The Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel projects will soon open, changing how Victorians live and travel. An RMIT expert explains whether these significant infrastructure projects will change public perception about government spending, the cost of living, and the state's future.
Dr David Hayward, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and the Social Economy
"I have no doubt these large infrastructure projects will have a big impact, particularly in the context of substantial population growth. It's not going to make up for the cost of living crisis, but it will make life easier.
"On the other hand, it will be a reminder that the projects were delivered late and over budget. It might look spectacular, but it will remind Victorians that they've paid a lot of money for it, and will continue to raise questions about accountability.
"The government still has the biggest project of them all, the Suburban Rail Loop, which will take a huge amount of effort to finish. If they are reelected, they shouldn't start any more big projects in the next term, and instead do the small, but impactful, ones.
"I don't know that these projects will necessarily be enough to get the government re-elected, but it won't do any harm. At this stage, if the opposition continues to behave as they have been, that's Labor's best hope for re-election."
Dr David Hayward is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy and the Social Economy at RMIT University. His research interests include the funding of social policy, with a focus on the state governments.
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