Brendan O'Connor (Gorton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, member for Bendigo. Although this is not a line item in the budget, I understand planning money has been allocated for this project, but no commitment has been given. Whilst this is a positive first step, we need a commitment that this project will proceed and the appropriate funds allocated. As I said, it was the federal Labor government that secured significant infrastructure projects for the Gorton electorate, including funding for $50 million for the Calder Freeway/Kings Road interchange project. The Calder Park Drive overpass is an important continuation of the previous Labor upgrades which the Turnbull government must commit to.

Labor recognises that Melbourne's western suburbs are experiencing significant growth, and Gorton remains one of the fastest-growing electorates in the country. That is why we believe in the importance of investing in road infrastructure to keep pace with population growth. This government, I say, has been failing the residents of Gorton by refusing to commit to funding the roads we need. This is a crucial issue. I have many constituents concerned that not enough investment is occurring in our region and in our electorate. Indeed, Victorians have been robbed of infrastructure spending as a result of the federal budget. The Liberals do not invest in the west of Melbourne. It is about time that they looked at the growth in this area and realised that it is critical that they start investing in the west and start making sure that constituents of my electorate are given every opportunity to have good roads, uncongested roads, safer roads and better infrastructure for leisure and for work to ensure that this remarkable area of Melbourne is looked after like every other part of Melbourne.

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