Thursday, 28 August 2025

Suburban Rail Loop

Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (23:37): (1905) My adjournment matter this evening is for the attention of the Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, and by good chance it seems that the minister is indeed in the chamber. Now, the action that I seek is that the minister update me on the benefits that the Suburban Rail Loop project will bring to my constituents in the South-Eastern Metropolitan and also update me on the government’s policy and position on this very important project, because it stands in stark contrast to the, we believe, eight positions – but as of Mr Welch’s contribution tonight, perhaps nine.

Nick McGowan interjected.

Michael GALEA: We seem to have backtracked again, Mr McGowan – perhaps nine, perhaps who knows. Tomorrow is a new day – perhaps 10, 11, 12 positions from those opposite. Now, we know that Mr Guy and Mr Farnham have left the Parliament and gone AWOL today. Having seen the shambles in this place last night, I cannot say I blame them. I am not sure who it was that said ‘The party room is in absolute tatters’ to the Herald Sun. It could be anyone in here. There are too many of you. But it seems that the – what is his role? – shadow minister for transitioning to becoming a minor party has gone over to South America to look at rail infrastructure, to look at projects that we are actually building right here. If he perhaps went to visit the site in Heatherton or Box Hill or Clayton, he would see that. He could actually see an infrastructure project happening right here in Melbourne, an infrastructure project that is going to support and benefit people right across different parts of Melbourne and Gippsland, with the SRL East, and in particular my constituents. I would be very grateful for that update and indeed grateful to know that whilst we have eight or nine or many more policies –

Nick McGowan: I thought it was a housing project.

Michael GALEA: What is your position, Mr McGowan? Are you in favour or opposed? I am not sure. I cannot tell, but –

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: It is 20 to midnight. Do not do this stuff.

Michael GALEA: Through the Chair, I will ask the minister for an update on this very important project.