Metro Tunnel
David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (14:30): My question is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. Minister, the cost of the Metro Tunnel has already blown out by at least $4 billion. Is the additional $888 million in secret top-up payments reported today in addition to the previously known cost blowouts?
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (14:30): The project has been disclosed in the budget papers as costing $12.6 billion. I would note, if those opposite had not cancelled the project in 2010, Victorians would be using the metro right now and it would have cost a lesser amount. That is just the reality of the situation.
John Pesutto: On a point of order, Speaker, I ask that you draw the minister back to the question.
The SPEAKER: The minister will come back to the question.
Danny PEARSON: There has been no agreement reached with our construction partners. In the event there is an agreement with our construction partners reached, that will be disclosed in the normal way and it will be publicised.
David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (14:31): Can the minister guarantee that the project will not blow out by more than another $888 million?
Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC) (14:31): What I will say is that I will guarantee this project is going to be delivered by the Allan Labor government, I will guarantee we will not cut this project and I will guarantee that I will not jeopardise the commercial position of the state.
James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, I do not know what he is doing, but he is not answering the question.
The SPEAKER: I think the minister was being relevant. The minister has concluded his answer.