Tuesday, 21 February 2023

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty, Minister for Employment, Minister for Public Transport) (14:13): I rise to update the house on how the Andrews Labor government is taking action, not words, when it comes to tackling transport emissions. Transitioning mass transit to zero emissions is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It is a win-win for workers. It is a win-win for the environment. It is also a win-win for communities and local amenities.

Last week I joined the Premier and the member for Ivanhoe to visit Victoria’s first all-electric bus depot in Ivanhoe. It is a major milestone in our rollout of zero-emission vehicles and meeting our target of being net zero by 2045. The bus network is an essential part of our transport system. It connects millions of Victorians, whether it is to school, to shops, to centres – wherever they need to get to. Bus services last year travelled more kilometres than trains, some 155 million kilometres. At an average bus emission rate of 1.35 kilograms per kilometre, this equates to more than 200,000 tonnes of CO₂. That is a big problem, but it is a problem the Andrews government has a solution for, and that means rolling out zero-emission buses powered by solar and clean electricity right throughout our network. It is already paying dividends for students at La Trobe University. Buses are being powered and built down in Dandenong.

Members interjecting.

Ben CARROLL: I know the other side are excited. I know the member for Warrandyte is not in his chair. I think he is out driving a bus right now. We know where he is headed: straight for the opposition leader.

Members interjecting.

Ben CARROLL: You asked for the punchline, and I gave it to you.