Infrastructure investment spans beyond roads and rail, says mid-tier

Mark Harrison, a partner for the mid-tier firm, welcomed Malcolm Turnbull's offer of $1.5 billion towards Victorian roads, but urged the government to look beyond investment in roads and rail.

"It's really pleasing to see the federal government continuing to invest in Victoria's transport infrastructure," said Mr Harrison, making particular note of the investment made in the Murray Basin freight rail project.

"But thus far, from both federal and state government, we should be seeing more investment in both port and airport infrastructure itself – not just the road and rail links that lead there."

According to Mr Harrison, infrastructure should be a key priority for state and federal governments in the lead up to their respective upcoming budgets.

"Investing in infrastructure that helps Australians get to work is a definite productivity boost. But infrastructure that helps our middle market manufacturers get their products to national and overseas markets will really drive growth in the long term."

He added: "As we approach the federal and Victorian state budgets, Pitcher Partners is advocating for government to make targeted, intelligent infrastructure investment one of its major priorities."

Mr Harrison concluded: "It doesn't look like we're going to see much in the way of revolutionary tax reform, but we can at least invest in our future growth by making it easier for Australian businesses to connect to the outside world."