Wednesday, 21 June 2023

Ministers statements: public transport fares

Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty, Minister for Employment, Minister for Public Transport) (14:22): I rise to provide an update to the house on how the Andrews Labor government is helping Victorians with their cost of living through our regional fare discounts that we have implemented. Under this government fairness is in the heart of our DNA. What you pay for a public transport fare should not be about where you live. That is why at the election we promised – and Victorians agreed – to introduce regional fares to make them fair, like metropolitan Melbourne. Just last week Strathbogie mayor Laura Binks wrote to me:

Change of regional V/Line fares benefitting the North-East and Shepparton lines

She caught the V/Line to meet with Minister Horne. She wrote about it here, which is very good. Engaging with the government of the day – that is what you do. She said:

During my train trip, I met multiple constituents who were all so thrilled with the reduced prices …

She thanked us for this initiative. But I have got more. We know they are in love with each other over there, but Cupid arrived –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Leader of the Opposition to cease calling the minister by his first name in the chamber. He has a title if you wish to speak to him.

Ben CARROLL: Thank you, Speaker. The member for Ripon knows, and she got this. Someone said:

This is going to make dating much easier … Got a busted wing, so can’t drive atm, but took a V/Line down to Ballarat lat weekend …

…

Date didn’t work out, but that’s cool!

These fares are making a real difference.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Leader of the Nationals is warned.

Ben CARROLL: The only reason we are in a position to make this investment is that since 2014 we have not wasted a minute. Whether it be rolling stock or whether it be the Regional Rail Revival, we have not wasted a minute. While they have been on a four-year public holiday, we have been on and getting on with the job day in, day out.