Baird, Abbott turn sod on Westconnex

Work is now officially underway on the Westconnex project with NSW Premier Mike Baird and Prime Minister Tony Abbott turning the sod today.

The project is part funded by $1.5 billion from the federal government.

The state will also receive another $2 billion from the Commonwealth, funding tied to selling off electricity poles and wires.

The largest slice of $1.3 billion has been allocated to Sydney Rapid Transit while funds will also be spent on the Western Sydney Rail Upgrade and Parramatta Light Rail.

It is rare for an unpopular Liberal prime minister to campaign alongside a Liberal premier and the opposition leader today missed no opportunity to increase the pressure.

“People know power prices will go up under privatisation and this is the shortest of short term fixes to get Mr Baird through an election,” Labor leader Luke Foley said.

As the election approaches, Labor has promised to employ an additional 500 paramedics in its first term along with extra ambulances.

Paramedics say response times are blowing out as they battle an increasing workload.