Why the PM’s $93b high-speed rail project will never happen

Australia’s track record of delivering infrastructure bodes poorly for the proposed Sydney-Newcastle high-speed rail line.

An artist’s render of an Australian high-speed rail line. The proposed Sydney to Newcastle line will be eye-wateringly expensive and technically complex. Australian government

Jenny WigginsSenior reporter

Feb 27, 2026 – 12.43pm

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to be the leader who puts the shovel in the ground to build Australia’s first very fast train.

“Australia is the only inhabited continent on earth that doesn’t already have high-speed rail,” Albanese declared this week, after announcing planning will proceed on a 194-kilometre route from Newcastle to Western Sydney International Airport.

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Jenny WigginsSenior reporterJenny Wiggins writes on business, specialising in infrastructure and data centres. Connect with Jenny on Bluesky: @jennywiggins.bsky.social.

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