LIBERAL Party representatives are upset after it was claimed "Independent representation" helped secure a promise by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to fix the McKoy Street intersection on the Hume Freeway.
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Independent candidate Helen Haines made the link in a media release issued in response to Mr Morrison promising $64 million to install an overpass at the site.
"It's again evidence of the strength of Independent representation that's delivered for North East Victoria's communities in the past six years," Dr Haines said.
"The Prime Minister has promised to add to the $439 million in Commonwealth funding that's been secured by Indi communities for infrastructure, telecommunications and community projects during Cathy McGowan's two terms as Independent Member for Indi."
Liberal candidate for Indi Steve Martin rejected Dr Haines' analysis, pointing to comments made by Ms McGowan's office to The Border Mail last August.
Victorian Liberal member Bill Tilley was stunned Dr Haines or Ms McGowan would declare they had any role in attracting the McKoy Street promise.
"The member for Indi and her would-be successor have no right to claim any credit for this announcement," Mr Tilley said.
"They are a sideshow that has no say in how a government spends taxpayers' dollars.
"The $64 million for McKoy Street has come about because of the lobbying and outrage of industry and our community - the people affected by the creation of a quasi roundabout on a freeway.
"The same people who went to the retiring member for Indi's office back in May last year and were told there was nothing she could do about a national highway."
Labor's federal infrastructure and transport spokesman Anthony Albanese declined to say whether his party would match the promise and upgrade the site.
"This....sounds more like an attempt by the government to shore up its grip on power than a properly worked up infrastructure proposal," Mr Albanese told The Border Mail.
"A Shorten Labor government would work with the Victorian government to examine the proposal on its merits."
Labor Indi candidate Eric Kerr and Mr Martin vowed to pressure Labor to match the deal if the Coalition loses the election.
