NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell’s speech to the National Press Club today makes a reasoned case for reforms to drive better infrastructure and productivity outcomes, says Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, the nation’s peak infrastructure industry group.

“Barry O’Farrell’s address makes a reasoned and cogent case for a new wave of reform to equip Australia to deal with its productivity and infrastructure shortfalls,” said IPA chief executive Brendan Lyon.

According to him, New South Wales is Australia’s most populous state, but it failed to win serious support for its infrastructure programme because it was unable to deliver serious, evidence based infrastructure plan.

“Victoria and Queensland were able to articulate strategic infrastructure plans that spelt out why their projects were in the national interest and that gave them a competitive advantage in winning support from Canberra.

“New South Wales has a highly skilled bureaucracy, but without political will and direction the State will continue to be unable to match the other states in planning for and delivering infrastructure priorities.

“That’s why the NSW Opposition’s commitment to establish Infrastructure NSW is so important.

“Infrastructure NSW will be charged with formulating multi-decade infrastructure plans that spell out how, where and why infrastructure needs to be delivered.

Mr Lyon said O’Farrell’s call for a refreshed COAG agenda and a new wave of microeconomic reform is also well made.

“If Australia can remove the inconsistencies between states and drive new competition reforms, then we will be taking a huge step forward toward better economic outcomes.

“Business welcomes Mr O’Farrell’s reform commitment and strong focus on better infrastructure outcomes.”