Declare the government has short-changed La Trobe by diverting road funding to the Suburban Rail Loop — back it or block it?

In a grievance debate, La Trobe MP Jason Wood argued the fast-growing south-eastern Melbourne region is missing out on road funding. He listed projects begun under the former Coalition government — Monash Freeway lanes, the Beaconsfield interchange, dangerous-intersection upgrades and the Healesville–Koo Wee Rup duplication — and said costs on state Labor projects have blown out sharply, blaming CFMEU involvement.

He said the Albanese government cancelled $150 million to seal Dandenong Ranges roads and diverted money committed for the Wellington Road duplication into the Suburban Rail Loop. Only Wood spoke; no other side was put and no vote was held.