Anna Reynolds: Search for Labor Ministers missing in action on light rail

Greens candidate for Denison, Anna Reynolds, says key discussions about light rail for Hobart’s northern suburbs are missing the two Labor Ministers that were invited to be part of it.

At the MONA Rail Roundtable in February, Transport Minister Nick McKim announced a taskforce of State and local decision makers, including two Labor Ministers, David O’Byrne and Bryan Green.

Last week, Minister McKim revealed that the taskforce had been joined by the Lord Mayor of Hobart, the Mayor of Glenorchy Stuart Slade, the Minister for Community Development Cassy O’Connor, and the head of the State Planning Commission Greg Alomes.

Anna Reynolds says the two Labor Ministers are now missing in action.

“Two Labor ministers have so far failed to join the taskforce that will drive this important development. Their lack of involvement is delaying the development of a light rail link from Hobart to Glenorchy and beyond.”

“Is Labor still making up its mind on light rail? While we hear tentative support from individuals, Labor as a Parliamentary team is still to make a decision to embrace and promote this development.”

Anna Reynolds said she was surprised that the ALP had not been more decisive about a development of great benefit to the people and communities of the northern suburbs.

“As David Walsh wrote in the Mercury two months ago, light rail is about social justice and ensuring access to community services. Like the Greens, Labor Ministers should be embracing this project as part of making Hobart more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

The State Government’s own cost-of-living studies show that Tasmanian households are spending more of their household income on transport than any other state. The average Tasmanian household spends one-sixth of their income on transport, more than any goods or services except food.

People in the northern suburbs have limited public transport options, and are paying a high percentage of their household budgets on running several cars. The electorate of Denison also has an ageing population, and a high percentage of people with disabilities that have difficulties with car-based transport.

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Greens candidate for Denison, Anna Reynolds