FED:Rudd could overshadow rail announcement

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2010
FED:Rudd could overshadow rail announcement

The federal government today will lay out its plan to link Australia's east cost with
a high-speed rail network .. as the election campaign rolls into its final weeks.

But the big announcement might be overshadowed by former prime minister KEVIN RUDD
.. who's broken his silence to give his first in-depth media interview since gall bladder
surgery and his earlier ousting by JULIA GILLARD.

Mr RUDD could take the spotlight from Ms GILLARD today as she campaigns in Townsville
.. but government figures say his appearance is positive for Labor's re-election hopes.

Mr RUDD's pledged to campaign hard for the government .. telling voters to ignore the
controversial manner of his departure and stick with Labor.

Meanwhile .. the government's hoping to win some points with a 20-million dollar study
into a possible high-speed rail link between Newcastle and Sydney .. which Transport Minister
ANTHONY ALBANESE says could one day be a major network .. connecting all the big east
coast cities.

Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT will campaign today in Sydney.

AAP RTV/cj/ajw/

KEYWORD: POLL10 (CANBERRA)

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