Tuesday, 2 December 2025

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (19:03): (1450) The adjournment matter that I wish to raise is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport and concerns the Allan Labor government’s free public transport initiatives. The action that I seek is that the minister provide an update on how these announcements will benefit constituents in my electorate of Narre Warren South. As we all know, public transport is so important for many in my community as it connects them to work, to friends, to events and to opportunities. This accessible and relatively low cost service is now providing further discounts too. The Metro Tunnel of course is now officially open, and it has marked a transformative moment for our state. My community has been incredibly excited for this milestone and the tunnel’s summer start. For people living in the outer south-east, the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines connect with the Metro Tunnel through to the Sunbury line via five new underground stations.

To celebrate the opening and say a big thankyou to Victorians for their patience while work was taking place, we have introduced free public transport for everyone on weekends throughout December and January, and there have been announcements for seniors card holders on weekends and for everyone under 18 year-round. I look forward to hearing when the under-18 Myki cards will be available. After 1 February discounts will be extended for carers and disability support pensioners, with free weekend public transport too. As we keep growing and expanding the public transport network, more and more are accessing this incredible service at discount rates. While those opposite are focused on other things ‍– cuts, maybe – we are focused on delivery, and it is great to see people already exploring the Metro Tunnel this year. I look forward to sharing that response with my community.