Independents join backlash against federal budget cuts to regional and infrastructure programs

Independent MPs have joined a backlash against the budget’s $9bn of cuts to regional and infrastructure programs, warning funds must be reinvested and not siphoned off for Labor election commitments.

Helen Haines and Zoe Daniel have called for funds freed up from the building better regions fund and urban congestion fund to be reinvested, while Sophie Scamps has protested the $75m cut from the Wakehurst Parkway upgrade.

Tuesday’s budget cut $4.7bn from the infrastructure portfolio, including $769m from the urban congestion fund which delivered 2019 Coalition election commitments like the commuter car park fund.

Instead, Labor will spend $1bn over three years for competitive grants in the growing regions, regional precincts and partnerships programs.

But two new programs will be delivered through closed grants: $1bn over five years for the priority community infrastructure program and $350m over five years to deliver small-scale community, sport and infrastructure projects.

Haines slammed the government for reducing overall funding for regional development funds and for the fact “the bulk of new regional funding is confined to closed grants programs which will be used to fund Labor’s election promises”.

“Labor criticised the previous government for similar non-competitive grant processes and has talked a big game on bringing integrity and transparency to funding for the regions,” she said.

“It’s not good enough to just do the same thing again.”