The Australian federal government announced a record $17.9 billion (US$13.4 billion) in infrastructure funding for new and existing projects across every jurisdiction in the 2022-23 federal budget. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said infrastructure is a key pillar of the economic growth plan and get more Australians into work. “With the unemployment rate already at an equal 48-year low, the measures in this budget will create an additional 40,000 jobs across Australia, building on our world-leading economic recovery,” he said. Major new commitments that are receiving funding include $1.6 billion (US$1.2 billion) for the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast rail extension, $1.2 billion for Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal in Victoria, $1.1 billion for the Brisbane to Gold Coast rail upgrade, and $1 billion (US$750 million) for the Sydney to Newcastle rail upgrade. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment would help keep Australians moving and also support tens of thousands of local jobs, …