Transport Minister Catherine King says the Western Sydney International Airport has begun commercial flights, with the first service going to the Gold Coast. She said the airport would ease pressure on Kingsford Smith Airport and create jobs. King said a rail line is expected within 12 to 18 months. She also spoke about the attack on Helen Haines, saying MPs should be safe at work. King defended the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program, saying it delivers party election commitments and is administered under Audit Office requirements. She said she signed off on decisions only after department assessment.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has confirmed that Labor's party office helped decide which electorates were eligible for funding from a $560 million invite-only grants program. She described the process as political and said it is handled through party machinery rather than government machinery. Liberal frontbencher Ted O'Brien said the claim needs to be investigated. An analysis found that roughly 73 per cent of funds for 220 projects went to Labor electorates. A Senate inquiry is due to report in mid-November.
Labor has pledged almost $29 million to upgrade two schools in South Barwon ahead of next month's state election. A re-elected Labor government would provide $16.52 million for Oberon High School in Armstrong Creek and $12.35 million for Bellaire Primary School in Highton. Bellaire Primary would receive a gymnasium, a canteen and before and after school care facilities. Oberon High's funding would go towards classroom upgrades and a new industrial-standard kitchen for food technology students. Labor candidate Rebecca Thistleton said the upgrades would help students and working families.
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One Gippsland has launched a tool that tracks major party election commitments for Gippsland against its own regional priorities. The Victorian Commitment Tracker covers hospitals, roads and housing. Commitments already announced include a new West Gippsland Hospital and extra funding for the Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment. Chair Nathan Hersey said residents can compare promises by party and policy area. Voters are encouraged to check the tracker regularly as the state election nears.
