Wednesday, 17 May 2023

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Public transport funding

Katherine COPSEY, Harriet SHING
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Public transport funding

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:06): (139) My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Public Transport. The Labor government is preparing Victorians for a slash-and-burn austerity budget, with reports warning of numerous public transport projects being either massively delayed or quietly defunded. The Melbourne Airport rail is being put on hold. High-speed rail between Geelong and Melbourne is a pipedream now, and the promised overhaul of our bus network, laid out in the government’s own 2021 bus reform plan, is feared to be at risk. Victoria could be developing a modern, green and affordable public transport network with electric buses, high-speed rail and frequencies that match community demand. Instead, the government is pulling funding and telling us there is simply no room in the budget for this renewal, while refusing to make big banks and profiteering corporations pay their fair share of tax. Can the minister please clarify for Victorians how cutting funding for public transport during a cost-of-living crisis will help them?

Harriet SHING: Oh, my gosh. I am so sorry. Thank you, Ms Copsey. It was a little difficult with the line of sight somewhat obscured. I will refer that question to the minister in the other place in accordance with the standing orders and seek an answer on that basis.

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:07): With reports indicating that the airport rail might now be significantly delayed and the 2021 bus reform plan feared to be not meeting community expectations, will the minister flag with Victorians which essential public transport and active and sustainable transport projects are at risk of not being completed on time or at all in the years ahead?

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Equality) (12:07): Thank you, Ms Copsey. I have gotten your name correct on this occasion with the supplementary. I will of course refer that to the minister in the other place for an answer in accordance with the standing orders.

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