OPPOSITION Leader Anthony Albanese has pledged to match a $55 million Coalition commitment to upgrade Newcastle Airport's terminal to international standard.
The promise means both major parties have vowed to fund the upgrade if they claim victory at May's poll, likely guaranteeing the next federal government will have pledged to deliver the work.
Committee for the Hunter welcomed the bipartisan support for the proposal.
"The committee has called for investment in the airport which will support over 4,500 new jobs. The $55 million terminal upgrade unlocks the benefits of the runway upgrade, announced in the 2021 Budget. It will strengthen the Hunter's import and export capabilities and open up new trade opportunities for Hunter businesses."
"The Hunter economy, like the Australian economy, is in transition from being resource led towards being a knowledge, technology and services economy. A different type of infrastructure is needed to support this emerging economy. Infrastructure like the Newcastle Airport that connects people and their ideas, firms with each other, cities and regions across the world.
"That's why the Committee has advocated for the Newcastle Airport international upgrade that will enhance the Hunter's connection and role in the domestic and global economy."
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce made the $55 million commitment at Williamtown on Thursday, as the Newcastle Herald previewed.
The project will be delivered through a regional fund included in the federal budget.
Mr Albanese committed to the project during a separate media event at Cessnock Hospital, announcing the Coalfields centre will host a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic under Labor's plan to build 50 such centres across Australia if it wins government.
Cessnock is the first clinic named under the $135 million, four-year Labor plan.
Hunter, which includes both Cessnock and Morisset, is held by Labor on a slim 3 per cent margin. The airport is in Paterson, where Labor's Meryl Swanson is protecting a 5 per cent margin.
The federal government announced in last year's budget that it would spend $66 million upgrading the airport's runway to accommodate larger commercial aircraft capable of flying to Asia, the Middle East, South Africa and the United States.
Airport chief executive Dr Peter Cock has long advocated for a $55 million terminal upgrade to capitalise on the larger runway.
"This additional infrastructure will ensure nothing holds us back from our global potential," Dr Cock said.
