Tuesday, 12 May 2026

 Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport, Minister for Women and Girls) (14:11): The Allan Labor government knows that investing in critical infrastructure is all about boosting productivity and setting strong economic foundations for future generations. Investing in critical transport infrastructure quite literally allows us to keep Victorians moving, keeping them connected to jobs, to education and to the major events that make Victoria the envy of the world. The Productivity Commission estimates that congestion in Australian cities costs the economy at least $24 billion every year, and with a growing population this will only get worse, unless of course governments invest in the critical infrastructure that unlocks more capacity and more services. This is the motivation behind projects like the Metro Tunnel, the West Gate Tunnel, North East Link, the Sunshine superhub and every single one of the 88 level crossings that we have removed so far. It is an investment in future generations, an investment in the future livability of our state and an investment in our state’s economic growth for a long time to come. But most importantly it is an investment in Victorians themselves, both today and tomorrow. The opposition have promised $40 billion in cuts and a plan that means they cannot and will not invest in critical infrastructure for a decade or more.

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, ministers statements are an opportunity for the minister to countenance her policy proposals, not to attack the opposition. I would ask you to ask her to desist from doing so.

Anthony Carbines: On the point of order, Speaker, the former Manager of Opposition Business is out of order. The minister is being relevant in her ministers statement.

Brad Rowswell: On a point of order, Speaker: correct parliamentary titles.

The SPEAKER: I do not uphold the member for Evelyn’s point of order. The minister to continue without attacking the opposition. It is okay to compare policies.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: By way of comparing and contrasting our respective approaches, $40 billion of proposed cuts means a cut to the capacity and the services that this important and critical infrastructure unlocks. It is a guarantee for gridlock – Liberal-branded gridlock – so Jess can promise intergenerational traffic jams.

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister, I remind you to use correct titles in the chamber.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: Apologies, Speaker. Intergenerational traffic jams – but Labor will keep Victorians connected to the opportunities and prosperity they deserve.