Tuesday, 2 May 2023

Northern Metropolitan Region

Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (14:24): (131) My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, and I refer the minister to reports that she was warned about potential illegal CFMEU coercion and exclusion of Indigenous firms on the state’s infrastructure projects last year. We now see reports that allegedly a Mick Gatto-linked, CFMEU-backed Indigenous labour firm is taking their place in a project of great interest to my constituents, the duplication of Mickleham Road. I ask the minister what she knew and how she has allowed this to occur. Does she support the involvement of this firm at the expense of other Indigenous firms? This project has been of great interest to my constituents, including the Greenvale Residents Association and Cr Jim Overend, because for 1.6 kilometres it has cost $130 million per kilometre, compared to Plenty Road and Craigieburn Road, which have cost $30 million and $50 million respectively. Will the minister stop taking the micky with Mickleham Road and guarantee this project goes ahead?

The PRESIDENT: That ends constituency questions. The standing orders say we do 15, and we did 17 today, so good luck buying real estate off me. I will just say that in future we will stick to 15.