Janet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) that Australians have resumed or taken up bike riding in large numbers for exercise, leisure, and physically-distanced transport during the COVID-19 related restrictions on broader movement,

  (ii) the importance of well-designed and properly funded infrastructure to support walking and cycling as healthy, clean and efficient modes of active transport for Australians of all ages,

  (iii) that traffic congestion and pollution can be relieved by providing people with safe cycling routes, and

  (iv) that the Federal Government funds a range of transport modes and has historically funded infrastructure for cycling and walking, yet the current government provides very little funding to active transport; and

(b) calls on the Federal Government to invest in infrastructure for active transport, both as a stimulus measure in response to the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a measure to improve active transport infrastructure beyond the pandemic.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government is currently investing record levels of funding in infrastructure across the country, partnering with states, territories and local governments. Our investments cover hundreds of major land transport projects which are developed and designed with consideration for active transport provisions as part of the scope of these projects. Projects such as the Gateway Motorway upgrade in Queensland and the Northern Connector project in Adelaide are examples of where the Australian government has provided funding for active transport initiatives. The Australian government also provides opportunity through a range of funding programs for organisations and local government bodies that can be used to fund specific active transport projects, with many funded over the past few years.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that motion No. 547, in the name of Senator Rice, be agreed to.