Thursday, 18 August 2022

Transport and health infrastructure

Mr FOWLES (Burwood) (09:59): The Suburban Rail Loop is a fantastic win for communities right across the east, linking commercial, health and education precincts. It is going to connect the Belgrave and Lilydale lines to every major train line in the state, and unlike others, we believe that investing in health care and investing in our transport system are not mutually exclusive.

Only an Andrews Labor government will listen and act on what the community wants. That is why, alongside the Suburban Rail Loop, we are proud to have invested boldly in our healthcare system. We did not feel the need to shelve one of the most important rail infrastructure projects this state has ever seen while we invested heavily into building a world-class health system. Only an Andrews Labor government is able to chew gum and walk at the same time. That is why we are building the Metro Tunnel. We have also built the Victorian Heart Hospital. That is why, while we are delivering more than 400 new paramedics, we are also building the airport rail link that our state so badly needs. And while we have removed 65 level crossings, we have also established new public elective surgery centres, including one in Blackburn. And there is more to come.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: physical mobility oils the engine of social mobility and inclusion. With investment in health and investment in our public transport system we are guiding our state to a very bright future. The Suburban Rail Loop is the infrastructure project the east needs. It is the infrastructure project the state needs, and it absolutely should not be left to wither and die on the shelf by those opposite.