, and was massively, by a tune of eight times the cost overruns.”
The Prime Minister also strongly defended Australia’s multicultural identity, rejecting arguments that the country should move toward a monocultural model.
“Australia is who we are, and that debate, it’s never been real.”
He referenced First Nations heritage and migration history, saying Australia has always been shaped by diversity.
“We’re a multicultural nation. It’s who we are.”
He also pointed to modern sporting icons and political leaders as examples of Australia’s diversity, including the Socceroos as a unifying national symbol.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasising national unity and economic resilience, arguing Australia’s migrant connections strengthen trade, diplomacy and international relationships.
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