Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Southern Metropolitan Region

Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (12:50): (1798) I want to talk about the Fitzsimons Lane upgrade and the fact that this matter was part of the northern roads upgrade for a series of roads. There appears to be a very significant overrun on this. My question simply is: given that this is such an important north–south road and the movement through that area goes north–south and covers very significant movements of traffic, why has this matter blown out so much? This is for the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. Why has this suburban roads package blown out by such an extraordinary amount of money—an increase of $303.857 million. These are huge increases. What has happened that has forced this increase in the road cost?

The PRESIDENT: I have checked your constituency question, Dr Cumming. Unfortunately, even if someone from your electorate asked it, it still has to be related to your electorate, so I have to rule it out.

Dr Cumming: Thank you, President. I would like to put that question on notice.

The PRESIDENT: That is the right procedure.

Mr Ondarchie: On a point of order, President, I draw your attention to standing order 8.08, particularly section (4), which requires constituency questions to be answered within 14 days. I have a number of outstanding ones: a question to the Minister for Police 105 days ago, to the Attorney-General 93 days ago, to the Minister for Public Transport 63 days ago and to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety 50 days ago. These constituency questions are very important. We ask them on behalf of our constituents and expect answers within the statutory period.

The PRESIDENT: You know very well, Mr Ondarchie, that I cannot do anything about it.

Ms Pulford: Just in response, let me undertake to follow up those outstanding constituency questions with my colleagues.