Wednesday, 1 April 2026

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:32): (1299) My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Public and Active Transport in the other place. With petrol prices spiking, many people, particularly in outer suburbs and regional centres, are even more frustrated than usual that their local public transport is either non-existent or simply does not meet their needs. Some areas have slow, infrequent buses, routes stopping by 8 pm or no buses at all, as well as busy roads with no safe cycling infrastructure. Minister, what new actions is the government taking to help these people shift from dependence on expensive petrol cars right now?

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Housing and Building, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:32): Thank you, Ms Copsey, for that question to Minister Williams in the other place. I will refer that to her in accordance with the standing orders, noting of course the additional services that we are providing as part of connecting Sunbury right out through to Pakenham with the Metro Tunnel; the work that we are doing to create better access to public transport, including free public transport for the month of April; new and additional bus services that are servicing some of those outer areas; the work on Melton electrification; the removal of level crossings; and ongoing intermodal connectivity, including as that relates to active transport.

 Katherine COPSEY (Southern Metropolitan) (12:33): I just emphasise, although the minister will see it, that I asked for new actions that will benefit people right now.

V/Line’s regional trains are also reliant on diesel, which is more expensive than electricity at the best of times and leaves them exposed to price spikes like this latest price spike. Electric trains, though, could be faster in top speed and acceleration, they could be cheaper to run and maintain and they could run with zero emissions. Is the government investigating electrification of V/Line services?

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, Minister for Housing and Building, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:34): Thank you again. I will refer that to the Minister for Public and Active Transport for an answer in accordance with the standing orders, noting that Melton electrification is indeed part of the longer term work. The Sunshine superhub and the work on major connectivity and the growth areas, including as they relate to connections with regional Victoria as part of Melbourne Airport rail and additional services, will go on.