TRAMLINE EXTENSION

Mr KENYON (Newland) (14:39): My question is for the Minister for Transport.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr KENYON: Is the minister aware of differing opinions on the tram extension and the new trams?

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy) (14:39): I am, Mr Speaker, aware of—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: I have been on the trams. I was on them a very long time ago.

Mr Hamilton-Smith interjecting:

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Well, you'll come up in this. I would just wait my turn if I were you. We have been aware of many differing opinions about the new trams. We have had strong, heroic supporters from day one; and I can name the returned mayor, Michael Harrison, as being a strong supporter from day one. In fact, there is no doubt in my mind that his support for the trams was a major factor in his fighting off the challenge and being re-elected.

Some people originally opposed the trams, then changed their mind. I will not name them—my purpose is not to embarrass them—but we are grateful for that. Others have never changed their mind—and that is their entitlement—and there are others, such as the Editor of the Sunday Mail who, I recognise, has not supported the trams but has encouraged South Australians to support them. I think that is a very intelligent and adult approach.

Some people have not only changed their mind and their story but also managed to do it in a mercurial fashion in a short time; and I refer to the member for Morphett. I hope people pay attention to this. On Tuesday this week he rang Carol Whitelock, who said, 'You also wanted to mention something about the trams.' He said:

Yes, unfortunately, the new trams—and I warned the government about this four years ago—they are just not the right trams for Adelaide. Last week, I was here when the system broke down and had to catch the train home.

Of course, it was not anything to do with the trams—but we will leave that. He said:

It took me an hour and a quarter to get down the Bay. On Friday there was another incident. I was half an hour late for a meeting with the Premier. I let the Premier know about—the new trams just aren't big enough—twice the length of the old trams but they carry about the same number as one of the old trams—like sardines in there in the mornings.

Members should make no mistake: the member for Morphett has gone on radio and told people he was half an hour late for a meeting on Friday with the Premier because the new trams are not good enough, they are too small. That is what he told Carol Whitelock and the people of South Australia.

Then he came here the next day—24 hours later. It may be that he has multiple personalities, but I would like members to hear what he told the house. He said:

First, the bouquets. It is an undisputed fact that the new trams have been very popular. Thousands of people have been on the new trams. Can I just say, 'I told you so.' I have always had the belief, and I have said in this place for four years that light rail is the answer to modern public transport in Adelaide. The only problem is getting off and on the trams, as well trying to get a seat at times.

Then Friday's incident with the Premier makes another visit. He said:

The new trams have excellent brakes, and I can vouch for that. They have a couple of different sorts of brakes. They have electric brakes and a magnetic brake. I know this because, last Friday morning after leaving this place, I was not quite thrown to the ground but I certainly had to hang onto some of the poles. In fact, I was late for a meeting with the Premier at Brighton High School because of this. A stupid fellow stepped out in front of the tram on King William Street and the whole tram came to an absolute stop on a dime, and that was because of the new trams' modern brakes—electric and magnetic brakes. Fortunately, no-one was hurt. The crew was changed. The driver had to go because he was very shaken up by that idiot's actions.

On Tuesday the trams are no good and they kept him late for a meeting with the Premier; on Wednesday the new trams are so good that the driver managed to save an idiot but it kept him late for a meeting with the Premier. This bloke will say anything. Next time members hear anything from the member for Morphett, they should wait 24 hours to see whether there is a different story.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!