Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just like the Abbott government, the Turnbull government is shamefully failing the communities of Melbourne's north when it comes to providing decent infrastructure to enable people to lead decent lives.

Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Exactly right.

Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am so pleased that the Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation is in the chamber, because have we got a city deal for him, a city deal that is actually based on evidence—isn't that right, Member for McEwen?—based on an established business case and based on real need, not petty electoral considerations, as has been the case in the past. Over the two elections I have contested as the candidate, and now the member, for Scullin, the biggest issue has been the provision of infrastructure, including public transport and also critical roads infrastructure. I was so pleased to stand with the member for McEwen and the member for Grayndler, when he announced in the Scullin electorate Labor's Melbourne roads package, a package that would connect people in Melbourne's northern suburbs to jobs and opportunities.

Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is the East West Link in there?

Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I take the interjection. The East West Link did not have a lot to do with the northern suburbs, and it was rejected by the people of Victoria and will be rejected again. What the assistant minister at the table should do is encourage his colleagues Minister Fletcher and Minister Chester to come to Scullin and McEwen to look at the O'Herns Road site, look at the needs of the Melbourne market and look at the needs of growing communities around Epping, Epping North and Wollert. Support the business case, support local government, support state government and support a city deal with merit. Support a city deal that will transform people's lives and give them access to jobs and opportunities. (Time expired)