8. Hon DARREN HUGHES (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
Does he support measures that are alternatives to roading?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
Yes, I support transport infrastructure investments that make at least some sort of economic sense—which I appreciate might be too narrow a range of possibilities for the member opposite.
Hon Dr Michael Cullen Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I saw you thinking slightly there, and I think I know what you were thinking. The question was actually very simple and straightforward, and we got a slightly spinny answer back. It was a political whack, and you are taking rather a hard line on political whacks where there is not an invitation for one in the first place. I totally agree that when a member leads with a political nose, he or she can expect one to come straight back. In this case, the question did not seek that kind of response.
Mr SPEAKERAs I said, I support transport infrastructure investments that make at least some sort of economic sense.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
Did the Minister consult John Key when he cut 90 percent of projected spending on coastal shipping recently, given that Mr Key had said that an integrated structure for moving freight around the country, consisting of roading and rail as well as coastal shipping, was something he supported; if so, how does he reconcile that broken promise?
There were a number of questions there. The Government policy statement was consulted on with Cabinet.
Todd McClayI have seen numerous reports from one individual last week, whose criticisms could be summed up as saying variously that our announcements were too little, then too much, too little again, then too much again, too early, then too little, then too much, and then too late. The Hon Darren Hughes seems to be of the view that a new Government should be bound to continue with all the policies of the previous Government, which was thrown out of office.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
Does the Minister agree that as a matter of principle it would be unacceptable for a public transport provider to be chosen as the provider of integrated ticketing in Auckland, given that such a contract could allow the provider access to commercial information properly belonging to commercial competitors?
Integrated ticketing is currently subject to a tender and funding decision from the New Zealand Transport Agency. I do not think it would be appropriate for me, as Minister, to comment further.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
What issues were raised with the Minister on the two occasions he met with Infratil and NZ Bus since taking office, and while it was tendering for the Auckland contract, in relation to integrated ticketing?