Don't have time? You can view all bike funding and policy commitments using our handy infographic here.
We know this federal election is going to be close, with several seats depending on just a few hundred votes to determine which party will govern us for the next three years. At Bicycle Network, we’re working hard to ensure whichever party is elected, they are hearing the voices of people that ride bikes and are ready to invest in active transport.
In late 2021, we got in touch with the relevant portfolio holders in The Liberal National Party, Australian Labor Party & Australian Greens, requesting they take a look at our 2022 'Back The Bike' Policy Paper, and respond to us with any commitments their party is able to make to active transport at this election.
Since the government called the federal election in early April 2022, we have also been tracking the additional commitments that each party has made, either specific to particular electorates or nationally.
Here is a summary of what each party has committed to so far this election:
Australian Labor Party
Responses to Bicycle Network
In late 2021, the Australian Labor Party’s Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King, sent this response, with no clear commitments. The letter did however highlight some of the active transport progress made by the Australian Labor Party when last in government in 2013, examples of this include;
- Funding the Australian Bicycle Council to develop the 2011-2016 National Cycling Strategy
Closer to the date of the election, The Australian Labor Party supplied a more comprehensive response, readable here. The response included a number of commitments, such as;
- Re-establishing a Cities and Suburbs Unit within Infrastructure Australia.
- Include positive provision where appropriate through infrastructure projects.
- Commitment to work with industry and community groups to understand existing bike incentive schemes as well as existing and potential improvements to vehicle standards.
Funding announcements
The Australian Labor Party have made an $8 million commitment to upgrade the Peel trail network in Western Australia. The project, announced by the Australian Labor Party candidate for Cunning, Amanda Hunt, is estimated to create 127 jobs for the region.
Nearby in Perth's northern suburbs, the Labor candidate for Pearce, Tracey Roberts, has pledged $1.5 million to fund a bike path along Hartman Drive in Wanneroo. The path will link with Gnangara Drive and Ocean Reef Road.
Down in the electorate of Dunkley, candidate Peta Murphy has pledged $2 million in funding to deliver the Frankston Arts Trail, a 7.4 kilometre walking and riding trail that will make stops at new and existing public art exhibits across Frankston.
In regional New South Wales, Eden-Monaro candidate Kristy McBain has announced $1 million for works on the Bombala to Jincumbilly section of the Monaro rail trail.
In the nation's capital, Senator for the ACT Katy Gallagher promised $5 million this week to build improved cycle paths through the Inner North.
Finally, in the electorate of Casey the ALP have pledged $4.9 million to complete Stage 2A of the Yarra Valley Trail, which would run between Yarra Glen to Tarrawarra, with the vision to eventually connect the trail with Healesville.
Liberal / National Coalition
Responses to Bicycle Network
The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce MP, responded to our letter this response. The letter did not include any commitments from the Liberal / National Coalition but did highlight some of the spending of the Coalition in their 3 most recent years of government, such as:
- $3 billion for The Road Safety Program, including over 180 programs for active transport.
- $412.3 million for the Northconnex project in Sydney.
- $25 million for the Causeway bridge in Western Australia.
Funding announcements
A number of Liberal / National party candidates have made active transport infrastructure commitments to their local constituencies.
Scott Buchholz and Barnaby Joyce announced $33 billion over four years for improved road safety, particularly the construction of numerous heavy vehicle rest areas.
In Victoria, Dan Tehan, along with candidate for Dunkley, Sharn Coombes, and candidate for Flinders, Zoe Mckenziem announced $5 million for a Peninsula Trail extension between Moorooduc and Mornington. In Mallee, candidate Anne Webster has pledged $13.5 million for the Murray River Adventure Trail, a continuous trail along the river from Red Cliffs to Yelta for walking and riding.
Up in Queensland, candidate for Longman Terry Young has announced $11.8 million to upgrade Old Gympie Road, which include bike lanes and pathways.
In Western Australia, Ben Morton, candidate for Tangney, has announced $1.7 million to build a Mountain Bike Facility at Point Walter in Western Australia.
Finally, down in South Australia, James Stevens, candidate for Sturt, has promised to build Crystal Lake Recreation Reserve in Highbury (SA), new a 350-ha adventure tourism destination, suitable for cycling, swimming, diving, kayaking and running.
The Australian Greens
Responses to Bicycle Network
Sarah Hanson Young, senator and transport spokesperson for the The Australian Greens, responded to our letter with a $500 million per year commitment to make riding and walking safe and accessible. The policy includes a number of other key commitments such as;
- $25 billion for new rail and bus services, including building high speed rail from Melbourne to Brisbane.
- $5 billion commitment over 10 years to construct and upgrade off-road paths and dedicated Copenhagen-style lanes.
On top of this, Australian Greens Candidate for Wills, Sarah Jefford responded to our letter, sharing her story as to why she supports the construction of active transport infrastructure.
Liz Chase, Australian Greens Candidate for Jagajaga, reaffirmed the The Australian Greens policies in the Victorian State Parliament, such as $250 million to build a Melbourne Metropolitan Bike Network, $30 million to expand Melbourne’s bike share schemes, $10 million to fund regional bike trail tourism.
Down in Tasmania this week, the Greens announced an $18 million plan to get Hobart on bikes. The investment, which matches the ask from Greater Hobart council mayors, will be used to kickstart the city's active transport network.
Other parties
Outside the major parties, we have also seen some promising commitments that will benefit people who ride bikes.
In the Victorian seat of Kooyong, Dr Monique Ryan has pledged to fight for more bike and walking paths in her electorate, calling on the Federal Government to use the $65 million earmarked for car park facilities to instead be used for the Box Hill to Hawthorn bike path.
The Australian Democrats have flagged their full support for the five policy priorities in our Policy Paper, including our recommendation that 5 per cent of the federal transport budget be assigned to active transport projects.
Bicycle Network has also received letters from Allegra Spender (Wentworth) and Kate Chaney (Curtin) responding to the bike priorities set out in our 'Back The Bike' Policy Paper.
Seen a funding announcement that isn't in our article? Please let us know!
You can send an e-mail to campaigns@bicyclenetwork.com.au to provide a tip-off (be sure to send us a link to the source as well).
Nothing benefits for bikes in your electorate? There is still time to write to local candidates and ask what they are doing to support you. Have a read through our writing to local candidates article for tips on how to reach out and get bikes on their minds.
This article was made possible by the support of Bicycle Network's members who enable us to make bike riding better in Australia.
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