Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Federal election

Steve McGHIE (Melton) (13:14): I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Albanese Labor government on a historic federal election win over the last week. To have a Labor government we can count on in Canberra will benefit all Victorians, and especially the constituents west of Melbourne. I would like to acknowledge the Labor candidates – Sam Rae for Hawke; Alice Jordan-Baird for Gorton, a first-term member; and Catherine King for Ballarat – for their advocacy for their communities. I congratulate them on successful campaigns. I look forward to working closely with them in their term.

This transformative partnership between the Albanese and Allan Labor governments will deliver a long overdue upgrade of the Western Freeway, a $1 billion investment that will provide more lanes, build new overpasses and improve safety and efficiency for all road users. It is a direct result of Labor’s $20 million business case, delivered in just three years, proving what can be achieved when governments actually care about our communities and work together. For nine years the former coalition government ignored the Western Freeway – no funding, no plan, no action. In just three years Labor has done what they never even attempted, and now we are getting on with the job. The Sunshine station rebuild is a major boost for Melbourne’s west, delivering vital connections between the airport, regional Victoria and the metro rail network. It is a key part of electrifying the Melton line, and with strong backing from our federal Labor partners, this project will get done.

The success of the Albanese Labor campaign is a testament not only to the strength of the candidates, but to the tireless dedication of our incredible volunteers in door knocking, phone banking and standing tall on election day. Finally, a big thank-you to the mighty trade union movement, who once again turned out in force.