COMMITTEES

Senator ASKEW (Tasmania—Chief Opposition Whip in the Senate) (15:37): At the request of Senator McKenzie, I move: That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 15 October 2026: The management, delivery and cancellation of the Inland Rail project since May 2022, with particular reference to: (a) the reasons for the Labor Government's decision to cease the Inland Rail project north of Parkes; (b) the escalation in estimated project costs from May 2022; (c) the governance, management and delivery of the Inland Rail project; (d) the implementation of recommendations of The delivery of inland rail: An independent review; (e) the economic, social and environmental impacts of the cancellation of the Inland Rail north of Parkes; (f) the loss of projected carbon emission reductions that would have been achieved through shifting freight movements from road to rail; (g) engagement with communities, governments and industry on the delivery and future of the Inland Rail project; and (h) any other related matters.

Question agreed to.