Renewed calls for a high-speed rail network in Australia

Former deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer has backed calls for a high-speed rail network in Australia.

Mr Fischer told Nick McCallum it is expensive, but waiting won’t make it any cheaper.

‘The sooner we do it, the less cost increase further down the track,’ he said.

He said European examples show that it is imperative trips are kept under three hours.

‘The moment you drop under three hours, you’re in business in a big way.’

Click play to hear the full interview

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is also in favour of a high-speed train.

Mr Guy said the current rail trip from Melbourne to Sydney is ‘not first world’.

Click play to hear his comment