Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Ministers statements: transport infrastructure

Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Minister for Public and Active Transport) (14:26): Yesterday I updated the house on the federal opposition leader’s latest plans to short-change Victoria again. For the best part of 10 years the federal coalition government ripped billions of dollars out of Victorian infrastructure projects, and in doing so they left the state with a choice. We could either invest and protect our famed livability or let the federal Liberals send us backwards by decades. We chose to invest because Victorians deserve it. We went it alone on the Metro Tunnel project, freeing up capacity in the city loop and delivering a turn-up-and-go service. We went it alone on the West Gate Tunnel project, that vital alternative crossing to the West Gate Bridge, saving travel time for commuters in our west. And of course we went it alone on 84 out of 85 level crossing removals across our state, easing congestion and boosting safety across Victoria.

But things changed a few years ago, and we now have a partner in Canberra in the Albanese government. They know where to find Victoria on a map. They have invested $7 billion into airport rail, they have invested $2.2 billion in the Suburban Rail Loop and they have invested $1.2 billion in outer suburban roads because they know that no matter where you live in this state you deserve to have the projects delivered that make a meaningful difference to your everyday life, and they have partnered with the state in that vision. We all know, and Victorians know, that Liberals cut and close. They short-changed us for a decade and have promised to do the same again.

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, former Speaker Brooks ruled quite clearly that ministers statements are not an opportunity to attack the opposition. I would ask you to ask the minister to desist from doing so.

The SPEAKER: I ask the minister to refrain from attacking the opposition.

Gabrielle WILLIAMS: Those opposite need to decide whether they are the champions for Victoria or the champions for Queensland.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the next Deputy Premier was defying your ruling.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.