Hawke Welcomes Bi-partisan Support for Federal Funding of the North West Rail Link

Monday, 14 May 2012

Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, welcomed Michelle Rowland’s confirmation (Rouse Hill Times 9/5/12) that she opposes her Labor Government’s policy not to fund the North West Rail line. 

“This Labor government has yet again sidelined the priorities of Sydney’s North West but there may be some good news to come off the back of this decision, Mr Hawke said.

Greenway Labor MP Michelle Rowland has stated this week she disagreed with Infrastructure Australia’s recommendations not to fund the Northwest Rail Link and supported Premier Barry O’Farrell pledge to build the line. “There is no argument that it has to be built” she said.

Mr Hawke says “I have repeatedly called on this government over the last four years to fund this important project and time upon time they have provided no funding commitment. At a minimum the Federal Government should behave responsibly and allow the NSW State Government to set the infrastructure priorities for our State.”

Mr Hawke will this week submit a motion on notice without Federal interference to Parliament calling on the government to change their position and provide the $2.1 billion directly to the NSW government without strings attached. “Given Michelle Rowland’s recent comments, I will be asking her to second the motion and commit her support to this motion calling for the Federal funding to be allocated on a proper basis”.

“If Michelle Rowland supports this motion, I am confident we can get it passed and place significant pressure on the Federal government to do the right thing by North West Sydney and her electorate. In light of her recent public comments I look forward to sitting down with her, working together to get this rail link built. I look forward to a bi-partisan approach towards fixing one of the biggest infrastructure problems in NSW,” concluded Alex Hawke.