Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Ministers statements: Metro Tunnel

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:32): Our government promised Victorians that we would get on and build the Metro Tunnel, and that is exactly what we are doing today. Why are we doing this with such determination? As we have heard from a number of my colleagues over the course of this afternoon, this is a project that absolutely must be delivered because of the significant benefits that it delivers for Victorians travelling across the state. Even more than that, this is a project that is going to be delivered a full year ahead of schedule.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The member for Mildura can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Mildura withdrew from chamber.

Jacinta ALLAN: Plus, Victorians, when they are travelling on the Metro Tunnel, will be able to use one of our fantastic high-capacity metro trains that are manufactured right here in Victoria. They are not being made in Korea. Those opposite would have shipped our train manufacturing industry offshore. They are being proudly made here in Victoria because we require this. New trains in a tunnel that is running beneath the city, new technology and five underground stations is what the Metro Tunnel is delivering. Even better than that, there are the 7000 jobs that are being supported right now because we are delivering productive infrastructure today that will support our growing city and the state for the future. Those opposite cancelled this project. They walked away from this project. It was all a bit hard.

John Pesutto: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are not an opportunity to criticise the opposition.

The SPEAKER: Premier, I ask you to refrain from criticising the opposition.

Jacinta ALLAN: It is a statement of fact. Those opposite cancelled this project, and when you build nothing, like those opposite did, you send the economy backwards.

The SPEAKER: Question time has ended. We will now move to constituency questions.

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, I have a number of questions that remain outstanding. To be answered by the Minister for Skills and TAFE are questions 1135, 1137, 1138, 1139, 1140, 1141, 1148, 1149, 1151, 1215, 1220, 1221, 1222, 1227, 1229, 1231, 1233, 1234 and 1235. And unanswered questions from the Minister for Jobs and Industry are questions 1216, 1223 and 1240. These 22 questions remain unanswered. I raised a point of order on these exact 22 questions last sitting week, and they still remain unanswered.

The SPEAKER: I ask you to hand your list to the Clerk.

Martin Cameron: On a point of order, Speaker, I have the following questions awaiting responses, some of which are almost 12 months late: question 272 to the Minister for Regional Development; question 253, an adjournment matter to the Minister for Housing; and question 1331 to the Minister for Mental Health. I ask that you follow up these, please.

The SPEAKER: I ask you to pass your list to the Clerk.

Roma Britnell: On a point of order, Speaker, this is the third time I have raised this point of order with you, and you have even written to the Minister for Health on two occasions. I have no doubt it will be three occasions after this. The minister is thumbing her nose at my constituents, you and the parliamentary process. It is a simple question. It is question 660: can the minister categorically rule out mergers of health services in South-West Coast?

The SPEAKER: Please pass your list to the Clerk.