Tuesday, 2 December 2025

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (14:40): Toot, toot! It is my great pleasure to update the house on the opening of the Metro Tunnel a whole year ahead of schedule – a project built by Victorians, for Victorians, delivered entirely by a state Labor government. The Metro Tunnel is not just five brand new, beautiful underground stations connecting Victorians to places that have never had access by rail before; it unlocks more services more often across our entire rail network for generations to come. Between now and 1 February we will be running 240 extra services through the Metro Tunnel each week. From 1 February we will make the big switch to fully integrate the Metro Tunnel into the network, delivering an additional thousand weekly services. Later in 2026 we will be adding hundreds more services each week on the Werribee line, on the Craigieburn line, on the Upfield line and on the Sandringham line. That is just the beginning.

Those opposite can no longer call this project a hoax, so the Leader of the Opposition now needs to call this project a waste. No doubt that is all part of her plan to pave the way for public transport service cuts if she gets the chance.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are not an opportunity for the government to attack the opposition.

Mary-Anne Thomas: On the point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are an opportunity to compare and contrast the activity of our government with those who would be leaders.

The SPEAKER: The minister will come back to her ministers statement without attacking the opposition.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: Pleasure. Is delivering thousands of additional public transport services to meet the needs of a growing community a waste?

Members: No.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: Is connecting Victorian patients, families and workers directly to the Parkville precinct a waste?

Members: No.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: Is connecting Victorians to jobs a waste?

Members: No.

The SPEAKER: The minister will cease inciting members.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: On this side of the chamber we think connecting Victorians to opportunities is important. We think that making people’s lives easier is important. That is why Labor invests in public transport. Labor builds, Liberals cut and it is never going to change.