Robb makes the case for fast train

Australia should hurry up and build a fast train along the country's east coast, says former trade minister Andrew Robb.

"We should do it now whilst the world is awash with cheap money," he said in a speech obtained by Fairfax Media.

Investors are keen to put their money into long-term sustainable projects in safe havens, he told a freight symposium at Canberra Airport.