Questions without notice and ministers statements
CityLink tolls
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:02): My question is to the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. Yesterday Transurban announced recorded toll revenue for the first half of 2022–23, with CityLink toll revenue up 42 per cent to $446 million, partly through toll escalations. With household cost-of-living pressures rising, is it fair that motorists are paying increased tolls for a tunnel that has not been built?
Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (14:02): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question about cost-of-living pressures, particularly when it comes to roads. In relation to the concession deeds for Transurban that is a question probably better directed at the Treasurer. However, can I say that the Andrews Labor government is investing heavily in our road system. We are –
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! I will not tolerate this constant across-the-chamber.
Melissa HORNE: The Andrews Labor government obviously is investing heavily in making sure that our road network is maintained and that we have got an extensive program of building new roads so that we can get people to and from work efficiently and around the network.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! I would like to hear the questions in silence.
John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): With CityLink record profits based on a 4.25 per cent increase each year in tolls, will the government now apologise for putting the profits of Transurban ahead of families?
Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Roads and Road Safety) (14:04): I am sorry, but I do reject the premise of this question, because this is a government that does not step away from working with private partners to be able to build the vital infrastructure that we need to move Victorians around the state. This is a concession deed that was signed under the previous Liberal government, and this is something that we will continue –
John Pesutto: And extended under you.
Melissa HORNE: If you want to keep talking at me and talking over the top of me, because that is what is you do with women –
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! There is too much crossing across the chamber and a lot of loud noise. I cannot hear the answers, and I want to hear the questions and the answers. I ask the Leader of the Opposition in particular to refrain from constant interjection across the table. Other members will be removed without warning.