Last week the Federal Government released the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program. The report reviewed hundreds of projects and recommended that 82 projects be ceased. Some 17 of those to be cut are in New South Wales—more than in any other State. As Treasurer Mookhey put it, at a time when our State's population is surging, Commonwealth funding is faltering. One of the cuts announced is to the M7‑M12 interchange, part of which is being constructed in my electorate. I repeat in this House the comments that I made recently in the media: This is extremely disappointing. Electorates like mine are shouldering the bulk of the Federal Government's population policy. As a result, our existing roads already experience day-to-day gridlock. To alleviate this, we need our existing roads upgraded and new roads like the M12 to be completed.

For members unfamiliar with the M12, Transport for NSW describes it as a "new motorway that will provide direct access to the Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek and connect to Sydney's motorway network." The M7‑M12 interchange project is that very connection to Sydney's motorway network. Without it, the M12 becomes a road to nowhere and the vehicles transporting passengers, freight and fuel to and from the airport will be forced onto local roads, such as the already run-down, two‑lane Elizabeth Drive. Given the importance of the airport, there are few more essential transport connections.

It beggars belief that the Commonwealth would seek to withdraw funding from this project, especially considering it is already under construction. The November 2023 update on the project website tells us that vegetation has been cleared, earthworks are ongoing and utilities are being relocated and installed. In fact, anyone who has driven through the area in recent months—as I have on multiple occasions—will have seen that those works are well underway. Despite all this, the Commonwealth has pulled $110 million in funding. Ensuring transportation investment is well ahead of the airport's development is essential to the airport's success. It sends a signal to investors and major corporations looking to set up shop at the airport. Last week's announcement has now created uncertainty and risks the airport becoming, as my colleague the member for Liverpool so aptly put it, "a white elephant sitting there without the connecting pieces".

I have spoken previously in the House about the importance of the airport and aerotropolis. It must be noted that the Western Sydney Airport is a Federal Government project. As a local MP, and before that a Liverpool councillor since 2016, I have witnessed firsthand the development of the Western Sydney Airport and aerotropolis. One thing that has defined this project is the bipartisan support it has received across all three levels of government. The Western Sydney City Deal is a testament to that cooperation. The airport is a once‑in‑a‑century project that will transform not just the region but the State and national economies. The airport will open with the capacity to process 220,000 tonnes of cargo a year, with room to grow that freight precinct to handle 1.8 million tonnes a year if required. For that potential to be unlocked and for that freight to move, the M7-M12 interchange is critical. It is in the national interest.

I welcome confirmation from the New South Wales Treasurer that the M7-M12 interchange will be completed. It must be—however, it has to be completed with the same level of cooperation that we have seen regarding the airport. Contracts have been signed and the Federal Government is as much a beneficiary as anyone. It must not pull the pin. It has to stump up its fair share. The response from the State Government is clear. We will not go into hiding like those opposite did when a Federal Liberal Government sought to short-change New South Wales. I have led calls to reinstate the funding and have spoken recently with my Federal counterpart and relevant Ministers since last week's announcement. I know the Treasurer and roads Minister are working hard to get a fair deal for New South Wales, and I urge Minister King and the Commonwealth to come to the table and fix this grave error.