Mark Bailey calls out ‘hard to believe’ rail extension promised for Queensland
The state Transport Minister and federal Assistant Treasurer are trading barbs over a promised rail extension.
The Federal Budget will include a $3.9 billion investment for infrastructure projects in Queensland to prepare for the 2032 Olympic Games.
A rail extension from Beerwah to Maroochydore will claim $1.6 billion and a further $1.1 billion will be invested for the Kuraby to Beenleigh rail upgrade.
But state Transport Minister Mark Bailey chalked the plan up to nothing more than an election promise.
“It’s hard to believe their election promises, Breenie, when they don’t keep them,” he said after calling in to 4BC Breakfast.
“You’ve got to wonder whether this is just a desperate attempt by them to get reelected, rather than actually getting the job done.
“If it actually happens, it’s a good thing but they’ve had 10 years to do it [and] we’re on the eve of an election.”
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Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar hit back at the comments, telling Neil Breen Minister Bailey needs to put the party lines aside.
“I would’ve thought any responsible state infrastructure minister would welcome those investments,” he said.
“It’s sad when people in those positions feel the need to run the lines of Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party in Canberra when really they should be fighting for the interests of their state.
“We’ll continue to make these investments whether or not the state government gives us the credit we deserve or not.”
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Image: Getty