Tuesday, 14 October 2025

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, Minister for Youth) (14:42): I rise to update the house on how this government is delivering for young people with better transport options, like the Metro Tunnel a year ahead of schedule. When it comes to opening in December, this project will be a game changer for the way we travel around Melbourne. It means important new stations that connect to work, university, hospitals and of course the heart of Melbourne, the Shrine of Remembrance. It means increased capacity at the city loop, delivering more services more often, and it means uplifting the services for growing communities along the Sunbury and Pakenham lines. It also means better opportunities for young Victorians to be able to access transport so they can better connect to where they need to go. This is so important, and our government is supporting young people across this journey. That is why from January we are making it free for every single young person under the age of 18.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all youth councils across Victoria and the Victorian Youth Congress, which have strongly advocated for this free public transport, and a special shout-out to Catholic Regional College St Albans. Young people have been involved every step of the way, including designing the brand new youth Myki. How good was Charlie’s winning design? Fantastic. On this side of the house we are supporting our communities and our young people, providing them with connections and better opportunities for all young Victorians to grow in our state.