Wednesday, 12 August 2026

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (19:27): (2683) My adjournment matter tonight is to the Minister for Public Transport. We know it is only Labor that can deliver level access tram stops for Sydney Road and only Labor, in partnership with our community, that can deliver the accessible public transport our community needs. I and so many in the community were heartened to see that this year’s budget commits funding to the design and consultation around level access tram stops on Sydney Road. This has been something that our community has been calling out for, and our government is listening and acting. My office has met with key community groups who have been fighting for these upgrades, as I have met with them. Can I take a moment to thank the Victorian Transport Action Group, the Sydney Road Accessible Tram Stops campaign and the Merri-bek Bicycle User Group for their robust feedback and valuable ideas as the consultation process kicked off. We have seen through previous projects how important a detailed consultation process can be, and it is pleasing to see that this budget has committed funding to ensure that we do the same.

But we are not just focused on accessibility on our tram network. We are also recognising that our rail system should be safe and accessible for everyone. That is why our government has started rolling out the new X’Trapolis 2.0 on the Upfield and Craigieburn lines. These modern, accessible features mean that more passengers from Brunswick to Craigieburn and from North Melbourne to Upfield will have ample mobility space, semi-automated boarding ramps and continuous walkways, meaning that it will be easier for those with mobility issues to access a ride on our world-class train system. You see, it is only Labor, in partnership with passionate community advocates, that can deliver these key accessible upgrades for our inclusive inner north community. With all these upgrades already delivered or in the works, the action I seek from the minister is to update me on accessibility for public transport in the Northern Metropolitan Region.