INDI MP Cathy McGowan’s push for federal government funding for the troubled North-East railway line back-fired in Parliament on Monday.
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A question to federal transport minister Darren Chester led to the Nationals MP accusing Ms McGowan of unfairly taking credit for Coalition funded projects.
“I note her ongoing interest and determination to take credit for all the Coalition’s policies in relation to regional Australia,” he said.
“The member for Indi, as an independent member, has actually had no impact on the development of these great policies in relation to Roads To Recovery, mobile phone blackspots or the bridges renewal program.”
Ms McGowan, who called a point of order on Mr Chester on relevance, said she was disappointed the minister made a party political response to a legitimate question about a significant infrastructure issue.
“Taxpayers’ money funds these projects,” she said.
“The money does not belong to the Liberal Party or the National Party or the Coalition.
“The allocation of taxpayers’ money is a decision for the whole Parliament.”
Ms McGowan used question time on the eve of the federal budget being handed down whether Mr Chester’s government would be following up the $15 million pledged to the North-East railway line.
Mr Chester noted the funding of the V/Line passenger service was not the responsibility of the federal government.
He also highlighted the Australian Rail Track Corporation had spent $134 million fixing up the track infrastructure.
Mr Chester also made mention of the Border Rail Action Group’s efforts in highlighting the long-standing issue.
“We do note BRAG had some criticism of the Victorian Government announcement last week and called on the Victorian Government to provide new rolling stock,” he said.
Mr Chester added Ms McGowan wasn’t the only one person lobbying for better infrastracture in Indi and pointed out he had received regular calls from Nationals candidate Marty Corboy and Liberal candidate Sophie Mirabella.