Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes: I ask a question without notice of the Treasurer, and Special Minister of State. Is the Treasurer aware that the scrapping of the CBD metro will cost more than an estimated 350 jobs and will cost New South Wales taxpayers approximately $330 million? Is the Treasurer aware that in addition to permanent and temporary staff employed by the now-defunct Sydney Metro Authority almost 300 engineers, designers and planners may also require compensation? In particular, is the Treasurer aware that, in addition, $60 million will be paid to firms who tendered for work with the Sydney Metro Authority? Given that these figures are a staggering blow to New South Wales taxpayers, can the Treasurer explain how the costs contributed to the scrapping of the CBD metro are examples of “green shoots of economic recovery”?
The Hon. Eric Roozendaal: I do not know from where the member got a lot of the numbers he quoted. In terms of the CBD metro it is worth reflecting that the New South Wales Government has listened to the community and has made the tough decision to stop work on that project. That decision was taken by the New South Wales Government following extensive reviews of the State’s future transport priorities. We acknowledge the resources and effort put into the process by tenderers for the major construction contracts, and that matter will be dealt with fairly, properly and promptly. The New South Wales Government is working swiftly to support the tenderers affected by the decision and they will be reimbursed for reasonable costs incurred. We have made it clear that we will deal with those challenges.
The Hon. Catherine Cusack: You have no idea how much this is going to cost.
The Hon. Eric Roozendaal: The member has no idea about costings on anything. The Opposition has numerous unfunded promises, and to I would need a good 10 minutes to mention them all. We have announced a $50.2 billion plan, fully funded over 10 years, to meet the challenges of transport in New South Wales, particularly in Sydney. The plan provides not only for a new Western Express line to benefit people all over western Sydney, a light rail, cycleways and commuter car parks, it contains also a cohesive strategy to deal with the public transport challenges in this State. We remain committed to delivering on outcomes for the people of New South Wales.
On the issue of green shoots, New South Wales has been leading the nation in terms of economic recovery. I have answered several questions today outlining that point. In particular, $65.5 billion worth of infrastructure over four years will be delivered in this State, with 165,000 jobs being supported by the Government’s investment infrastructure. Over the next four years the Government will invest more into infrastructure than any other State government. We are committed to supporting the growth of the New South Wales economy and to having more jobs in this State, with 51,500 additional jobs becoming available since March last year.
These statistics are real proof that the New South Wales economy is recovering. Members may well ask why that is, and the answer is that the New South Wales Labor Government and the Australian Labor Government together have grappled with the challenge of the global financial crisis and taken swift action in terms of the stimulus measures at both State and national levels. What did the Opposition do? It opposed the stimulus measures. The Opposition was proved wrong. All Opposition members were proved wrong. The only one who can count over there is David Clarke. What a fine moment for David Clarke—Barry O’Farrell’s candidate, part of the hardline Liberal Party, re-elected. What a victory for the Liberal Party! I see the Hon. Marie Ficarra over there—
The Hon. Duncan Gay: Point of order: My point of order relates to relevance. The question asked about the $330 million blown on the Sydney metro—not about the success of our friend David Clarke in returning to this place.
The President: Order! There is no point of order.