Mark Speakman
NSW Leader of the Opposition
Natalie Ward
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
Dave Layzell
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
Paul Toole
Member for Bathurst
The Albanese Labor Government and the Minns Labor Government today attempted to re-sell a project first announced in 2023, fooling no one with a glossy re-announcement of the $100 million safety upgrades to Bells Line of Road.
This project was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and then NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet before the last state election. NSW Labor was sworn in on 5 April 2023. That is 957 days ago. Over two and half years. And Labor has nothing to show for it.
Jenny Aitchison likes to say she and Labor is getting on with the job. But what happened here? Is this another example of the Minns Labor Government's tunnel vision and lack of ambition for infrastructure?
NSW is the only state in Australia without a dedicated Infrastructure Minister. Maybe that is her excuse. No minister. No plan. No progress. Just photos and recycled press releases.
And now Jenny Aitchison fronts the media in a joint announcement with (ironically) Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, who fronted up last time this was announced in 2023 hoping that no one notices that nothing has happened in two and half years.
While roads remain unsafe, and regional communities wait for real work, Labor is focused on spin instead of delivery.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said regional families and freight operators have been waiting for promises to turn into projects.
"Over two and half years on, all Labor has done is take another photo. This re-announcement sums up just how little they have achieved," Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward this should embarrass the local Labor member for the Blue Mountains.
"Announcing the same money twice is not delivery. It is desperation. Our communities deserve more than recycled headlines and excuses," Ms Ward said.
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Dave Layzell said Labor leaves regional NSW behind once again.
They talk big, then pack up and go home. If they are so busy getting on with it, why has nothing happened since 2023?" Mr Layzell said.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said today's stunt is an insult to every commuter stuck on dangerous roads.
"Labor can re-announce this as much as they want, but until shovels hit the ground, it is just more talk and another example of the NSW Labor Government getting on with nothing," Mr Toole said.
The Minns Labor Government delivers excuses and reruns. It is clear who is getting on with it, and it is not Jenny Aitchison and or Labor.
