• Is Australia really behind all other advanced economies and many emerging ones when it comes to high speed rail, or it is more a matter of geography?• Would it be better to put the money into subsidizing air travel (or removing related taxes) and improving airport infrastructure (including airport rail links)?• How could such a project be justified politically in other parts of Australia that will not benefit? Why would politicians be attracted to a project that will most likely be appreciated
after their time in office?• How could this project be justified in terms of other policy goals?• Which groups would likely oppose or at least be critical?