THE future direction of Australian shipping and logistics policy is set to be determined as Australians go to the polls on Saturday.
Labor infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese campaigned in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville on Thursday, while Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was on the hustings in central-western New South Wales, including the key logistics hub of Parkes.
Both sides have taken quite different approaches to logistics policy during the campaign.
Mr McCormack and the Coalition have emphasised Inland Rail project and its potential to not only link Brisbane and Melbourne and open up regional Australia, but also help decongest Sydney.
In contrast, Labor and Mr Albanese have announced a range of measures aimed at reviving the Australian shipping industry, while also promising an inquiry into Inland Rail and the perceived lack of port connectivity.
As polling day approaches, Labor is considered the frontrunner and one betting agency has issued a statement saying it had paid out on that basis. Media pundits say the election is still quite close, however, with the possibility of a hung parliament.
