Dutton plans to cancel $2.2 billion Suburban Rail Loop funding

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to cancel the Albanese government's $2.2 billion commitment to Victoria's Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) if the Coalition wins the upcoming election. Instead, he plans to redirect those funds towards enhancing the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, which aims to reduce travel time from the city to the airport to half an hour. Dutton described the SRL as 'a cruel hoax' and highlighted concerns over its funding and viability, suggesting that it would not be delivered as promised. The Coalition's proposal would boost federal investment in the airport rail project to $6.5 billion, or half its total estimated cost. This shift in funding priorities could severely jeopardize the SRL, which is already facing significant financial hurdles. The Victorian government, led by Premier Jacinta Allen, remains committed to pushing forward with the SRL but has yet to clarify how it will address potential funding shortfalls.