Terry Mulder Missing In Action On V/Line Debacles

Victorian Transport Minister Terry Mulder has been missing in action as Warrnambool/Geelong V/Line customers continue to suffer daily train cancellations, delays and major disruptions, Shadow Minister for Public Transport Fiona Richardson said today.

Ms Richardson said despite plenty of chest beating in opposition, Mr Mulder had hidden under his desk and refused to answer commuter and media calls for explanations on why the Warrnambool/Geelong line had suffered significant problems over the past two months.

Ms Richardson in Parliament today gave notices of motion condemning Mr Mulder for missing in action, allowing public transport to get worse on the Warrnambool/Geelong line and for refusing to rule out the privatisation of V/Line services.

“Mr Mulder told Parliament last year he had ‘fixed’ Victoria’s transport problems, but the daily reality for thousands of V/Line commuters is cancelled, delayed and reduced services under the Baillieu Government,” Ms Richardson said.

“V/Line commuters have every right to demand Mr Mulder explain why they receive such appalling services.

“There were two major Warrnambool/Geelong V/Line incidents in a fortnight – including one where people were trapped in trains for several hours.

“V/Line’s CEO has confirmed what commuters have understood for months.

The Liberal National Government’s failure to provide a single cent for additional V/Line carriages in last year’s budget is now having a direct impact on services.

Ms Richardson said V/Line requested the government purchase an additional 40 trains in the coming State Budget to service current demand.

“Mr Mulder and the Liberal National Government promised additional reliable services and it is time it delivered,” she said.

“Unfortunately for V/Line commuters, any additional services from the purchase of new trains cannot be delivered for another two years until the trains are built.

“It is time Mr Mulder stopped hiding under his desk and explained to V/Line commuters how and when he will fix these ongoing problems caused by his failure to invest in regional transport services.”