Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I will attempt to give you as much information as I have at this stage, Senator Payne. While approving the 2009 Sydney Airport Master Plan, the government made it clear that Sydney will require new airport capacity in the future. The process of identifying additional airport capacity needs to be considered in the context of strategic transport planning for the Sydney region. The Australian government has invited the New South Wales government to participate in a joint study to assess options, potential sites and investment strategies for additional airport capacity for the Sydney region. This joint study will also consider ways to improve the public transport links and roadways to Kingsford Smith airport and, in due course, the potential second Sydney airport. It will also consider the future of the Badgerys Creek site, given the government has ruled it out as an option for a second Sydney airport. I will not be speculating on possible sites for a second airport. If there is any further information that the minister is able to provide in answering the question, I will seek it and get it to you as fast as possible.