Coalition Pledges $4.2 Billion Reallocation From Suburban Rail Loop to Airport Rail Link

Peter Dutton announces plans to cancel SRL and Sunshine Station funding, prioritizing Melbourne Airport Rail if elected.

The Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, has pledged to cancel $2.2 billion in federal funding for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), citing concerns about its financial viability.
An additional $2 billion allocated for Sunshine Station upgrades would also be redirected under the Coalition's plan, totaling $4.2 billion in cuts.
The funds would be reallocated to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, which is estimated to cost $13 billion, with the Coalition committing $6.5 billion contingent on matching state contributions.
The Victorian government argues that canceling Sunshine Station upgrades would undermine the viability of the Airport Rail project by disrupting regional and suburban connectivity.
The SRL's first stage, estimated at $34.5 billion, has faced criticism from Infrastructure Australia, which recommended halting federal funding until a re-costing is completed.