Public transport
Ms RYAN (Euroa) (12:12): My question is to the Minister for Public Transport. Last week the Treasurer announced this Labor government will be imposing $4 billion of cuts, and he has said that he is looking at every line item. The minister cannot get a single train line to run on time. Will the minister guarantee that public transport’s share of the $4 billion in cuts will not lead to even more delays for Victoria’s train travellers?
Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Public Transport) (12:13): I would like to thank the member for her question. This is a government that has got a strong track record in investing in public transport. We have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on more services across all of Victoria; that is what we have done and that is what we will continue to do.
Ms RYAN (Euroa) (12:14): Last Monday one of the old diesel V/Line trains from Albury arrived into Southern Cross 3 hours and 38 minutes late after being stranded between Heathcote Junction and Donnybrook. Passenger Pat McMahon missed his flight to Hobart, costing $2700 to rebook accommodation and tickets. Can the minister guarantee that none of the Treasurer’s $4 billion in cuts will make life harder for passengers like Pat, or is this too not the minister’s responsibility?
Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Public Transport) (12:14): In relation to the north-east line—and I am aware of the incident that the member has raised—this is a line that is under the responsibility of the federal government’s agency, the Australian Rail Track Corporation. We have been responsible for lobbying the government to get a $235 million upgrade. It is what we will continue to do.
Ms Ryan: On a point of order, Speaker, the sessional and standing orders require the minister to be factual and relevant. I would put it to you that the minister therefore should explain why two Sprinter trains passed the train and why—
Members interjecting.
Ms Ryan: No, two Sprinter trains—
The SPEAKER: I ask the member for Euroa what the point of order is.
Ms Ryan: passed this train, Speaker, and perhaps she should explain whether there are any industrial issues at play here.
The SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order. Members know that points of order are not an opportunity to raise matters of debate. The Minister for Public Transport has concluded her answer.