Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator McKenzie, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 15 October 2026:

The management, delivery and cancellation of the Inland Rail project since May 2022, with particular reference to:

(a) the reasons for the Labor Government's decision to cease the Inland Rail project north of Parkes;

(b) the escalation in estimated project costs from May 2022;

(c) the governance, management and delivery of the Inland Rail project;

(d) the implementation of recommendations of The delivery of inland rail: An independent review;

(e) the economic, social and environmental impacts of the cancellation of the Inland Rail north of Parkes;

(f) the loss of projected carbon emission reductions that would have been achieved through shifting freight movements from road to rail;

(g) engagement with communities, governments and industry on the delivery and future of the Inland Rail project; and

(h) any other related matters.

Question agreed to.