❓ A parliamentary exchange regarding road funding priorities in the Pilbara region, specifically the Port Hedland-Marble Bar road. The Minister declines to adopt the regional group's priority, citing prior election commitments and broader economic factors.
AnsweredQoN 162Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
PORT HEDLAND-MARBLE BAR ROAD, FUNDING
I noticed the minister’s comments on ABC radio on 8 June when she answered a question about the funding priority for the Port Hedland-Marble Bar road. It was clear from the minister’s answer that either the minister or I have been completely misled about the road and its priority in the region. Any doubt that I had about the priority of the road was removed when the Pilbara regional road group and the local authorities that make up that organisation met on 5 June and reinforced that the Port Hedland-Marble Bar road was its top priority. (1) Will the minister give an undertaking that the priority for road funding set by the Pilbara region is the priority that the Government will adopt? (2) If the minister is not able to give that undertaking, why not? (3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN
I noticed the minister’s comments on ABC radio on 8 June when she answered a question about the funding priority for the Port Hedland-Marble Bar road. It was clear from the minister’s answer that either the minister or I have been completely misled about the road and its priority in the region. Any doubt that I had about the priority of the road was removed when the Pilbara regional road group and the local authorities that make up that organisation met on 5 June and reinforced that the Port Hedland-Marble Bar road was its top priority. (1) Will the minister give an undertaking that the priority for road funding set by the Pilbara region is the priority that the Government will adopt? (2) If the minister is not able to give that undertaking, why not? (3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(1) Will the minister give an undertaking that the priority for road funding set by the Pilbara region is the priority that the Government will adopt? (2) If the minister is not able to give that undertaking, why not? (3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(2) If the minister is not able to give that undertaking, why not? (3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(1) Will the minister give an undertaking that the priority for road funding set by the Pilbara region is the priority that the Government will adopt? (2) If the minister is not able to give that undertaking, why not? (3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(2) If the minister is not able to give that undertaking, why not? (3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(3) If the minister is again unable to give that undertaking, will she commit to come to Marble Bar with me by car and explain to the residents of that town and the shire council - Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Several members interjected. Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Mr GRAHAM: I think that we have driven together before. Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Will the minister come with me by car to Marble Bar to meet with the residents of that town and the shire council and explain to them why their road funding priority is to be downgraded? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
I thank the member for Pilbara for that question. It is a good question and is an issue that must be addressed. (1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
(1)-(3) The answer to the first part of the question is no. The Pilbara regional group does not determine the Government’s priorities. Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Mr Day: Will you listen to them? Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Ms MacTIERNAN: Absolutely we will listen to them. It is one factor that must be taken into account in determining road priorities, there is no doubt about that; however, it certainly is not the only factor to be taken into account. I know that the member for Pilbara has some sympathy for me because when he was the campaign director for the member for Burrup, the member for Pilbara was a strong and powerful advocate for the development of the road between Tom Price and Karratha. Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Mr Graham: Not at the cost of the Marble Bar region. Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
Ms MacTIERNAN: Since the member for Pilbara ceased to have that position, obviously he has reassessed his priorities. The Pilbara regional road group have constantly run a program - possibly with the support of the member for Pilbara - that the road from Tom Price to Karratha should take second place to the road from Marble Bar to Port Hedland. Labor made a firm election commitment to the people of Burrup that it would put $100 million towards the construction of that road. That undertaking was put up-front to that community and we have an obligation to meet it. I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
I recognise that the road group has considered issues that are more directly focused on road surface rather than the broader issues we took into account in determining road priorities, including the need for a future for Tom Price. We also considered the need for Tom Price to become the servicing centre for the Karijini National Park. I have explained to the president of the East Pilbara shire that we have not been able to provide the funding for this road in this budget, other than what I admit are fairly minor amounts of money that have so far survived our draft budget. I have given an undertaking that it will be up for review in next year’s budget. We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
We are conscious of the need for that road to be built. It is a matter of honouring our election undertakings and then putting in place road funding for the remainder. It has been difficult because we have lost $70 million from the forward estimates because Treasury has revised the proceeds of the receipts from vehicle licensing. The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
The federal Government’s mugging of the economy through the goods and services tax has resulted in a marked downturn in vehicle registrations, which has removed $70 million from our budget. I do not intend to dress up in any way, shape or form the fact that we will not put anything other than minor amounts of money towards that road. However, I will revisit that next year. I am more than happy to take up the member for Pilbara’s generous offer of a tour of the road.
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