CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr TEHAN (Wannon—Manager of Opposition Business) (16:26): The Warrnambool-to-Melbourne rail line has been an issue that keeps dogging the Labor government both at the state and the federal level. I say to both the Albanese Labor government and the Allan Labor government: it's time you got it right. We still have elderly passengers having to stand or sit on the floor when taking the more than three-hour trip.

We have young children and their mothers not being able to find seats. This is despite the coalition government providing over $460 million in funding for this line when we were in government. The incompetence of the Allan Labor government and the lack of interest from the Albanese Labor government in what is happening to passengers on this rail line literally beggars belief.

Enough is enough. It needs to be fixed. It needs to be addressed.

I can tell you that people will vote with their feet at the next Victorian state election unless this is fixed—and fixed quickly. They're sick of standing on their feet for the whole three hours because of this failure. The other issue that I would like to raise today is what is happening to small business in this country and the failure of the Albanese Labor government to do anything about it.

All we're seeing from the Albanese Labor government is regulation upon regulation and tax upon tax on the small business sector, including in my electorate. I thank the farmers, the retailers, the hospitality businesses and all those other small businesses that have had discussions with me over the last few months. I understand that you're hurting.

I understand that the government is doing nothing to help you. I understand the pressures you are facing, and I understand your complete and utter dismay at what you saw in the budget and how it's going to put further pressure on you. Enough is enough.

Seriously. I say to you: the coalition knows and understands the pressures you're facing. We are putting together a package that will make your life easier, not harder, and we'll be announcing that over the coming months.

I look forward to further engaging with you over the coming months as well.