Albo says ALP won't block roads bill
The Labor Party says it will support the Federal Government's Roads to Recovery scheme, despite the Coalition blaming it for delays.
Federal Government figures have expressed dismay that the Land Transport Infrastructure Amendment Bill has fallen down in the Upper House.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, says Labor is delaying the passage of the $350 million in funding.
The funding will help councils pay for rural roadworks.
But Shadow Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese says he has now moved a Private Members Bill, evidence he claims of full support for the program.
“Up to now they haven't allocated one minute of time for debate of this Bill in the Senate," he said.
“That is solely the responsibility of the government.
“It was myself as the minister who extended the funding for the program in the 2013 Budget.”