Malcolm Turnbull set to announce major transport package in WA...

Malcolm Turnbull set to announce major transport package in WA vote war The Turnbull Government will dramatically escalate a bidding war for WA votes, with the Prime Minister today set to announce a multi-billion-dollar funding package, headlined by $500 million for the proposed Ellenbrook train line. Malcolm Turnbull will also make substantial funding commitments to other aspects of the WA Government's Metronet public transport plans, as well as major road projects in and around Perth. The cash splash comes as the Federal Government attempts to shore up voter support in WA, where there has been widespread anger over the state's low share of revenue from the GST. As well as guaranteeing funding for the Ellenbrook line, Mr Turnbull will commit federal dollars to the extension of the Armadale line to Byford and the relocation of Midland train station. Mr Turnbull's announcement means the McGowan Government can count on Federal Government support for the Ellenbrook, Byford and Midland projects regardless of who wins the next election, with Labor leader Bill Shorten having previously pledged his support to all those projects. Mr Shorten pledged $700 million for the Ellenbrook line extension as part of a $1.6 billion "Fair Share WA" fund to counter the GST shortfall. Labor covets Government seats Labor has its eye on several WA seats ahead of the next election, including those held by Turnbull Government ministers Christian Porter — whose electorate of Pearce will directly benefit from the Ellenbrook rail extension — Ken Wyatt and Michael Keenan, and both sides have been attempting to woo voters with substantial funding commitments. Mr Shorten has been a regular visitor to WA in recent months as part of that push. But the WA Government has continued to argue the state needs a fundamental overhaul of the GST distribution system to permanently fix its low share, rather than just receiving boosted infrastructure funding. The state's GST share was recently raised from 34 to 47 cents in the dollar, but WA remains the only state where less than 50 cents in the dollar generated by the tax is returned. GST breakdown state by state 2018-19 This article contains a table that is only available in the web version. Open the web version. Mr Turnbull's announcement today will also guarantee hundreds of millions of dollars for major road projects, including the latest northern extension of the Mitchell Freeway. It follows a commitment of an additional $189 million for WA hospital infrastructure yesterday.