Dutton to Cut $4.2 Billion in Melbourne Rail Funding, Redirects to Airport Link

Dutton’s campaigning is in Melbourne so far where the Liberal Party needs to secure several outer suburban seats.

A combination graphic created on March 5, 2025 of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (L) and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton (R). AAP Image/Mick Tsikas, Lukas Coch

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to scrap $2.2 billion in federal funding for Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) and redirect funds towards the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

The opposition’s plan would affect the first stage of the project, SRL East, from Melbourne’s Cheltenham to Box Hill.