THE semi-trailer Tony Abbott will drive from Brisbane to the New South Wales central coast over the next two days is emblazoned with pictures of fruit and vegetables, but what produce will the Opposition Leader carry?
"Hope, reward and opportunity - that's what we're carrying," the part-time cyclist, part-time author, part-time truck driver said.
Mr Abbott, faced with calls to promote a more positive message before the 2013 federal election, set off from the Brisbane fresh food markets at Rocklea on Wednesday morning on a two-day journey to Terrigal on the NSW central coast.
He is using the trip to spruik his promise to complete the duplication of the Pacific Highway, an issue that has reignited state-federal squabbling over funding.
Mr Abbott's $5.6 billion pledge includes $3.56 billion already allocated by the Gillard government plus the redirection of $2.08 billion earmarked for Sydney's Parramatta-Epping rail link.
He said Pacific Highway upgrades should be paid for through the "traditional" 80-20 funding split, with the federal government picking up the lion's share and NSW picking up a smaller tab.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese's office said $7.7 billion extra was required to complete the upgrades by 2016, an objective set by the former Howard government.
His spokesman said the federal government had put aside $3.56 billion in this year's budget but wanted NSW to match it dollar for dollar.
"Federal Labor is asking no more of the NSW Coalition government than what the former Howard government demanded of the former NSW Labor government - and what they themselves promised to do - a 50-50 funding agreement," he said.
Speaking alongside his borrowed truck, Mr Abbott said the Coalition would redirect funding away from the Parramatta-Epping rail link because that project was "highly political" and no longer on the NSW government's agenda.
He said the Coalition wanted to complete the Pacific Highway duplication work "well within this decade" but did not specify what year.
"Let's stop the argy-bargy, let's stop the blame game, let's just get it built," he said.
Rather than a stunt, Mr Abbott described his truck trip as an "important way" to highlight the Coalition's commitment. He will stop at key electorates along the way, including Lyne held by independent MP Rob Oakeshott.
Mr Abbott's staff said he obtained his truck licence just before the end of last year, but were tight-lipped as to whether he would drive the whole way.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What is Tony Abbott's Pacific Highway pledge and how much funding has he announced?
Tony Abbott has pledged $5.6 billion to complete the Pacific Highway duplication. That figure comprises $3.56 billion already allocated by the Gillard government plus a proposed redirection of $2.08 billion originally earmarked for the Parramatta‑Epping rail link.
How does Abbott propose to fund the Pacific Highway upgrades—what funding split does he want?
Abbott said Pacific Highway upgrades should be funded through the 'traditional' 80‑20 funding split, meaning the federal government would pick up the lion's share and New South Wales would pay a smaller portion.
What does the federal government say is required to finish the Pacific Highway by 2016?
The office of Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said an extra $7.7 billion would be required to complete the upgrades by 2016, an objective originally set by the former Howard government. The federal government had set aside $3.56 billion in that year’s budget but wanted NSW to match it dollar for dollar.
How would the Coalition redirect funding from the Parramatta‑Epping rail link?
The Coalition said it would redirect funding away from the Parramatta‑Epping rail link because it considered that project 'highly political' and no longer on the NSW government’s agenda. The redirection cited in Abbott’s pledge is $2.08 billion.
What timeline has Abbott given for completing the Pacific Highway duplication?
Abbott said the Coalition wanted to complete the Pacific Highway duplication 'well within this decade,' but he did not specify an exact year.
Why is Tony Abbott driving a semi‑trailer from Brisbane to the NSW central coast during the 2013 campaign?
Abbott described the two‑day truck trip as an 'important way' to highlight the Coalition’s commitment to finishing the Pacific Highway. He set off from the Brisbane fresh food markets at Rocklea and said he was carrying 'Hope, reward and opportunity' as part of promoting a more positive message before the 2013 federal election.
Where will Abbott stop on his truck trip and who will he visit?
Abbott said he will stop at key electorates along the route, including Lyne, which at the time was held by independent MP Rob Oakeshott. The trip is scheduled to end in Terrigal on the New South Wales central coast.
Is Tony Abbott actually driving the truck himself on the campaign trip?
Abbott’s staff said he obtained his truck licence just before the end of the previous year, but they were tight‑lipped about whether he would drive the entire journey.
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