Traffic in Southern Tasmania continues to get worse because we have an Infrastructure Minister who is not taking the job seriously.
Reports that Jeremy Rockliff has broken an election promise and dumped his fantasy underground bus mall are further confirmation that he has no plan for handling the rapidly worsening situation on the state's roads.
Mr ROCKLIFF – We are investigating the underground – it might be the terminology is 'at grade'.
Mr BACON – Does that mean on the surface?
Mr ROCKLIFF – On the surface or on the level.
– House of Assembly Estimates A Thursday 28 June 2018 – Rockliff
Shadow Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne said the Hodgman Government's record on Hobart's congestion is five years of laziness, inaction and abject failure.
"After 12 months in the job Minister Rockliff has shown no interest in cleaning up this policy gridlock," Mr O'Byrne said.
"We've heard radio silence from Minister Rockliff on the lack of concrete action on traffic in the City Deal.
"Minister Rockliff laughed when pressed on the serious issue of traffic congestion during Estimates – if this is his attitude then it is no wonder that nothing is happening to fix Hobart's traffic woes.
"Jeremy Rockliff is at odds with 87 per cent of the people** if he thinks traffic is not getting worse.
"Today's reports are further confirmation that Jeremy Rockliff has no plan for handling the rapidly worsening situation on the roads around Hobart.
"He's broken an election promise and thinks it's funny.
"Southern commuters stuck in traffic aren't laughing – they want action.
"They want to be home to their families sooner or getting on with their work rather than sitting in gridlock.
"Is Mr Rockliff's promise for a fifth lane to Kingston headed for the same fate as his fantasy underground bus mall?"
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Infrastructure Minister
