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

Today I'm pleased to provide an update on some of the many infrastructure projects the Albanese Labor government are delivering in our communities, because, unlike the Liberals, we have been delivering on our election commitments and standing up for the communities of McEwen.

There's the Macedon Ranges regional sports precincts—nine years we had to wait because the Liberal Party refused to fund it. In fact, the only time they mentioned they would fund it was about two minutes before the election was called in 2022—two minutes before. They had no interest in it, never did anything and never funded it. But we put in $15 million, and we're about ready to kick off the stage 2 build. I'm looking forward to seeing all the superstars in the area that are going to have the opportunity to play sports in decent facilities that were neglected by the LNP's people opposite.

Second is Greenhill Reserve in Wallan oval 2. The Greenhill Reserve upgrade was completed this year and officially opened in June 2024. It means that more kids can play cricket and more kids can play football—and more adults can—in this rapidly rising area of the southern part of Mitchell shire. It's estimated that 3,200 people, including players, umpires, officials and spectators, will use the facility each year.

Then there's the Doreen splash park. Today I met with newly elected councillor Deb Gunn to discuss this important splash park. The Albanese government provided $1.5 million, along with $500,000 from the state government and $900,000 from the council, to build a splash park that's free and easy for families to go to. It's a much-needed recreational space. It's also going to have BBQs, pavilions and public amenities, making it a fantastic place to take the kids out for the day. Earthworks have commenced on this, and we're looking forward to seeing the rest of the infrastructure installed in the coming months.

Then there's the Bridge Inn Road upgrade, which is actually about to be finished ahead of time. It's part of the roads package that was put forward jointly by the federal and state governments. When this road's finished, it's going to double the capacity. It means that it will save more time for our families going to and from work, to and from school or to and from leisure and sporting activities. It also means that it's a lot safer.

These are investments in growing communities that our government has been doing, because, for nine years, those opposite never delivered on one promise—never delivered on one promise—to the people of the outer suburbs while they were in government. This is the stark contrast between what Labor does and what Liberals promise. They do lots of press releases but no delivery.

Yan Yean Road stage 2 is another one. This year we committed another $437 million to the suburban roads upgrade package, which includes funding for Yan Yean stage 2. Now, you would have thought that, in areas like these where these sorts of roads are needed, you'd get support from the opposition. But no—again. They refused to fund it, never stepped in and never did anything. Now they sit there and say, 'You should hurry up and get on with the job of fixing it.' What we've done in two years is got it together, got it funded and got it happening—whereas, for nine years, not a thing. It's a very, very stark contrast.

There's the Watson Street interchange. This is an absolute ripper. When the National Party member for Riverina was the Deputy Prime Minister, he came out and he committed to it. But, as we know, the National Party breeds infighting; he was gone. The member for New England was installed, and the money disappeared. In fact, what ended up happening was that the promise to fix the Hume freeway that the Morrison government made—they took the money out of that and then put that press-release money against the Watson Street interchange. So there was no money for either project. In fact, we've got the letter there. And those opposite sit there and say, 'Gee whiz, why are we having trouble?'

All you've done is put out press releases. You have not delivered one thing. We've delivered budget surpluses. You've delivered deficits—a trillion dollars of Liberal debt, and they couldn't fund simple things like this.

Lastly, I want to mention the ADF exchange program. I had the honour of hosting an ADF member as part of the ADF Parliamentary Program. We welcomed Warrant Officer Class 2 David Kelly-Grimshaw into our office. David had a great time because we made sure that everything was open. He got to see what was happening, all of the different lobby things that happen around here—the wonderful events—and to see how the days work and to see the different things that we do. I'm not picking on David, but he had to go home early the other night because he couldn't keep up with all the things that we have to go and see and do and keep up with and be part of and try to remember! But he is an excellent example of our ADF members. I think he's a true professional and an absolute gentleman. It was an honour for our office to be able to spend time with him, hear his story, talk to him, get his views and his understanding. He is an absolute representative of the ADFPP we're proud of.