Anthony Albanese has proposed a more independent approach to cooperative infrastructure planning, saying the Coalition’s City Deals model is limited, unclear, and too often used to appease marginal seats in the lead-up to federal and state elections.
Speaking at the Sydney Institute, Albanese – Labor’s infrastructure spokesperson – accused the Turnbull Government of using its City Deals model to target specific areas in an effort to win elections.
He said an ALP Government would replace City Deals with a better, more independent model, which he is calling City Partnerships.
City Partnerships would put more responsibility, and more control, in the hands of local councils, who he believes are currently excluded from proper planning, and are left holding the bag when the electoral cycle shifts the mood in Canberra.
“[The Coalition’s] City Deals Program is a poor imitation of the UK model it seeks to replicate, with funding commitments that are determined from the top down and tied to the electoral cycle,” Albanese said.
“The lack of rigour and independent oversight means City Deals are subject to political whim. The absence of transparency and clear guidelines has left local councils unsure as to how they can best participate. And limited engagement with the private sector and the lack of clarity around funding of projects means that all levels of government are missing out on potential value uplift.
“The fact is City Deals have either been in marginal electorates framed around single election commitments or are simply missing depth and detail.”
By contrast, Albanese said, City Partnerships would build on Labor’s “proud urban policy legacy”.
“Our policy comes from months of consultation with local government and experts from across the sector. We have listened to councils talk about the need for all three levels of government to work together, but in a way that is meaningful.
“Where local government is treated as a genuine partner, rather than as just another stakeholder. And where all the cards are on the table from the outset and priorities are determined in collaboration.”
Albanese, who was minister for infrastructure under the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Government, said cities around the country were already keen to adopt the new model, which would secure a more certain long-term planning future.
“Effective City Partnerships can only be delivered through genuine collaboration with all three levels of government and the private sector,” he said.
“We will ensure City Partnerships are underpinned by a strong evidence base and proper analysis to maximise return on investment and social outcomes.”
Australia’s next federal election can take place as soon as August 4, and must take place in 2019 at the latest.
Hi,
Might B Nice if Australian Elections were Held Every 4 or 5 Years on a Set Date, This would also mean that rail Projects are Blt for the Good the Country and NOT the Next Election Cycle.Just Things to Consider,