Bass Highway safety upgrades delayed after Labor reshaped infrastructure funding
Labor folded the $80 million Bass Highway safety commitment into broader funding in 2024-25. This delayed work on a deadly Tasmanian stretch.
In 2021, the Coalition committed $80 million for safety upgrades on the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Devonport, a deadly stretch. In 2023, a federal review of infrastructure spending found supply chain problems and rising costs.
The Labor government moved $7.4 billion in works to 2026-27. The Bass Highway money was folded into broader funding with no specific funding left.
Three lives were lost on this section in September. Since 2001, the road has claimed 15 lives and caused 31 serious injuries.
Liberal senator Richard Colbeck said work would have started by now if the original funding had held. Labor MP Anne Urquhart says the government is investing $330 million along the stretch.
She acknowledges there is no specific Bass Highway funding in current budget papers.
- 80 million dollars in 2021-22 budget
- Original funding commitment
- 40 million dollars
- Deloraine to Devonport allocation
- 15 lives claimed
- Deaths since 2001
- 31 serious injuries
- Serious injuries since 2001
Why it mattersSafety work sits idle on one of Australia's deadliest regional roads. A funding dispute plays out between the government and opposition.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
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