Money the Abbott government paid to Victoria for the East West Link must remain in the state regardless of what infrastructure project it is spent on, new Opposition Leader Matthew Guy says.

In a dramatic change of position from the Coalition's time in government -- where it warned voters that a state Labor government would have to pay back $3 billion to the Commonwealth if it stopped East West link -- Mr Guy on Friday afternoon insisted Victoria must be able to keep the money.

Matthew Guy, new leader of the Victorian Liberal Party. Credit:Enrique Ascui

Prime Minister Tony Abbott this week re-iterated his support for the road project. Some of the $3 billion has already been paid to the state for the project.

"I think now that the money has been provided to Victoria it should stay in Victoria," Mr Guy said.