The Andrews Labor Government is demanding that the Turnbull Government immediately pay the $1.4 billion it promised to Victorians from the lease of the Port of Melbourne.

In September 2016, the Turnbull Government went back on its word to Victorians, and refused to fulfil its commitment as part of the Asset Recycling Initiative National Partnership Agreement.

Under the agreement, Victoria should receive a $1.4 billion dividend from the Commonwealth for the $9.7 billion long-term lease of the Port of Melbourne – representing 15 per cent of the sale price of the recycled asset.

This record lease result was a massive vote of confidence in the Victorian economy.

The $1.4 billion is funding that could go towards upgraded train lines, better regional roads, or more level crossing removals.

Six months on, Victorians are yet to receive a single cent of this promised funding from the Prime Minister.

In contrast, Mr Turnbull and Mr Morrison’s home state of New South Wales was paid the full 15 per cent under the same agreement. The New South Wales Government chose where that funding would go, in an agreement signed prior to the finalisation of their asset sales.

Yet the Turnbull Government has chosen to short change Victorians yet again, ripping up the agreement in another example of the favouritism shown by the Sydney-centric Malcolm Turnbull towards his home state.

Despite Victoria making up 25 per cent of the nation’s population and having a record number of major transport projects on the go, the Turnbull Government provides Victorians less than 8 per cent of national infrastructure funding.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“The Sydney-centric Malcolm Turnbull has broken his promise to Victorians yet again.”

“This funding should be put to work on even more projects for better roads and public transport, creating jobs and helping Victorian families get home safer and sooner.”

“The invoice has been lodged, and the overdue notices have been sent, but six months on Mr Turnbull and Mr Morrison still refuse to clear their $1.4 billion debt to Victorians.”