Grievance Debate

Public Transport

Ms STINSON (Badcoe) (15:08): I spent this morning chatting with commuters at Clarence Park at my local train station—constituents of Badcoe of course but also, very importantly, constituents of Boothby. Like many other concerned citizens who took to tram stops and train stations this morning, I was there to alert people to the grave risk that the Liberals pose to our public transport network. Under questioning just two days ago, we discovered that the Liberals are looking at taking our train and tram services out of public hands and flogging them off to the highest bidder. That has sent a shiver up the spine of train and tram users in my electorate and, more broadly, in Boothby.

Speaking with locals this morning, they are worried, and it is little wonder. One of the great attractions of living in our area is its proximity to public transport. The Seaford-Tonsley train line runs right through the spine of the seat of Badcoe and, of course, Boothby, which those opposite might want to take note of. The tramline to Glenelg crosses its breadth and our bus services along main drags, like Marion Road, Cross Road, Anzac Highway and South Road, deliver thousands of people to work each day.

When you buy or rent a house in our area, real estate agents crow about the close public transport and the variety of public transport options available in our area. It is a really strong selling point, and it is the reason why many people live in our area and are increasingly attracted to making a life in Boothby. It promises affordable transport, but it also reflects the environmental values of many who live in Badcoe and Boothby. People in our area put a premium on public transport, unlike those opposite, and they expect it as a basic service from their government, so to have that threatened is deeply shocking.

James approached me this morning asking if it was true that the Liberals are examining privatising the network. He was incredulous that any politician with any idea about our area would think that was a good idea. He actually wondered if it was fake news. James takes the train because he believes that climate change is real, quite unlike the member for Boothby, Nicolle Flint. James wants to see a better, greener world and he is doing his bit by leaving the car at home. He is concerned that services will be slashed and maintenance will be reduced if train and tramlines are privatised. He has not decided who to vote for yet, but he assured me this morning that he is not voting for Nicolle Flint now.

Another young man, who is around 20 years old, said that the train is vital for him. He told me that he works shifts and is already concerned by the bus cuts the Liberals have rolled out. He is worried that the frequency of the trams and trains in our area will be reduced if they are privatised, meaning that he will have to leave earlier to get to work and get home later, leaving him less time to study—and he is right to be concerned.

But probably most worryingly was an off-duty tram driver with whom I spoke. I will not name her, but she told me that she was grateful we were out there in the cool weather this morning fighting for her job. She and her colleagues know that their jobs are on the chopping block if the network is sold off. She talked about the pay and conditions for bus drivers being diminished when the Liberals privatised the bus network, telling me they copped a 30 per cent pay cut. She has now been talking with her family about whether to leave and find another job. Considering that she told me that it takes seven months to train a train driver, let's hope that this does not spark an exodus of skilled drivers who are now very nervous about how they will put food on the table for their families.

To her, and to all the other people who stopped this morning to give their thoughts, I say: we are here and we will fight for you and we will fight for your public transport network. Labor's candidate for the seat of Boothby, Nadia Clancy, was among those at train and tram stations this morning. You know what? Nadia Clancy is here for you as well. She will fight for you and she will fight for your public transport network. This weekend, the people of Boothby, people who value our trains, trams and buses, have a really clear way to express their fury at the Liberals: vote Labor this Saturday. Vote No. 1, Nadia Clancy, and vote for our public transport to stay in public hands.