Public transport—Affordability
721. Mr Daniel Pastorelli to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and cost-of-living support, particularly when it comes to public transport.
(1) Can the minister outline to the house how the WA Labor government is making public transport more affordable and accessible across Western Australia?
(2) What opportunities does this create for people in our suburbs?
(3) Can the minister advise of whether she is aware of anyone who opposes creating opportunities for people in our suburbs?
Ms Rita Saffioti replied:
(1)–(3) Thank you. Let us lighten up the tone, everybody! It is the last day of sitting. I just found a little popping candy elf.
Mr Roger Cook: Where's mine?
Ms Rita Saffioti: I took yours—sorry. I already had mine! I needed a prop! Cadbury, if you are watching, there is not enough popping candy in it! Is that the view?
Mrs Jessica Stojkovski: Yes.
A member: Yes.
Ms Rita Saffioti: I think the amount of popping candy diminishes each year.
Anyway, it is a time to reflect on all that has been delivered in public transport across the state. Because we are a team of sharing, I made my own little advent calendar for the opposition. It is a Metronet advent calendar, everybody! We can go through and highlight the incredible things that have happened over the past year. I know people are looking at their watches thinking this is going to take a while, so I will not go through all 12, Mr Speaker. I know you are looking at me thinking, "We're not going through the whole 12!" But let us go through some of the highlights because I know opposition members love Metronet. I have made them a little calendar to put on the fridge. Every day, they can pull off a little title. Number 11 is 50% off Transwa fares, members.
Members: Hear, hear!
Ms Rita Saffioti: I know the member for Scarborough is going to love this one. It is the Surf CAT, member for Scarborough! On day five, what do we have? We have the Byford rail extension. Many great things are happening across the suburbs. We have electric buses, members! There are so many. I will not go through all 12 but my personal favourite—
Several members interjected.
Ms Rita Saffioti: —is 12 level crossing removals throughout the suburbs. The one-zone fare cap is coming, members. It is coming for regional WA, too, remember. We have new payment options—contactless options—and Metronet on Swan. We have Long Park, with elevated rail through Victoria Park and Cannington and the Thornlie–Cockburn link. What was the other key project opened in the last year? It was the Ellenbrook rail line, members. I will stick all these back on so opposition members can surprise themselves every day. Put it on the fridge! Merry Christmas, everybody, and I hope you really enjoy your advent calendar!
