Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Sunday 22 February was one of those days that mattered. Thousands of locals came down to celebrate the opening of the new Midland train station, and I was proud to attend on behalf of the federal minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government, the Hon. Catherine King. This wasn't just a ribbon cutting. It was a community event, a celebration of shared investment, a sign of what is possible when governments work together and deliver. With more than $400 million invested through Commonwealth and state partnerships, this project is a clear example of cooperation creating public good.

I want to acknowledge the Premier, Roger Cook, and the Deputy Premier and minister, Rita Saffioti, for their focus and their commitment over many years to bring their vision of METRONET to life. And I especially thank the member for Midland, Steve Catania, and the Midland and Districts Historical Society, who championed preserving the old station clock. That clock now stands proudly within the new development, linking Midland's history to its future. This new landmark station sits adjacent to Midland's historic railway workshops, the railway worker cottages and the new Bellevue railway workshops. From my electorate office just literally down the road, I've been able to watch this project take shape week by week—steel, concrete, cranes and now a modern, accessible station that is genuinely one of the most impressive on the network, with local Indigenous artwork fully incorporated into the whole design.

Let's be clear. Infrastructure is not just about buildings. Around 1,000 workers contributed to this build—engineers, planners, tradespeople and apprentices. This is what shared investment means. It means jobs. It means skills. It means real training pathways for young people. Through initiatives like our fee-free TAFE and the support for apprenticeships, the Albanese government is making sure that we've got the skilled workers to deliver projects just like this one, not just in Midland but right across the whole country. For families across Hasluck, the benefits are immediate. Better public transport means safer access and stronger connection to their jobs, education and, of course, services. With the state government's $2.80 go-anywhere fare, every tap on and off is real cost-of-living relief. When household budgets are tight, affordable public transport really does matter.

Midland train station is strengthening the area as a hub for workers, services and community life. Good transport, of course, doesn't just move people; it expands opportunity. It means where you live doesn't limit where you can go. The opening day captured exactly that spirit, and the family fun day brought together everyone, from face paintings to formalities emceed by the former WA WBA light-heavyweight champion Danny Green. It really showed how much the community cares and what it serves.

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