Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Ministers statements: transport infrastructure

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:05): Right now across Victoria there are three big tunnelling projects that are under construction – right now here in Victoria. These are tunnels that are part of projects that are going to shape our state for generations to come. They are projects that will slash travel times. They will get trucks off local roads, and importantly too they will get families home safer and sooner. These are tunnelling projects that some said would never get off the drawing board. Well, they are not just off the drawing board, they are in the ground. They are happening right now and supporting thousands and thousands of workers in a job.

A bit of trivia for you: which member of this house once said the Metro Tunnel was a hoax, all smoke and mirrors? This same person also went on to say that the West Gate Tunnel project was a dud and even went so far as to try and block its construction here in the Parliament. He also went on to say about the North East Link – something that supports his own electorate – that he would scrap the entire project if he was elected. Well, this member for Bulleen, who has opposed all three projects, who is knocking three times on the door –

Members interjecting.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The house will come to order. The member for Laverton can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Laverton withdrew from chamber.

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, ministers statements are an opportunity for government to countenance their policy positions, not to attack the opposition or members of the opposition. I would ask you to ask her to desist doing so.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: We got to the point of order. Thank you to Speaker Brooks for his wisdom. The Premier to continue on her ministers statement.

Jacinta ALLAN: They do say the postman always knocks twice. The member for Bulleen is knocking three times. I say this: while it is whack-a-mole for those opposite, we are focused on what matters for Victorians, getting on and delivering these projects, supporting workers, supporting jobs and supporting Victorian families.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Before I call the Leader of the Opposition, I would like to acknowledge in the gallery the Japanese Consul-General Mr Tokuro Furuya. Welcome, sir.