MEMBER FOR CHARLESTOWN GAGGED FROM PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE

Another censure motion was moved against the Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, on Tuesday calling for him to resign because of the shambles he has created with the Hunters public transport system.

The motion called on the House to censure the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure for:

1 His failure to provide the people of the Hunter with an adequate public bus service.

2 His arrogance in refusing to reinstate the essential bus routes that the people of the Hunter rely on.

3 His insolence in refusing to hold an independent review into the privatisation of the Hunter's buses that is the fundamental cause of the poor service that has been inflicted on the community.

4 The incompetence he has demonstrated, and the belligerence he continues to display, in performing his ministerial duties.

Having been gagged from speaking on the motion when the Government voted to change the Standing Orders, Member for Charlestown, Jodie Harrison last night gave a Private Members Statement to ensure the concerns of her constituents were heard in the Parliament.

Ms Harrison again reiterated that changes to Newcastle bus routes have resulted in limited operating hours and a significant increase in journey times which has had an immense impact on her constituents, particularly school children and people living with disabilities.


On Tuesday, the Minister for Transport stood in the Chamber and said that there had been no changes to school bus services in the Hunter, Ms Harrison said.

Interestingly enough, the 819 bus has failed to get children to school by 9am time and time again.

I find it both totally unacceptable, and quite ludicrous, that a school bus could be timetabledso poorly that it doesn't get children to school before 9am.


The private operator, Keolis Downer, said they have given priority to ensuring students are able to travel to and from school, will be monitoring school services closely, and remain open to making changes should it be necessary to do so".


So I asked the Government - at what point is it necessary to make changes? Is it when school buses stop arriving within half an hour of school finishing?

My constituents are angry, and I am frustrated that the Minister is not listening.

Life is hard enough under this Government and it has been made even harder since the privatisation of our public transport system.


(ENDS)