Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has once again refused to say where his party will build a second airport in Sydney, saying the issue should be "above politics".
Speaking at an aviation summit in Sydney on Wednesday, Mr Albanese was asked by a UTS academic where the airport should be located.
"What I want it to be is above politics and the time for the finalisation process probably isn't today," Mr Albanese said.
"What we have to do is set up a proper process."
Mr Albanese said he has commissioned a report and is waiting for further expert advice.
A recent federal government study found building an airport at Wilton, 80km southwest of Sydney, would cost more and take longer than constructing the Badgerys Creek option.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said on Tuesday that the government had "dragged its feet" on the issue.
"We think a decision should have been made and we were happy to enter into constructive dialogue with the government of the day," he told ABC radio in Sydney.
"They've missed their chance."
Mr Abbott said a decision on Badgerys Creek would be made if the coalition won the election.
