Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Members statements

Transport infrastructure

Dr BACH (Eastern Metropolitan) (12:37): I was heartened recently to read some public comments by the then federal Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Ms Catherine King—and my presumption is that Ms King may be shortly joining Mr Albanese’s cabinet.

Mr Gepp: Hear, hear!

Dr BACH: Well, hear, hear—quite right. She said some fascinating things about transport infrastructure. She put on the record her view that should there be a change of government here in November, as there may be, then she will work cooperatively and productively with a future Matthew Guy-led Liberal and National Party government to deliver the east–west link, and I welcome those comments. She confirmed that of course $4 billion had been set aside over a long period of time by the previous coalition government and that that would be made available.

She also had some commentary about the Suburban Rail Loop. Those opposite want to talk about the Suburban Rail Loop; that is fine. She responded to questions about why it is that the pledge from the federal Labor Party at this election was of such a lesser amount than the pledge at the last election, and she said the reason was that she needed further information before she was sure that the entire project stacks up. That was the entirety of her language. In doing so, she mirrored the comments that I have made previously and those of us on this side of the house have made previously about the need to ensure that we heed the advice of the Auditor-General and make sure that when we move forward with major projects we do so after there has been a rigorous process, which there has not yet been for the Suburban Rail Loop, notwithstanding the fact that undoubtedly the idea of greater linkages between the spokes in Melbourne’s hub-and-spoke rail model has merit.

So I want to note the bipartisan and cooperative approach of Ms King and also note that should she become the minister, indeed no matter who becomes the minister, we on this side of the house will continue to engage in that approach also.