The Briefing Dutton labelled ‘grim’ in secret review + Is high speed rail on track?
Mar 3, 2026
Alan Kohler, financial journalist and commentator on economics and public policy, weighs in on Australia’s high-speed rail debate. He argues the east coast bullet train is unlikely to compete with air travel. He explains political incentives behind grand infrastructure promises. He compares international rail models and outlines who benefits and who opposes such projects.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Bullet Train Between Capitals Probably Unviable
- High-speed rail from Melbourne to Brisbane likely won't attract enough passengers to compete with planes.
- Alan Kohler argues travel-time and ticket-price advantages won't materialise because airport access is quick and trains would be very expensive.
Build Fast Rail To Regional Towns First
- Prioritise regional fast rail over capital-to-capital bullet lines to unlock housing and commuting options.
- Kohler recommends short high-speed links like Sydney to Newcastle or Melbourne to Geelong to enable viable regional commuting.
Airlines Have Strong Commercial Motive To Oppose Rail
- Airlines oppose high-speed rail because they would lose lucrative short-haul passengers.
- Kohler points to the busy Melbourne–Sydney air route as a major revenue source Qantas would fight to protect.