Gary's Speeches

Gippsland Rail Services

Back to Speeches

"Gippsland's train travellers are being treated like second-class citizens once again by the Minister for Public Transport. They are putting up with crowded trains and are constantly forced to stand from Melbourne to Pakenham while metropolitan commuters occupy their seats. Trains to Gippsland consistently run late and are often replaced by coaches at very little notice. The Gippsland platform at Southern Cross station is inconveniently located for elderly and disabled passengers, and it is miles away from the toilets. Now we find that Gippsland commuter trains are about to begin terminating at Flinders Street station rather than going all the way to Southern Cross station. This is outlined in the Victorian transport plan. "

"Apparently this change is designed to improve the train services for commuters from the west and north of Melbourne. "

"Here we have a situation where train travellers from metropolitan Melbourne and from regional centres like Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo will have improved services at the expense of Gippsland commuters. How can the minister justify continually putting Gippsland train travellers at a distinct disadvantage without a second thought just so other Victorians will be better off? "

"The minister quite obviously has no respect for Gippsland train travellers and no regard for their right to a fair go, because she intends to make it extremely difficult for them to access Etihad Stadium, Tullamarine Airport and the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne. I call on the minister to review this decision immediately. Minister Kosky has a responsibility to treat all Victorians equally. The decision to terminate the Gippsland service at Flinders Street station is robbing Gippslanders of a service they are entitled to expect and keep. "