Cook government—Infrastructure
391. Mr Ron Saoto theDeputy Premier:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure projects across our state.
(1) Can the Deputy Premier update the house on the progress of this commitment?
(2) Is the Deputy Premier aware of anyone seeking to undermine these efforts?
Ms Rita Saffioti replied:
Thank you.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Hang on, Deputy Premier. Members, are you right?
Ms Rita Saffioti:
(1)–(2) I thank the member for Cannington for that question. Of course, we on this side of the house have a record of infrastructure delivery across the state, whether it be Spoilbank Marina in the North West, member for Pilbara, the projects through the South West or the road and rail projects and all the other projects we are delivering throughout metropolitan WA. It is a record of delivery of infrastructure. We know that one side of this house has opposed pretty much every project we have delivered. The Nationals and Liberals have opposed pretty much everything. The rail line to Ellenbrook—opposed. The rail line to Byford—opposed. The rail line to Yanchep—opposed. A women's and babies' hospital in Murdoch—opposed. The Bunbury Outer Ring Road—opposed. A record of opposition. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition is the commentator—the person who stands on the side and commentates. Do members remember the women's shelter that was shut down by the Leader of the Opposition? A primary school in East Perth—opposed. The new Western Australian Cricket Association redevelopment—opposed. It is a record of opposition. We are seeing it continue but a new "no-alition" has emerged. It is not just the Liberals and Nationals because the Liberals are joining with the Greens; it is the new "no-alition" in this state. The Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Greens are joining to oppose projects across the state.
Several members interjected.
The Speaker: Members!
Ms Rita Saffioti: The Leader of the Opposition opposes the Burswood precinct.
Mr Basil Zempilas interjected.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition!
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe!
Ms Rita Saffioti: As I said, the primary school is opposed and an expansion of the ferry system across the Swan River is opposed. We will continue to see bad commentary from the Leader of the Opposition on the sidelines. We have a choice in this state. The choice is to listen to those who oppose everything to ensure that the state cannot progress. But in delivering all the projects that we have delivered, there have always been those who have opposed them. They opposed Bunbury Outer Ring Road and the Byford rail line.
Mr Roger Cook: They opposed the Mandurah train line.
Ms Rita Saffioti: Yes, the Mandurah train line.
As I said, there is a new "no-alition" on planning reform. Now we have an upper house in which the Greens and the Liberal Party have joined together to put more red tape into the system to stop development in this state. As I said, you always have a choice in politics. You can stand on the sidelines and provide bad commentary, just like the member for Churchlands did in some of his previous roles, or you can actually go ahead and deliver for the future of Western Australia. I am so proud of our record of delivery. The Liberal Party wants to join with the Greens to oppose all our projects—new ferry services, planning reform—
Mr Basil Zempilas interjected.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition!
Ms Rita Saffioti: —and a new sports and entertainment precinct. I am happy that the Liberal Party has found a new partner in the "no-alition". It has dropped the National Party and it has got the Greens.
Mr Basil Zempilas interjected.
The Speaker: Leader of the Opposition, I am calling you for the first time.
Ms Rita Saffioti: As I said, the Leader of the Opposition was a bad commentator in the past and he is a bad commentator currently.
