State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, will today support a Notice of Motion to be moved by Mr Tim Crakanthorp MP, State Member for Newcastle, calling on the State Government to reverse its decision and build the new intercity rail fleet in New South Wales.
In August last year, the Baird Government announced it would not have any local manufacturing or materials in the new intercity train fleet contract, which was another kick in the guts for local workers.
The Government’s announcement that the successful bid for the $2.3 billion project to build the new fleet of intercity trains overseas was a devastating blow for the Wallsend electorate.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“I congratulate Tim for bringing this important Notice of Motion to the attention of the Parliament.”
“The decision to award the contract for new rolling stock to South Korea sent shockwaves through the Wallsend community.”
“Coupled with a lack of skilled workers due to TAFE cuts, increases in fees and the proliferation of dodgy private training providers because of this Government’s failed Smart and Skilled policy, the downturn in manufacturing will mean trouble for the local economy into the long-term.”
“Instead of investing in the workers of tomorrow by generating apprenticeships for young people, $2.3 billion is being sent overseas.”
“Not all of those jobs would have come to Wallsend, but the local economy would have been boosted. Tim’s electorate would have benefited though the UGL site in Broadmeadow and the Wallsend electorate through the Downer EDI site at Cardiff.”
“The decision to pass over Australian manufacturers in favour of their counterparts in South Korea represents a slap in the face to these workers.”
“I will be speaking in favour of Tim’s Motion because building these new trains in NSW is the right thing to do. Failing to do so is a dereliction of duty on the part of this Government.”
“My constituents won’t stand for it and I’ll continue to fight for them.”